Most people who have shopped online have heard of Zappos.com. The boots I currently wear, in the office, came from there, about a month ago.
Zappos is most famous for its customer service. Tony Hsieh, The CEO of Zappos, is a very sought after public speaker, because of the way he runs his company.
I was able to catch up on one of his speeches on happiness, and I thought he had some profound insights.
1. Happiness requires you having perceived control over your life.
2. Happiness requires feeling that you are making progress. That'll be different for everyone, depending on your goals.
3. Happiness requires having relationships and connections to other people.
4. Happiness requires having a vision bigger than yourself.
Do you have these basic rules of happiness in your life?
Did you notice that he didn't talk about having the biggest house, or tons of money, or the nicest boat in the driveway?
When I look at that list, and think of some of the happiest times I've ever had, are when I have had the least amount of stuff. Three years ago, my wife and I, sold and gave away, 70% of our stuff. I'm not kidding, 70% was a lot too.
Last year, when I quit working for someone else, and opened my own office again, the control was back in my life, and my happiness went up ten fold.
The progress in helping more people every week, has been enormously fulfilling.
Many of you probably don't realize my office vision.
My vision is to offer help and hope to anyone who experiences pain, and has lost sight of how good life can be, by giving them the opportunity to try chiropractic, with no hassles.
I've given you some of the things I've done to improve my own happiness, because life is better when you work towards something meaningful.
Heaven knows, I haven't been happy my whole life. I think you experience the dark clouds so you can appreciate the sunshine.
I have 3 more tidbits of my own for happiness.
First, we should start with the opposite of happiness, and that's anger and frustration. Anger comes from the feeling that something has been stolen from you.
That doesn't have to be your car, or your stock portfolio, or your coffee cup. It can be more subtle, like your time, your reputation, your opportunities.
The first step to eliminating anger is forgiveness. The faster you can forgive, the faster you can double your happiness. It is hard to put a smile on your face, when anger is chewing up your insides.
The second opportunity to increase happiness is to be thankful. Thankfulness is freeing. This could be an entire blog post on its own.
You can go for a walk and be thankful that you are able to walk, or thankful for the flowers along your path.
For as long as I can remember, our family gathers before bed, and each person shares what they are thankful for.
Just try something. See what happens.
The third opportunity to increase your happiness is giving. If you are constantly thinking of what you are not getting, you are not thinking of others.
Giving is one of the greatest secrets of life. My uncle Fran, drove this point home with actions, and no words.
Being generous at all times can change your life.
I'm not talking about trying to please everyone, that's a well known recipe for unhappiness.
Helping people in a time of need and shouldering a burden they cannot, is what I'm talking about.
Frank Kern said, "If you can help somebody and you don't, it's kind of bad karma on you."
Be a "giver" and not a "taker" and you can double your happiness again. Whether that's at work, in your marriage, or with your kids, your life can take on more meaning.
If your life isn't happy, go back and review these 7 ideas and make some changes, everyone around you will appreciate it.
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The one year anniversary of our downtown office is coming up soon, actually it's August 11th. I want to focus on giving until then.
I have a hard time believing sometimes that we've been open a year. I have found that giving away chiropractic is one of the greatest ways to help people.
Since giving is one of the greatest secrets to a happy life, here is a chance for you to give to some one else. Until August 12th ,if you reach out to some one in need and bring them into the office as a new patient, with you, they can try chiropractic and our office for free.
I've found over the years, that most people just don't know how good they can feel. They have to experience it. This is their chance, give it to them.
And... To make it fun, for you to get adjusted, it'll only be $1. Take advantage of this, because next year for our second anniversary, it'll be double the price.
In summary, if you bring someone with you to experience chiropractic, by August 12th, they get looked at, and treated for free, and you can get adjusted for $1. Happy one year anniversary.
Schedule online at SLCSAW.com