Written by: Dr. Allen Lycka, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In 2003, I experienced a profound reawakening to the miracle of life. I remember crying in my car for hours when I was told by a world-leading neurologist, “Get you affairs in order. You have six months to live. You have A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.). That started my on a journey that lead’s me here today. I have been given a “Golden Ticket”. More time on spaceship earth. And I’ve learned how to be truly happy, eudominically happy. My teachers have been Neil Pasricha, Shawn Achor, Gillian Mandich, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Tal Ben-Shahar, Arthur Brooks, Laurie Santos, Harvard and Yale Universities and The Lykke Institute in Denmark. Here’s what they have taught me.
Foundational pillars of happiness
Positivity and optimism: Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the good, practicing optimism, and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Embrace the idea that happiness fuels success, not the other way around.
Gratitude: Daily gratitude practices, such as maintaining a gratitude journal or reflecting on things you're thankful for, shift focus from what's missing to what's abundant, fostering a sense of contentment.
Physical and mental well-being: Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices support both physical and mental health, contributing to overall happiness. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself.
Social connections: Prioritize relationships and community engagement. Strong social bonds are essential for emotional support and contribute significantly to our happiness. Perform acts of kindness and cultivate empathy and compassion towards others.
Personal growth and resilience: Set achievable goals that align with personal values and passions. Learn to embrace and learn from failure, developing resilience. Engage fully in personal interests and hobbies that bring joy and satisfaction.
Mindfulness and presence: Practice being present in the moment. This can enhance enjoyment of life's pleasures and increase awareness of one's thoughts and feelings, allowing for greater emotional regulation.
Daily habits for a happier life
Morning gratitude reflection: Start each day by listing three things you're grateful for to set a positive tone for the day.
Physical activity: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine to boost mood and energy levels.
Mindfulness practice: Dedicate time for mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and increase focus.
Positive affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost self-esteem and combat negative thought patterns.
Acts of kindness: Perform at least one act of kindness each day, whether it's for someone you know or a stranger.
Deep connections: Spend quality time with loved ones or reach out to a friend or family member every day to strengthen bonds.
Evening reflection: End the day by reflecting on positive experiences and lessons learned to foster a sense of accomplishment and growth.
Embracing emotional complexity
While focusing on positive psychology and happiness, it's essential to acknowledge and accept the full spectrum of human emotions. Experiencing and processing negative emotions are vital to emotional health and lead to more profound, more authentic happiness.
Adaptability and personalization
Recognize that happiness is a personal journey and what works for one person might not work for another. Experiment with different practices and habits to find what resonates with you and fits into your lifestyle. Be open to adjusting your approach as your life and circumstances change.
Continuous learning and growth
Happiness is an evolving state that requires ongoing effort and adaptation. Stay curious and open to new experiences, knowledge, and connections that can contribute to your well-being.
Dr. Allen E Lycka – aka the famous Dr. AL™ – is a Professional Speaker, Syndicated Radio Show Host and Producer, and a 3X International Best-Selling Author. He enthralls audiences around the world, having bounced back from a near death experience in 2003. He has recently been named as the speaker, mentor and author of the year 2024 by the IAOTP. In celebration, Dr AL is giving away fantastic prizes – 7 day vacations at over 3,000 resorts, 4 day 3 night cruises, and hundreds of other prizes. Enter by signing up for Dr AL’s golden pearls at DrAL.Live.
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Dr. Allen Lycka, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Allen Lycka is acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage and tenacity. Having been given a “golden ticket” Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author the books The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life with Harriet Tinka, Pillars of Success with number 1 New York Times Best Selling Author Jack Canfield and bLU volume 1 with Corey Poirier. He is the host and executive director of How To Live a Fantastic Life show with 4 million listeners per episode. He is a sought-after speaker.
