Written by: Danielle Baron, Senior Level 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.
Arzoo Arif is a dedicated well-being expert who possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of psychology. She serves as both a psychology teacher and an international private tutor, specialising in working with children and teenagers to foster their academic resilience, develop a progress mindset, and boost their self-confidence. Arzoo Arif's passion and expertise empower her students to overcome challenges and excel academically while nurturing their mental and emotional well-being.
Most of us go through life not feeling happy. We're so busy focusing on the achievement of our goals, e.g., "I'll be happy when I get a better job, earning more money" or "I'll be happy when I achieve 6 figures in my business" or "I'll be happy when I've moved and am living in a bigger, new home." There's nothing wrong with having goals; I think it's healthy to continually set yourself new targets to reach for. However, too many of us aren't feeling happy right now, as we're delaying our happiness until we achieve our goals. It means that we’re spending the present moment not really enjoying it, and that's a waste. Our life is passing us by. Why not learn to appreciate the present and feel that happiness now, rather than in the distant future?
Here are some tips to feel more happiness and joy in your life now! There are a few suggestions below, but don't feel the pressure to adopt all of these techniques at once. Perhaps try experimenting with one of them, and once it becomes a habit, you could try incorporating another one.
Gratitude
"The purpose of life is joy! When you're in joy, you attract the highest and best in every area of your life. Joy increases to the exact degree that you deliberately increase your good thoughts, good words, and good actions. I've found in my life that the easiest way to increase my joy is to religiously practise until I'm a gratitude machine!" – Rhonda Byrne
Research from Positive Psychology consistently demonstrates that gratitude is strongly related to greater happiness.
Each day, write down five things that you're grateful for and also include why you're grateful for them. Thinking about the reasons is key, because the more you can think of why you're grateful for a particular thing, the more you will begin to feel gratitude and appreciation. Rhonda Byrne, the author of "The Magic," states that the more gratitude you can feel, the more good things you will attract into your life! Basically, the more happiness and joy you can cultivate in the present moment, the more abundance you will attract to yourself. You will find that your life flows better with more ease, and more importantly, you will enjoy the journey towards the fulfilment of your goals.
You could do your gratitude journaling with your friends to make it more fun! You can create a WhatsApp group with like-minded individuals and hold each other accountable for completing your gratitude lists for the day.
Choose an affirmation
I like to remind myself throughout the day of how lucky or blessed I am. I tell myself that "my cup runneth over." Affirming this during the day serves to empower and strengthen me. I then dwell/expound on that phrase further by telling myself that I have plenty, more than enough, and that I am abundant in all areas of my life. I have all the love, happiness, peace, joy, prosperity, health, wealth... Basically, I have it all; I have everything! How powerful is that? This automatically makes me feel happy, as I realise that I have everything right now. How can I not be happy?
By consciously choosing empowering thoughts, you are shifting your inner world, which will start to reflect positive changes in your outer world. The more you engage with these powerful thoughts, you're in the process of changing the programming of your subconscious mind, and that's when you will see the magic happen!
Remind yourself of the presence of a higher power
Another powerful tool I like to draw upon is reminding myself that I'm not alone, that God or the Universe is here with me. I try to remind myself of this throughout the day, although some days I am distracted. My tip is to remind yourself of this throughout the day: that God/the Universe/A Higher Power is here with you, that he's on your side, he has your back, he loves you, and wants the very best for you. Remind yourself that you're always protected, so there's no need to worry. The more you can focus on these kinds of thoughts, the more reassured you will feel and the more inner calm you will have. By doing this, you are obsessing less over your problems, and you're radiating peace. When you're ruminating less on your problems, you will find yourself much happier, as it's the fixation on our stresses that steals our joy.
Exercise
Engaging in some exercise is a guaranteed way to make you feel good. There is plenty of research demonstrating that exercise increases happiness and wellbeing and it reduces depression and anxiety.
There are many ways you could incorporate some exercise into your day. You could take a walk to the park, and if you decide to go with a friend, that makes it more enjoyable. Perhaps you could attend a group exercise class or do some training at the gym. You could embrace your inner child by jumping up and down on a mini-trampoline called a rebounder for 10 minutes a day. As you can see, there are lots of activities you can experiment with. The key is to keep it varied and make it fun!
Come back to the present moment
Arianna Huffington claims that one of the best and easiest ways we can become healthier and happier is through mindfulness and meditation. Furthermore, Barbara L. Fredrickson found that meditation increased "positive emotions, including love, joy, gratitude, contentment, hope, pride, interest, amusement."
To reap the benefits of mindfulness, throughout your day, you can bring yourself back to the present moment. We spend most of our days preoccupied with the past or worrying about the future, which drains our energy. An easy way to ground yourself in the present moment is to focus on your senses. Close your eyes and pay attention to what you can see, then notice the sounds that you can hear, focus on the taste in your mouth, and also notice what you can feel. Try to focus on a few senses simultaneously. Doing this simple exercise takes literally a minute, and the added bonus is that you can do this anywhere.
Empowerment’s ripple effect to happiness
Danielle Baron stands as a distinguished authority in the field of diversity and inclusion. With her remarkable achievements, she has earned recognition as a finalist for seven upcoming prestigious awards this year alone, such as The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, SME National Business Awards, and Ms. Great Britain. Her passion lies in empowering individuals across generations, from children to teenagers and women, equipping them with the essential tools to foster autonomous empowerment.
"You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you." – Brian Tracy
This quote seems to insinuate that happiness (or any other state) is a choice. If it's a choice, then it can be our predominant state most of the time. Of course, as humans, we experience a range of emotions, but it's our ability to bounce back that helps preserve happiness. There are many ways to bring oneself into a state of happiness, and one of the most important ways is through empowerment.
Empowerment and sense of control
Empowerment is a crucial element in fostering happiness as it provides individuals with a profound sense of control over their lives. When people experience empowerment, they gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence necessary to make informed decisions and take actions that shape their future. This sense of agency and autonomy empowers individuals to direct their lives in ways that align with their values, aspirations, and personal goals. This control over their circumstances and choices creates a foundation of self-determination that can significantly impact their overall well-being. The ability to navigate life's challenges and opportunities with a strong sense of control contributes to a positive outlook and an increased capacity to experience happiness.
Empowerment and sense of control tip
To cultivate empowerment and a strong sense of control, start by identifying areas of your life where you can take action and make informed decisions. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and create a plan to achieve them. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember that your choices have a significant impact on your life's direction. By actively participating in shaping your future and making choices aligned with your values, you can establish a foundation of self-determination that contributes to your overall well-being and happiness.
Self-perception and empowerment
Empowerment often leads to transformative changes in an individual's self-perception, fostering greater self-confidence and self-esteem. As individuals engage in empowerment processes, they overcome obstacles and achieve goals that were previously considered unattainable. These accomplishments reinforce a positive self-image, reinforcing the belief that they are capable of overcoming challenges and thriving in various aspects of life. This newfound self-assuredness spills over into their interactions with others, positively impacting relationships and social interactions. The positive self-perception that stems from empowerment creates a virtuous cycle where increased self-confidence fuels happiness and well-being.
Self-perception and empowerment tip
To enhance your self-confidence and self-esteem through empowerment, celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Keep a journal or record of your successes, and reflect on how each accomplishment reinforces your belief in your capabilities. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and encourage you. Engage in positive self-talk and challenge self-doubt by focusing on your strengths and past achievements. By building a positive self-image through empowerment, you'll cultivate a cycle of self-assuredness that positively impacts your interactions and relationships.
Empowerment and resilience
Empowerment acts as a protective factor against adversity by enhancing an individual's resilience. Empowered individuals have honed problem-solving skills, adaptive coping strategies, and the ability to navigate complex situations. These attributes enable them to bounce back from setbacks, fostering a sense of strength and confidence even in the face of challenges. The empowerment-driven resilience allows individuals to view setbacks as learning opportunities and stepping stones towards growth, minimising the impact of negative emotions and promoting emotional well-being. This resilience also contributes to a more optimistic perspective on life, further enhancing overall happiness.
Empowerment and resilience tip
To develop resilience through empowerment, approach challenges with a progress mindset. As Tony Robbins says: “Progress equals happiness. If you stop growing, you're going to be unhappy.” Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as failures. Cultivate problem-solving skills and seek constructive solutions to overcome obstacles. Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques to manage difficult situations effectively. As you navigate complex circumstances with an empowered outlook, you'll develop the resilience needed to bounce back from adversity and maintain emotional well-being, fostering an optimistic perspective on life.
Alignment with values and fulfilment
Empowerment empowers individuals to align their actions and decisions with their core values and passions. This alignment creates a deep sense of fulfilment and contentment, as individuals are living in harmony with what truly matters to them. The ability to pursue personal goals and aspirations fuels a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which are essential components of long-lasting happiness. Empowerment encourages individuals to actively pursue their dreams, transforming their lives into a canvas where their values and aspirations can be realised.
Alignment with values and fulfilment tip
To experience fulfilment through empowerment, reflect on your core values and passions. Set meaningful goals that align with these values, and take steps to pursue them actively. Break away from external expectations and focus on what genuinely matters to you. As you make decisions and take actions in harmony with your values, you'll cultivate a deep sense of purpose and contentment. By embracing empowerment to live a life aligned with your aspirations, you'll find lasting happiness through a fulfilling journey of self-discovery.
Personal growth and empowerment
One of the remarkable aspects of empowerment is its role in driving personal growth and continuous improvement. Empowered individuals are inherently curious, seeking knowledge and opportunities for development. As they engage in learning, acquire new skills, and challenge themselves, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and evolution. This journey not only expands their capabilities but also nurtures a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The pursuit of personal growth becomes a source of intrinsic motivation, leading to a heightened sense of well-being and happiness. The empowerment-driven quest for growth becomes a rewarding and fulfilling aspect of life, contributing to a sense of fulfilment and happiness.
Personal growth and empowerment tip
To harness the power of empowerment for personal growth, nurture your curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Seek out opportunities for learning, skill development, and self-improvement. Set aside time for regular self-assessment and reflection on your progress. Embrace challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, as they offer valuable chances for growth. By engaging in continuous self-development empowered by your curiosity, you'll embark on a journey of personal growth that brings you a deep sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
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Danielle Baron, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Danielle catalyses children and adults to rise like a phoenix from the flames 🔥 and to reach their optimum potential. She is an entrepreneur, inspiring 11+ and 7+ entrance exams tutor, rapid transformational therapist®️, business coach for overachievers, a life coach for all, and an NLP Master practitioner, and she is also certified by the ILM.
One of Danielle’s much-loved abilities is being an overachiever because she thrives on the excitement and follows her passion, which is to help people live fulfilling lives.
Over the last five years of her tuition business, Danielle has become extremely popular and respected in the tuition industry and is a mentor and coach to other tutors to help them increase revenue in their businesses, but ultimately to be the best tutors they can be. Her own tuition service incorporates coaching for parents and children throughout the exam process and NLP classes for children to help them with lack of confidence, bullying, and anxiety and to help them focus on the imminent goal of exams and to visualise and believe in their success.
Danielle’s second business, coaching and therapy, has been a long time coming and her personal interest in people and psychology led her to invest in the most high-quality courses to be the best for her clients. For her rapid transformational therapy ®️, she had the privilege of personally being mentored by Marisa Peer, a world-renowned therapist. Rapid transformational therapy is a combination of NLP, CBT, psychotherapy and hypnosis.
It has been Danielle’s personal experiences that have led her to where she is today. At age four, her father died of suicide, which installed in her a determination to help prevent people from ever becoming despaired again. Her best friend passed away at fifteen, which solidified Danielle’s determination to live life to the full. Growing up with a single parent, they struggled with money, but Danielle was very inspired by her mother’s work ethic, which had a huge impact on her.
As a teacher in some schools, the politics and bullying amongst staff were toxic and she suffered from depression, stress and burnout and was treated badly at her most vulnerable time of being pregnant and having a newborn and that’s why she’s passionate about helping teachers. She wishes that she had someone to help her at the time.
She has been through the journey of setting up successful businesses on her own while undertaking childcare as a single parent of two after she divorced and strongly believes anyone can achieve anything they put their mind to with grit, focus, and passion.
