Get curious about the things that already interest and engage you. Take your hobby to a whole new level and learn something different about it. You may want to begin by listing all the things you know very little about. Then choose one and get involved. You could just read up on it or try giving it a go.

Want to learn more about yourself as well as the world around you? Then give something new a go. It doesn’t have to be big – maybe a different flavour of cordial instead of what you usually do. Or it could be a whole new experience – perhaps getting hold of a bike and cycling to work.

When working on your goals, try to enjoy the journey along the way. Actually achieving the goal will make you feel great, for a while. However, it will not last. So when working on your goals, make sure to enjoy yourself along the way and learn from the experience.

Practise your determination. Make yourself keep going, even when you don’t want to. Keep trying and trying, noting what you are learning about yourself and others along the way. Maintain a belief of optimism that things will get better, or turn out okay.  Make sure your thoughts are not self-defeating and ignore the cynicism of others.

Happy Happiness Day!

Today’s your chance to learn a bit more about what it is to be happy and how to go about it. If you browse through my website you will see plenty of articles and tips that you can use in your everyday life to make small changes towards a happier, more fulfilled life.

Whilst you are here, take the opportunity to download the free ebook: 50 Ways to Increase Your Happiness.

Choose a tip that interests and see how you get on. Even better, share your happiness learnings with others. Talking happiness with others makes a change from the typical discussion of the awful happenings in the world, or the lives of the people you know. It will help give a new perspective.

If you want more, then you may like to read Promoting Happiness, where you will go on your own happiness journey, starting with your past, then moving into the present, hopefully giving you the tools for a greater future.

Have a happy day.

Best wishes

Julia

Chances are you have to travel during your week (unless you get to work from home). Whether it’s on the bus, train or you drive to work, this time can be put to good use. I know for myself some of my better ideas have come when I am away from my desk and am essentially free to think. A few years ago I remember coming up with one of those 25 words or less answers for a competition whilst standing at a bus stop (and I won!). The outline of my book was formulated in one bus journey. So if you do feel pressed for time you can make use of your hours spent travelling.

If you want to make a change in your life, you can help your chances of being successful by carrying out some forward planning and setting up strategies. Whether you want to quit smoking, watch less TV, cut down on alcohol or eat healthier, if you consider the following ideas and take your time, then you can achieve the changes you want.

How patient are you? How do you cope when the person ahead of you in the queue at the supermarket cannot find their purse, forgets their pin, rambles on to the shop assistant and still doesn’t leave once their transaction is complete? How about with yourself? Do you get annoyed when things end up being more difficult than expected, so you give up? Do you avoid jigsaws, crosswords or Sudoku declaring them boring?
If you are an impatient type, chances are you will feel a lot of anger and helplessness as …

I have recently returned from a trip to Sydney and whilst there I had an opportunity to visit many of the sights and view some of the museums and galleries. I’d never been before, so it was all new. What was also new is that I did these trips out on my own. Normally I am with another person and as such have never done any sort of sightseeing alone. At first I thought it would be weird. I imagined feeling self-conscious that I was alone, when people are invariably …