How to Become Happy Against All Odds

So how can I build a solid Ego foundation that will sustain me through hell and high water? As soon as you reach adulthood (and that is another problematic definition), you must leave aside all excuses. “My parents did this and that to me as a child, and that’s why I became a permanently disgruntled citizen” is no longer valid. You can change anytime, anywhere and “anywhen”.

As the subtitle says, the responsibility is all yours, so don’t blame the government, the weather or your boss. If you really want to go through life as a happy, contented, satisfied and well-rounded human being, start now. And guess what! Things around you are starting to improve. You may get an unexpected raise, make a new friend, find the woman of your dreams, etc. People will somehow perceive that behind your public ego, there lies a wonderful and happy person who makes everybody feel better.

Always Look at the Positive Side

Every situation has a positive angle, though it may be difficult to find in some cases. Let’s examine a typical example: This guy is driving like a maniac and just cut in front of you risking an accident. Before I started on my positive binge, I would have cussed the driver with my best repertoire in three languages. My gain? Nothing! The price? Elevated blood pressure and acid reflux; at my age, believe me, that is a nasty experience. Nowadays, when it happens, I find a good reason for his crazy behavior: The guy is driving his wife to the maternity; the guy will lose a million dollar business if he doesn’t make it in time; he is late and will miss his plane. In other words, I put myself in his shoes and try to understand his motives. Of course, the guy may be high on drugs or escaping from the cops; but isn’t it more satisfying to give him the benefit of the doubt?

Many years ago, I was fired from my job because of downsizing. End of the world or opportunity? I chose the second and since then I am doing what I really like, working in education with teenagers. Believe me, having a job you really enjoy is priceless. It will add years to your lifespan and save you thousands in healthcare.

These three simple (??) rules have worked for me; I only wish I had started sooner which would have saved me a lot of bitter bile and strained relations with wife and friends. So get to it; it becomes much easier as you progress (You didn’t think this was an easy recipe, did you?). It may take you a year or two, but the benefits are huge so don’t procrastinate, start today!