By Rachel A. Adler
Online Career Tips Contributor
“Because I am Happy…” Today is the second Annual International Day of Happiness. This year Pharrell teamed up with the United Nations Foundation to celebrate the day with a smile and laughter as well as Pharrell’s hit song as the theme song for a multitude of YouTube videos.
Why is happiness important? Why is there an international movement to bring happiness? The Dalai Lama once said, “Only development of compassion and understanding for others can bring the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” How does this relate to your career? Have you ever heard the saying, “You do your best work if you do a job that makes you happy.” I know what it is like to work at job that makes you unhappy and it really does affects you. At my prior position I was unhappy and it definitely showed in my work. Being unhappy at work also affects your personal life as well. Did you know that 87 percent of the world’s typical work day starts with dread, contains a bit of gloom, and ends with a feeling of disappointment and frustration. Lots of people can relate to this. A recent Gallup poll found only 13 percent of employees are actively engaged at work and emotionally invested in their jobs. This is why we need an International Happiness Day.
Don’t believe the hype on being happy where you work. A Professor of economic Bruno S. Frey of University of Zurich had a research study that was released in 2008 about how happiness is key to positive economics. There are so many way to be happy at work. Forbes released an article, “10 Steps to Happiness at Work”. In the article it details the five ingredients that remain universal to happiness:
1. Positive Emotions – choose to look at things from a more positive perspective
2. Engagement – get involved/curious
3. Positive Relationships – surround yourself with people who energize you
4. Meaning – find something that speaks to your soul (give back)
5. Accomplishment
And research has shown that happy, positive and optimistic people experience these outcomes:
- Earn higher incomes
- Set and achieve more aggressive goals
- Experience less stress
- Remain calm in high pressure situations
- Are more energetic
- Recover from illness faster
- Live longer
As part of the March 20th celebration, people are invited to post YouTube videos of themselves demonstrating their happiness to Pharrell Williams’ top-selling song “Happy” with the hashtag #HAPPYDAY and then register their submission here. Individuals are also encouraged to use #HAPPYDAY throughout all social networks. For instance, participants can post photos and videos on Facebook, G+, Tumblr or Instagram using the hashtag #HAPPYDAY, or submit Tweet/Vine messages using the hashtag #HAPPYDAY, and share “Happy” Spotify and Google Play playlists on G+, Facebook, Twitter and/or Tumblr using the hashtag #HAPPYDAY.
Choosing happiness is not only a beneficial thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do – happiness has proven health and quality-of-life benefits. So are you happy? What are you doing today to celebrate International Day of Happiness?
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