đ If we are not happy, how can we thrive, grow, or enjoy success in our business and life?
Back in 2018, I would have described myself as deeply unhappy. If Iâm honest, much of my life up to that point had felt that way.
My happiness seemed to depend entirely on external circumstances: things going well, buying material possessions, being in a great relationship, or having a fulfilling job.
If any of those elements were missingâif I couldnât afford the things I wanted, or if my job or relationship was strugglingâI deemed myself unhappy.
At some point, I had decided that happiness was only possible when something extraordinary was happening.
When I first visited Bali, I met Master Ketut, a Balinese Hindu guru. I told him how unfulfilled I felt, how my life didnât align with the dreams Iâd once had. I shared how I felt I had no purpose.
He asked me:
âJose, does the sight of a sunrise or sunset make you happy?â
I hadnât thought about it much, but I answered honestly:
âNot really. Happiness is a good job, a pay rise, a new car, a new client, a happy relationship, a designer handbag, losing weight and fitting into a size 10, or lots of likes and comments on a social media post.â
Oh, how wrong I was.
Master Ketut told me something profound:
Happiness is determined more by oneâs state of mind than by external factors or material things.
He suggested I observe the sunrise and sunset every day while in Ubud and reflect on how it made me feel.
To my surprise, it worked. Watching the sunrise and sunset brought me a deeper sense of happiness than Iâd ever experienced.
The truth is, external thingsâa new client, a happy relationship, or a new handbagâmight bring a temporary boost, a fleeting sense of elation.
But that feeling fades.
In contrast, something as simple and constant as the beauty of a sunrise or sunset can offer lasting joy.
This is where gratitude comes in. Ever since that experience, Iâve practised daily gratitude, and my happiness has grown.
Each morning, I focus on what I do have, not what I lack. My daily affirmations, including âI am happy,â have become a cornerstone of my mindset.
Many people assume meeting Gary and getting married recently has made me happy, but the truth is, I was already happy before I met him. I had been working on cultivating happiness long before he came into my life.
Psychologists generally agree that no matter what level of happiness weâre predisposed to by nature, we can take steps to work with our mind to enhance it.
Happiness is less about external conditions and more about how we perceive and appreciate our situation.
For me, contentment is the key. Peace of mind, time in nature, and meaningful connections with friends and family also play a big part.
I love running my business, and it brings me happiness, but letâs be honest: itâs not always easy.
Running a business comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. Itâs in these moments that I remind myself of my why:
⢠Why did I leave the comfort of a stable job to start my own business?
⢠Was happiness part of the decision?
⢠Did I choose this path to benefit myself, or because I believed my skills and experience could help others?
⢠Does it align with my deeper desires, wants, or needs?
Running a small business in 2025 isnât without its hurdles. The cost of living crisis and the general feeling that the UK economy is struggling can make it hard to feel optimistic.
When your business isnât doing well, itâs natural to worry more and feel unhappy. That state of mind can weigh heavilyânot only on you but also on your ability to run your business effectively.
So, how can we improve our mindset, even when times are tough?
1. Acknowledge How Youâre Feeling
Itâs OK to feel stressed, worried, or unhappy when things arenât going well. Whatâs important is not to let those feelings consume you. Recognising and accepting them is the first step forward.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
You may not have control over the economy, but you do have control over your actions:
⢠Can you streamline costs or processes?
⢠Are there opportunities to retain loyal clients or reach new ones?
⢠Could you refine your sales or marketing strategy?
3. Break Goals Into Smaller Steps
Big challenges can feel overwhelming, so break them down into small, manageable tasks. For example, focus on contacting three prospects this week instead of worrying about securing more clients overall.
4. Cultivate a Resilient Mindset đ§
⢠Practise gratitude for whatâs going well.
⢠Use affirmations like âI am capableâ to shift your outlook.
⢠Show self-compassion when things donât go as planned.
5. Reach Out for Support
Running a business can feel isolating. Connect with networking groups, mentors, or peers to share experiences and solutions.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Your business thrives when you thrive.
Prioritise:
⢠Rest and downtime to recharge.
⢠Activities that bring you joy or relaxation.
⢠Mindfulness or meditation to ease stress.
7. Revisit Your âWhyâ
Reconnect with your purpose: why you started your business. Your âwhyâ can reignite your passion when things feel uncertain.
8. Take Small, Consistent Action
When worry takes over, even small stepsâsending an email or updating your websiteâcan give you a sense of progress and control.
âI suppose what we are all looking for is a happiness that is stable and persistentâa state of happiness that remains despite lifeâs ups and downs and the normal fluctuations in mood depending on whatâs going on in our lives.â
Can this be achieved?
With some effort, yes, I believe it can.
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