Last week we began this two-part series by talking about self-sabotage and fear of success. Now that you’ve addressed this fear and taken steps to overcome it, we’ll talk about happiness, success and business: how to have it all.While not all business owners are happy, we’re guessing that many of the successful ones are. But we don’t think they’re happy because they’re successful. We believe the opposite is the case; they’re successful because they’re happy. How does that work? In an article published on WomenEntrepreneur.com entitled “The Happy Entrepreneur: You Might Be Surprised at What Really Makes You Happy,” author Kim Kiyosaki examines the nature of happiness, including what happiness is and is not. Her article scrutinizes the relationship between happiness and business, encouraging entrepreneurs to discover their true source of happiness and how it impacts their professional lives. Webster defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment.” Kiyosaki examines what happiness is not when quoting Deepak Copra: “Most people are under the impression that happiness comes from being successful, accumulating wealth, being happy and having good relationships.” However, the truth is that happiness comes from internal rather than external forces. What exactly are those forces?What Happiness is NotKiyosaki helps us understand what happiness is by demonstrating what it is not. She points out three things that many assume will make them happy. Surprisingly, they are not the root of happiness:
1. Relaxation.
While everyone needs a little R & R sometimes, a Lazyboy life probably wouldn’t bring you the contentment you might expect. Too much relaxation can quickly turn to boredom, and boredom never was happiness.
2. Expecting happiness to be a destination.
We’ve all probably thought, at one time or another, that we could achieve greater happiness upon losing weight, getting a stellar job, moving somewhere else, and/or dating someone fabulous. We look to some potential future event as the thing that will finally bring us true happiness. But the truth is, happiness is a process—a journey—not a destination.
3. Less work.
If only I didn’t have so much to do. If only I didn’t have to actually work to make money. Sound familiar? While it may sound appealing to be independently wealthy without being required to work for it, the truth is that those without a purpose generally aren’t very happy.
What Happiness IsSo, what is happiness? Having determined what happiness is not, the following quotes might help us understand what happiness is:
Happiness is the full use of your powers along lines of excellence. –John F. KennedySuccess is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert SchweitzerThe grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. – Allan K. ChalmersHappiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others. –Buddha
Being actively engaged in a good cause that contributes to the well being of yourself and others just might be the key to success. As you look to what makes you truly happy, we hope that you find it doing what you’re most passionate about.Pursuing Your Passion Can Contribute to Your HappinessDoing what you love and are passionate about will help you achieve greater happiness. If you’ve subscribed to this newsletter, we’re guessing you’re passionate about accounting and finance. And over 85% of the opportunities in the accounting field are within small businesses. Universities prepare their students for corporate accounting which doesn’t address small business needs. More than 50% of small businesses fail, and much of that failure can be attributed to lack of accounting expertise. That’s where you step in. With expertise in small business accounting, you can help small businesses succeed.TrainingAt Universal Accounting, we understand the needs of the small business like nobody else. We’ve helped people like you advance their careers in small business accounting for over 30 years. The Professional Bookkeeper Program is designed specifically to address the needs of small businesses, and Universal Accounting Center’s small business accounting course is the most complete of anything offered today. And depending on your schedule and situation, it will only take you 60 hours to complete. Imagine earning a professional designation in less than one month!Marketing
One of the greatest challenges for many small business owners comes in the marketing. You may love working with numbers but groan at the thought of promoting your services and expertise. Universal Accounting Center understands this struggle and can help you eliminate it.
UAC has developed a turn-key marketing solution which will enable you to grow your business with our proven system. You could work for years on a marketing plan, hitting and missing, only to find your business growing at a snail’s pace. Imagine learning which marketing strategies work in a matter of hours!
The Universal Practice Builder Program is a training course designed to teach you how to market your unique and valuable services. This program includes two instructional manuals, 8 engaging DVDs, and 4 CDs. Top your Professional Bookkeeper Designation off with this guaranteed program where you’ll walk away with over 12 marketing strategies that you can implement immediately.
Don’t wait another day to achieve greater happiness. If you’ve always wanted to run your own business, today’s the day to start. But don’t go blind! If you want to be fully prepared, then enroll in UAC’s Professional Bookkeeper and the Universal Practice Builder Programs! There’s no better investment to make than in yourself! Do it today!
Resource
Kiyosaki, Kim. “The Happy Entrepreneur: You Might Be Surprised at What Makes You Happy.” 11 May 2010 WomanEntrepreneur.com
