Liz’s Quick Guide to Gettin’ Happy

The number question I am asked about creating and sustaining a challenge:  How do I stay inspired?  I’m discouraged, I’m sick of this, I’m not sure I can keep going.  What’s your secret?

The secret to continuing any challenge is about GETTING HAPPY.  If you are in a good mood, if you are feeling SMILEY, you are more likely to do what you need to do to improve your life.  So, the real question is, in the midst of all the responsibilities and negative news and general lack of control, how do you GET HAPPY?

Liz’s Quick Guide to Gettin’ Happy from Liz Nead on Vimeo.

I’m not always in a good mood.  I’m not always perky and ready to get after it, whatever IT is.  And lately, I’ve needed some inspiration.  I know, I know…it seems the inspirationalist should not need so much propping up but it has been a rough road the last few months.  It all began when I decided to stop hustling for work and start focusing on my business.  It was hard to do the right things when all I want to do is make money to support my family and my business.

My challenge was keeping my chin up when the financial flow ebbed for a while.  I could only struggle in desperation before I started to tire emotionally, physically and mentally.  So, what does an inspirational speaker, tv host and life coach do when she’s TIRED?  She employs Liz’s Quick Guide to Gettin’ Happy.

This is my Gettin’ Happy list, in no particular order.  Depending on my chemical balance, the events of the day or my Happiness Levels, I fall back on the following activities to get myself in gear.  You may choose one (or more if you are in the mood) activity to Get Happy and of course, modify and add to the list to make it your own.

• Work out.  By now, unless you really were living on Mars or some other place where media could not reach you, you know that getting your rear end out of your mood and moving around will magically trigger chemicals that make you feel better.  It is what it is.  I am not saying that I always like working out while I am working out, but I always feel better when I’m done.  To be honest, positive and assertive thoughts run through my mind when I am running suicides up and down the basketball court.  I think, “take that, life!  I’m going to win!”  or “I can still rock it!”  or “I can do this, I can do anything!”  Working out for me is a giant HI-YAH to life.
• Eat inspiration for breakfast.  Sometimes all I need to know is that I’m not alone.  Watching a movie about Chris Gardner going from homeless to

accomplished business man gets me going.  Reading about Wilma Rudolph’s success in the face of impossible financial and physical odds tells me I need to keep the faith. Listening to Andy Grammar’s sing about his struggles as he followed his dream in Lunatic reassures me that it’s okay to feel crazy (such awesome lyrics!).  Inspiration in…well, you know the rest.

• Look good.  Some of you may think I’m vain but lookin’ good makes me feel happy.  Definitely showered, hair done, clothes that fit, even when no one will see me but me.  I might even go so far as to check myself out in the mirror and smile because hey…I’m not looking half bad!
• Get out and smile.  Do you remember John’s smile therapyfrom Ally McBeal?  Smiling really does make you feel better.  Even better than just looking good is

gettin’ out, making eye contact and smiling.  Babies get amazing returns from smiling and you are no different.  Offering someone a big, stupid, goofy smile and getting one in return puts you in the Getting Happy driver’s seat because not only are you offering something positive to the world but you just got something back.  Some of you may live in a place smiling at random strangers might get you arrested or at least sworn at, but do it anyway.

• Roll around like a little kid.  Have you seen a child play.  They skip and twirl and fly around randomly, just moving for the sake of moving.  Get outside, grab some FREE oxygen, soak in the vitamin D and wiggle around a little.  The dumber you feel, the Happier you will Get.  It’s all about not taking yourself so seriously!
• Laugh.  Laughing always makes me feel better and this is a time rich with laugh-happy media.  Google your favorite movie and watch a few clips.  I just laughed right now looking for this clip about the “Tone Rangers”from the movie, The

Break Up!  From Monty Python to What About Bob, I have my favorite movies on speed dial.  I even listen to the 24 Hr Comedy Station on I Heart Radio to get a giggle in while I’m driving.  At this point, you probably think I’m crazy, but don’t knock it til you try it!

• Find a quote.  A well-designed quote can be a powerful thing.  I might just Google “Quote about (insert my mood here)” and up pops hundreds of thousands of sites that have just the perfect quote to Get Happy and Stay Happy.  Follow people on Twitter like Inspire (or me)!  Just to get you in the mood, I’m including a few of my favorites.

1. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic. Unknown
2. If your choices are always all or nothing, you may end up with nothing. (me)
3. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.  Corrie Ten Boom

• Switch it up.  If the rock doesn’t move, then stop pushing it for a minute.  Take a nap.  Watch a movie.  Go for a walk.  Go on a road trip.  Do some laundry.  Rake something.  Clean your office.  Sometimes you just need to take control of something and forget about worrying.  When you come back to your issue, you’ll feel refreshed and the solution you need might finally show up.
• Use a lifeline.  My best friend generally makes me happy.  She remembers all the details of our previous conversations, making me feel extra cared for, she

listens, she has a similar sense of humor and she tries to meet my needs if she can.  When I need to let it all hang out, she’s the person I call.  Be transparent about how you are feeling, allowing yourself the freedom to show your weaknesses without complaining.  Then, allow let your weight sag a bit and allow the other person to carry your load with you for a few minutes.

1. Say thank you.  It has taken me a long time to understand the power of gratitude.  When I am feeling uninspired, its usually because I have lost sight of how good I really have it.  I say thank you for my strong body when I’m working out. I  say thank you to my parents for being such great examples.  Sometimes my thank you’s are inaudible, expressing silent thanks for healthy children and a steady husband and an all-consuming passion that get in the way of Getting Happy but seems so worth it most of the time.  Try saying thank you to someone for their investment today and feel the Happiness surge through you.

• Pray. There are times I am so frustrated and fearful that prayer is all that works.  I close my eyes and ask and plead for something different.  I cry my way

through those moments but I do have a faith there is something bigger than me that designed me for my present, past and future.  If you are not a “pray-er,” then try meditating or journaling.  Just let the toxins out along with your intense desire to have something different and better.  It can be a relief to lay those burdens down for a moment.

Are you ready to Get Happy?  Leave the stress behind for a moment.  I can’t promise you the stressful circumstances will change but I can guarantee that if you try Liz’s Quick Guide to Gettin’ Happy, you won’t be stuck for long.

Want more inspiration?  Check out people bringing life back to everyday life on www.lifedare.tv, take a challenge on www.30daysofyou.com or book Liz for speaking or coaching!