Finding happiness at work

Life's eternal quest is the search for that elusive happiness. All of us spend our lives seeking happiness in our various ways.I will confine myself to finding it at the workplace. Having said that, happiness is a state of mind that needs continuity and constancy of purpose. It cannot be switched on and off at will. However, there are a few points we can keep in mind to look at the sunny side of things no matter what. Some of these are:

1. Understand your limitations - In our never ending quest for more and more success, we forget to enjoy the little pleasures of life. Don't be complacent by any means, but you don't have to over-reach beyond our capabilities or we end up getting frustrated.

2. Stay positive - You cannot have everything your way at work, so look for the positive side and be an optimist. They say that a smile is infectious, so spread the cheer and remember, it could get worse.

3. Make others happy - Remember,true happiness lies in making others happy. What you do comes back to you and ultimately benefit you too, but take that first step in doing good to others rather than waiting for them to make you happy.

4. Avoid confrontation - If someone is getting worked up, avoid an open confrontation when he / she is in a disturbed state and hear him / her out patiently. Speak to them only when they have calmed down.

5. Hear people out - If someone is distressed due to a work situation, hear them out. Most problems can be solved simply by speaking them out to someone who can listen to it.However, let this not by any means involve personal issues or else it could create more complications.

6. Be firm, open and frank - It always pays to say what you want to say without being corrosive or aggressive.. If you are too goody goody to people and whine behind their backs, they will know your traits quickly and avoid you. You stand to be the loser when you pretend to be what you are not.

7. Avoid Politics - The best way to stay happy at the workplace is to avoid people and situations that are manipulative. Do not get into groups / cliques that create differences.

8. No playing favourites - Try not to become anyone's favourite nor create favouritism of any sort among your peers / subordinates. It only creates ill will.

9. Show respect to everyone - Remember, respect is to be earned, not demanded and true respect can only come when you first show respect to others. Also show it to everyone, never be selective, you will be seen as manipulative.

10. Happiness is within you - the secret of finding happiness is to look within you and not in others or outside. The biggest folly that humans make is thinking that pleasures will make you happy.

This is by no means a magic mantra, one has to try their own methods as each of us is unique, but the common thread is that we all need each other to stay happy,it cannot come in isolation. However, what is important is we have to be happy with ourselves first and only then can we make others happy.