Happiness doesn’t have to be big or loud. In fact, it often tiptoes in during small moments. The Happiness Project is designed to capture those moments and inspire–based on how the compact can have so much consequence. Here is an example from Rodger Price, founding partner of Leading by DESIGN, an executive development firm:

Moment of Happiness

I really enjoy tennis and I also enjoy hitting a tennis ball to our dog Breslin, who is a Golden Retriever. Seeing her joy in retrieving the ball and doing what she was bred to do, also brings me happiness!

I also find joy and happiness in helping others, especially organizational leaders, figure out “their design” and then help them authentically live into it. This brings so many of these leaders greater happiness, even when it means doing difficult things that result in alignment, greater meaning and also results. This brings me enough joy that I will probably do it all of my life, whether I get paid for it or not.

Defining Happiness

I would define happiness in two ways:

1. Short term happiness is experienced naturally when something makes me smile and/or brings tears of joy. (Of course we know these are chemical reactions in the brain that feel great.)
2. Long term happiness is a constant state of being that, for me, comes from deep gratitude for the many blessings I have in my life and for the trust I choose that God will always be with me to go through whatever challenges I will face. (I suspect this practice of thankfulness and trust also leads to a brain chemistry which becomes a bit hard-wired.)

The first is more reactive and the second is more constructed by practices. 

Rodger Price is a founding partner of Leading by DESIGN, an executive development firm.

To submit your moment of happiness, reach out to me at tbrower108@gmail.com.

The Secrets to Happiness at Work is available from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or Indie Bound or Target or, for bulk purchases/ volume discounts, Porch Light Book Company