If you are flagging under the pressures of leadership, feel like your stuck on a path to burnout, or simply just want to reconnect with your business and find that spark of motivation again – positive psychology has uncovered the clues to the treasure you’re seeking to find.
What is Positive Psychology?
Very simply, positive psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the science of wellbeing and flourishing.
What makes people happy?
How can we achieve our goals?
What makes us more resilient?
How can we help people flourish and thrive in life?
Thanks to research in this field, we now have the evidence to confirm that happier workers are more productive and happier leaders have more successful teams. So improving your own wellbeing wont only benefit you but also elevates your business.
If you’re wondering how you can improve your wellbeing and increase joy in your business, here are 5 simple ways that have been scientifically proven to work.
5 Ways To Increase Joy
1: Know you can take control of your happiness
Research tells us that our happiness is 50% due to genetics and inherited characteristics, 10 % linked to circumstances beyond our control and a whopping 40% is influenced by ‘intentional activity.’ That means we have the ability to influence our own levels of happiness!
- So take control – consider what it is that makes you happy, how can you seek out more of this in your life? Even just 5 minutes a day?
2: Lead in line with your values
Have you ever wondered by 1000’s of courses for female founders’ start with ‘define your WHY?’ Having a clear vision and purpose that inspires you can help you stay motivated when things get tough. However, defining your ‘why’ also helps you define the values of your business.
Positive psychology tells us that one way to increase our feelings of happiness is to live purposefully, in line with our values.
- Defining your why and understanding your own values and the values of your business – and ensuring these are compatible, will help you feel more aligned, taking purposeful action and bring more joy and fulfilment to your business.
3: Practice self-compassion
In a world where we are constantly faced with social comparisons of others looking better, doing more and having it faster and easier than us, its very easy to let that inner critic become louder in our minds – especially if things don’t go to plan. However, if you make a commitment to be kinder and more forgiving towards yourself you might be surprised by the difference it can make.
- Talk to yourself like you would talk to your best friend and you will feel lighter, more confident and reassured day by day.
4: Connect with others who share your values and vision
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely ride. It's easy to feel disconnected from friends and family who 'just don't get it' while simultaneously lost in the sea of others doing the same thing. But it's not necessary or wise to go at it alone.
Social support is a huge protective factor in terms of managing your mental health and wellbeing. Having positive encouraging relationships with other women who are on the same journey, share your values and want to grow and lead their business with a similar approach to you can be immensely helpful.
- The more listened to, understood and encouraged you feel, the happier, more productive and energised you will be. There are countless groups and organisations for female entrepreneurs that will more than likely have many women who share your values. All you have to do is find and connect with them!
5: Savour your accomplishments
It's important to enjoy your accomplishments. You've worked hard and you deserve it! Celebrate your successes, big and small, and savour these moments of success. Whether it’s reaching your target sales for a new product launch or managing to run your business while organising your child’s birthday party …!
- Take time to reflect and notice how far you have come. Celebrate the progress big and small. Purposefully savour the joy and moments of celebration.
Positive psychology is a powerful tool for female entrepreneurs who want to create a business that brings them joy.
If you:
- Take active control of your happiness
- Live in line with your values
- Practice self compassion
- Connect with other likeminded founders
- Notice and savour your accomplishments
You will be well on your way to a happier more fulfilling experience of entrepreneurship.
If you’re wondering how on earth to accomplish all this – check out the different ways we can help you:
