Does success lead to happiness?  Or could it possibly work the other way around?  According to Shawn Achor, we may have been going about success backwards.  He points out that, historically, we have a “work hard, succeed, then be happy” formula.  However, some studies have shown the reverse may actually be more effective.

In the video below, Achor says, “If you can raise somebody’s level of positivity in the present, then their brain experiences what we now call a happiness advantage, which is your brain at positive performs significantly better than at negative, neutral or stressed. Your intelligence rises, your creativity rises, your energy levels rise. In fact, we’ve found that every single business outcome improves. Your brain at positive is 31% more productive than your brain at negative, neutral or stressed. You’re 37% better at sales. Doctors are 19 percent faster, more accurate at coming up with the correct diagnosis when positive instead of negative, neutral or stressed.

How Does It Work?

Knowing that happiness may actually lead to more success, what can you do about it?  Is our external world predictive of our happiness?  Is our happiness determined by our genetics?  According to Achor and many other professionals who have studied this subject, we are able to rewire our brain for happiness.  We aren’t at the mercy of the cards we’ve been dealt.  What’s even better, is that it’s fairly easy to do this rewiring.  Some simple habits will help us to focus on the good around us. Achor suggests:

1. Gratitude Exercises. Write down three things you’re grateful for that occurred over the last 24 hours. They don’t have to be profound. It could be a really good cup of coffee or the warmth of a sunny day.
2. The Doubler. Take one positive experience from the past 24 hours and spend two minutes writing down every detail about that experience. As you remember it, your brain labels it as meaningful and deepens the imprint.
3. The Fun Fifteen. Do 15 minutes of a fun cardio activity, like gardening or walking the dog, every day. The effects of daily cardio can be as effective as taking an antidepressant.
4. Meditation. Every day take two minutes to stop whatever you’re doing and concentrate on breathing. Even a short mindful break can result in a calmer, happier you.
5. Conscious act of kindness. At the start of every day, send a short email or text praising someone you know. Our brains become addicted to feeling good by making others feel good.
6. Deepen Social Connections. Spend time with family and friends. Our social connections are one of the best predictors for success and health, and even life expectancy.

Take the next step toward your success, by way of happiness, and watch Achor’s Ted Talk below.  It’s enlightening, informative and downright entertaining.