Happiness Is A Habit: Simple Things You Can Do To Add Joy To Every Day

Happiness Is A Habit: Simple Things You Can Do To Add Joy To Every Day

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the pursuit of happiness can seem like a daunting task. However, happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but rather a habit that can be cultivated through simple daily rituals. This blog explores the transformative power of happiness as a habit and offers practical tips to integrate joy into your everyday life.

The Importance of Happiness

Happiness is a fundamental aspect of human existence. It influences our mental and physical health, shapes our relationships, and affects our overall well-being. Yet, many people struggle to find lasting happiness, often feeling stuck in a cycle of negativity and stress. Recognising that happiness is a habit, not just an emotion, is the first step towards a more fulfilling life.

Understanding Happiness as a Habit

Happiness as a habit means that it can be developed through consistent actions and behaviours. Just like any skill, happiness requires practice and dedication. By adopting simple daily rituals, individuals can create a positive feedback loop that enhances their happiness over time. This concept shifts the focus from seeking happiness to actively cultivating it through intentional habits.

Identifying Negative Patterns

Before one can cultivate happiness, it is crucial to identify and address negative patterns that may be hindering joy. Many people wake up in a bad mood, automatically gravitating towards complaints and negativity. This habitual mindset can be transformed by consciously choosing to focus on positivity and gratitude instead.

Breaking the Cycle of Negativity

• Awareness: The first step is to become aware of negative thoughts and feelings. Recognising these patterns allows individuals to consciously shift their focus.

• Gratitude Practice: Incorporating gratitude into daily routines can significantly improve mood. Start each day by listing three things you are grateful for.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practising mindfulness can help ground individuals in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future and regrets about the past.

Creating Daily Rituals for Happiness

To foster happiness, it is essential to establish daily rituals that promote well-being. These rituals should be simple, enjoyable, and tailored to fit individual lifestyles. Here are some effective habits to consider:

Morning Routines

The way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. A morning routine that inspires and energises can have a profound impact on your mood and productivity.

• Wake Up Early: Give yourself enough time in the morning to engage in activities that uplift you.

• Morning Meditation: Spend a few minutes in meditation to clear your mind and set positive intentions for the day.

• Physical Activity: Incorporate some form of exercise, whether it's yoga, a brisk walk, or a full workout, to boost endorphins and energy levels.

• Healthy Breakfast: Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Midday Mindfulness

As the day progresses, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Taking intentional breaks can help maintain focus and positivity.

• Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments to practice deep breathing, allowing your mind to reset and refocus.

• Gratitude Journaling: Spend a few minutes writing down things you appreciate about your day so far.

• Nature Breaks: If possible, step outside to enjoy fresh air and nature, which can significantly improve mood and clarity.

Evening Reflections

Ending the day with positive reflections can help solidify the habit of happiness. Consider incorporating these practices into your evening routine:

• Reflect on the Day: Take time to think about what went well during the day and what you learned.

• Evening Meditation: Engage in a calming meditation to wind down and prepare for restful sleep.

• Reading or Relaxation: Spend time on activities that bring you joy, such as reading, listening to music, or engaging in creative hobbies.

The Power of Consistency

Creating lasting change requires consistency. Committing to these daily rituals for a set period, such as 90 days, can help establish them as habits. Over time, these small changes compound, leading to significant improvements in overall happiness and well-being.

Setting Realistic Goals

When starting new habits, it's essential to set realistic and achievable goals. Instead of overwhelming yourself with numerous changes at once, focus on implementing one or two new rituals at a time. This approach reduces the likelihood of burnout and increases the chances of success.

Overcoming Obstacles to Happiness

Even with the best intentions, obstacles may arise that challenge your commitment to happiness. Here are some strategies to overcome common hurdles:

Dealing with Distractions

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are abundant. To maintain focus on your happiness habits:

• Limit Screen Time: Designate specific times to check emails and social media, reducing the risk of constant distractions.

• Create a Dedicated Space: Set up a space in your home for practicing your rituals, free from distractions and clutter.

Managing Stress and Overwhelm

Life can get overwhelming, but when stress arises, it’s crucial to remember that you have the power to choose your response.

• Prioritise Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether through relaxation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help or talk to friends and family about what you’re experiencing.

Embracing the Journey

The journey to happiness is ongoing and ever-evolving. It’s essential to embrace the process and recognise that setbacks are a natural part of growth. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that happiness is not a destination but a continuous practice.

Fostering a Positive Mindset

Adopting a positive mindset is crucial in the pursuit of happiness. Surround yourself with uplifting influences, such as inspiring books, podcasts, and positive people. The more you expose yourself to positivity, the more natural it becomes to cultivate happiness.

Conclusion

Happiness is indeed a habit that can be nurtured through simple daily rituals. By consciously choosing to implement practices that promote joy, individuals can transform their lives and experience greater well-being. Remember, the journey to happiness is personal, and it’s never too late to start cultivating the habits that lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

The Top 5 Things You Should Be Doing Right Now To Promote Your Business

 

Brand awareness is one of the most important aspects of growing a business. Making people aware of your brand and your products or services makes you more likely to generate profit. So what are the top five things you should be doing right now to promote your business? Below are some ways businesses can market themselves, especially in this economy!

NUMBER 1: First of all, being really good at what you do helps a lot!
You'd be surprised so many people who have businesses do not do this number one important step and that is define their target audience, potential customers and clients define who that is and what needs they need to be filled. Because a lot of people are passionate about their business. They think they're gonna make money and so they don't even bother with that first step. And really, that's the most important thing. You need to understand the needs of your target audience or clients or customers first before you get started.

NUMBER 2: Please build an effective and user friendly website.

You want is to make sure that your potential clients or customers can find out information about you. And so many people who have a business, they do not have a website. And if they do have a website, it's difficult to manage. There's all this copy, there's no welcome branding message, like a welcome video from the business owner, which I think is really important.

And, they just missed the boat on that. So have a effective and user friendly website. Easy to navigate. Make sure your email address is there. A way for them to contact you.

NUMBER 3: Network, Network, Network!

I cannot stress how important this is. You can join your local business chamber. It's a wonderful way to meet other business owners, but also to say what it is that you do and how you can help their business. And also, if you need things to improve your business, you can say, “Hey. You know what? I'm looking for a an excellent printer or I'm looking for a media coach. Can you help me out?”

So networking is really important. I just got off a call today with a brand new networking group. There were only four or five people in this group, and I've already got two potential clients from that networking group who found out what I did and said, oh my gosh, I need help with my branding and my marketing. And so networking is a really valuable way that you can expand your client base, but also you can get some help and let people know what it is that you do.

NUMBER 4: Testimonials and Reviews.
Ask your top clients and customers who love what you do to create a review for you or a testimonial. And they can do that through your Google My Business page. If you don't have one, get one! A Google My Business page, especially for brick and mortar businesses, is so important. If you've got a pizza parlor, if you've got a laundromat service, you wanna be in Google My Business so that people in your location can find you easily, but that's where your customers can leave glowing reviews.

It's one thing to have you say, “Hey. I'm great. I'm wonderful. I can provide all these great services,” but it's another thing entirely when you have someone else sing your praises and say how amazing you are. And, of course, we have these things with us. This is my smartphone. It is like a film crew.

You can ask your customer or client to record a short thirty second rave review about your services and use that and post it on websites and social media and all that stuff.

NUMBER 5: Get Booked on Podcasts, Radio and TV.
Become a guest and tell the world that you what you do and how you do it and how you serve your audience because those audience members, those the listeners or the viewers are people that you would never be able to reach and being a guest on podcast and there's a lot of podcasts out there that you could be a guest on, but also radio and television, will reach you'll reach a new audience that you couldn't get before.

And you might be able to get more clients and customers that way. And better yet, if you really wanna do some great marketing and branding, develop and create your own podcast show and vodcast, which is, a YouTube channel.

You can do a business branded podcast and reach an entirely new audience through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, all those different places, and you can promote your business, but just do it in a smart way. Don't make it too salesy because people will smell that and they'll run.

You wanna educate people.
You wanna inform.
You wanna inspire, motivate, or entertain.

And that's where you'll get your audience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christine Blosdale is the Authority-Building Business and Media Coach who transforms entrepreneurs of all stripes into influential leaders and business superstars.

Christine's mission is clear: to inspire, educate, and empower you to achieve unprecedented levels of success and fulfillment.

With over 25 years experience working with companies like America Online, Microsoft, TickerTV, Pacifica Radio, Reflections Holidays and Woman's Day Magazine, Christine brings both expertise and credibility to the table.

Her dynamic approach has made her a captivating public speaker, award-winning producer, influential podcaster, and three-time #1 international bestselling author.

Do you want to experience the transformative power of Christine's guidance and expertise? Visit ChristineBlosdale.com to view all of her coaching programs or book a FREE consultation!

HOW TO BEAT THE 9 TO 5 BLUES AND LIVE A LIFE WITH PASSION!

As an International Media Coach I have had plenty of clients beat themselves up for having a 9-5 job that is clearly not their passion nor very fulfilling.

So many people simply dread Monday mornings and going to a job that is not something they are passionate about. This can lead to depression, anxiety and massive stress on their mental and physical well being.

So how can you find your purpose and passion while working in a ho-hum profession?

First off, you need to be gentle and forgiving with yourself. Sometimes we can be our biggest critic, but you need to know deep down that you can still seek fulfilment. It just takes some clever self-talk skills and organizational chutzpah! 

Whatever you do, just stop with the nasty self-deprecating chit-chat in your head. It is not helping anyone, especially YOU!

And you know what? You actually need to give yourself a big high five for being responsible and having a job or profession in the first place. Even if it doesn't bring you ecstatic joy. 

Maybe you're busy paying off a mortgage or you've recently sent your child to university. Maybe you overcame some illness or injury that was pretty darn scary to go through. Maybe you're a busy mom juggling life with children and they're all growing up happy and healthy because of what you have managed to create for them.

C'mon now. That is amazing! 

And in today's topsy turvy world you actually deserve a gold medal for being right where you are today. Even if at times it seems chaotic and not the soul soaring adventure you wished for.

So for now, take a deep breath and tap yourself on the back and say "I am grateful."

Gratefulness changes lives and I have witnessed it work miracles for my clients.

Okay, now on to the good stuff!

So how do you manage to find fulfilment and purpose outside of your profession?

You recognize that little spark that lights up inside you when you're doing something you really love.

For some, it may be volunteering for a non profit organization that helps those in need. For others it may be creating a podcast or youtube channel to share their wisdom and expertise with the world. 

Some of my clients are in their 80s and trust me, they don't want to sit around all day in a recliner watching the world go by. They want to offer the world something. They want to make a difference by sharing their life stories in hopes of inspiring or motivating others.

The main thing is you need to find that "passion bubble" within you that lights up. 

If you light up helping those less fortunate there are so many places that need you right now. If you want to become a speaker and share your stories then consider joining your local Toastmasters. If you want to eventually quit your 9-5 and start your own coaching or consulting business then get busy creating that now. Who would your perfect client be? Can you spend a bit of time upskilling? How about taking an online course or getting a coach to keep you on track and accountable to your dreams. Whatever it is that resonates with you and your lifestyle - that's where you want to start.

Once you take those first few baby steps towards pursuing what makes you feel good you'd be amazed at what opportunities appear and what doors open for you. 

Now go out there and get you some passion and purpose!

MY LAST MOMENTS WITH ED ASNER - REST IN PEACE ED - I WILL MISS YOU!

EXCERPTS FROM MY LAST MOMENTS WITH ED ASNER - CLICK HERE TO LISTEN >>

Last year, just after Ed Asner's 90th birthday I got the chance to have him back on air with me at KPFK 90.7FM in Los Angeles. He had been a guest of mine several times over the years - but this time felt different.

It was as if I knew it would be the last time I would see this loving and kind force of nature.

Ed Asner was always so beautiful to me. It was as if we were old soul mates from long ago - and to see his eyes light up when he was with me just made my heart smile.

Despite his gruff and grumpy persona, Ed was all heart and he did so much for so many. He was a champion for the voiceless at a time when it was looked down upon to do so.

Even though his career took a major hit, he spoke out during the 1980s as he opposed the United States policy in Central America.

He created The Ed Asner Family Center which provides arts, counseling services, and support groups and camps to autistic special needs individuals and their families.

I love this man for all that he did with his life and for how he called out injustice when he saw it.

Heaven has a courageous and brave angel now.

And we have lost a legend of generosity and goodness.

I love you Ed and will miss you terribly.

- Christine Blosdale

#EdAsner #LouGrant #Entertainment #Actor #MaryTylerMoore #Autism #SAG #AFTRA #Radio #Television #Film #RestinPeace #ILoveYou

How To Gain Confidence: Throw Away The Plan!

How to Gain #Confidence

1. Make the Plan
2. Execute the Plan
3. Expect the Plan to go Off The Rails
4. THROW AWAY THE PLAN!

Yes, you heard me right.

You can make all the plans in the world. You can jot down a long laundry list of things to do in your daily planner or enter it your phone as a priority - but when life throws you a curveball - and plans are tossed away like last night’s dinner scraps - well, that’s a golden moment to gain more confidence.

How?

We humans seem to learn more about our capabilities when things don’t go according to plan.

Wouldn’t it all be peaches and cream if everything mapped out the way we intended it? Yes. But that’s not where your confidence can gain a major boost.

It’s when those plans go awry, and you need to adjust in order to move forward - that’s where the magic pixie dust gets sprinkled!

So do what you can to plan out your day or work week - but be open the fact that you may need to throw away those plans and opt for something else.

And here’s the kicker!

Many times that “something else” is SOMETHING BETTER than what you originally set out to do!

So go get em tiger - slay the dragons along the way and be open to tossing out the planned plans for something even grander! And as always - may the odds be forever in your favor.

- Confidence Coach Christine

PODCASTING TIP FOR BEGINNERS: KEEP IT SIMPLE!

PODCASTING TIP: KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY GOOSE!
One of the biggest obstacles newbie casters need to conquer is the sheer overwhelm that can happen when first starting out. It's understandable since there's a lot to consider as we prepare to launch a podcast.

Genre. Theme. Show Format. Logo and Artwork. Show Length. Live or Pre-Taped. Solo or Co-Hosted. Recording and Editing Software. And the list can go on and on and on.

That's why I coach my clients on the importance of KEEPING IT SIMPLE. Especially in the beginning. If you have too many things to worry about chances are you will freeze in fear and overwhelm and you won't follow thru with getting that podcast out into the world.

And the world needs you - and your podcast - right now!

So who makes a great podcast host? Well, you of course!

You can be a stay at home mom who knows how to feed a family of four with healthy foods on $10 a day. You can be someone who was recently divorced and you had to navigate the legal minefield that can be a part of living "happily ever after" after the marriage is over, and now you can inspire others that are going through that same process.

Maybe you're in a long distance relationship and you and your partner have developed wonderful ways at coping with the distance while remaining madly in love. Or perhaps you have survived cancer and want to help others dealing with a similar diagnosis.

You can do a podcast show based on that if you want. Really - the options - and possibilities - are endless! And that's why we want to always KEEP IT SIMPLE!

PERSONAL NOTE FROM CHRISTINE: If you'd like more Podcasting tips or want to work with me one-on-one drop me an email at OutOfTheBoxWithChristine@gmail.com . I'd love to be your personal Podcast Coach!

LEARNING TO LOVE YOUR OWN UNIQUE VOICE FOR PODCASTING

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE

So you've decided to jump into the wonderful world of Podcasting. Welcome aboard!

If you are like many new Poddies you may have an issue around embracing your own voice. If that describes where you are at right now - don't fret!

Lots of people have a hard time listening to their voice. It could be because someone said something about it one time - maybe even a long time ago. Or maybe as a child growing up your opinion didn't matter and you had to hold your tongue when you really wanted to express yourself.

Whatever the reason is, just know that you are not alone and it happens to lots of new Podcasters.

BUT if you want to have a Podcast show and want people to tune into your programs well, you need to start embracing that beaYOUtiful voice of yours and in this episode you'll find a few tips and tricks to help you start that love affair with your voice. If you find this video of value please like and share it with others.

PERSONAL NOTE FROM CHRISTINE: If you'd like more Podcasting tips or want to explore working with me one on one drop me an email at OutOfTheBoxWithChristine@gmail.com . I'd love to be your Podcast Coach!

IDEAS ON HOW TO NAME YOUR PODCAST

WHAT'S IN A NAME? EVERYTHING (NOTE: FOR THE FULL VLOG CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE)

When making the decision on what to call your podcast show, please take your time. Choosing a name or show title is very important and should not be rushed. Once you have something that looks and feels right, do yourself a favor and do multiple searches on the internet and Apple Podcasts.

You would be amazed at how many times people pick the exact same name as someone else. While you may think that the name you've chosen is original and is perfect for you, chances are someone else has claimed it already.

If you do not do a proper and thorough search, trust me, you will regret it later. Imagine how you will feel after you've invested all this time and money setting up your podcast, just to discover that someone else has the exact same name.

And what if it's really really bad and it's getting horrific reviews? Your show will be virtually tied to something that is not so positive, but you could also be infringing on someone else's trademarked name. It's just not worth it! So please do your research. If you would like assistance on developing the name for the show, you can contact me at outoftheboxwithchristine@gmail.com and I'd be happy to work with you on that.

The other thing you want to do, and I tell every single client that I work with, is you want to register your domain name of the podcast. Yes, you want to have a website associated with it. Personally I use Google Domains. It's only a few dollars to register it and requires a low cost annual payment to keep it active.

Once you have your domain there are several affordable options to host your website. But you definitely want a companion website for your Podcast. My companion website is http://www.OutOfTheBoxWithChristine.com and it's a place where people can find past episodes and easily subscribe to their preferred podcast delivery platform.

Hope you enjoyed this quick blog about Ideas on How To Name Your Podcast!

WHY DO YOU WANT TO CREATE YOUR OWN PODCAST?

So you've decided to take the plunge into the marvelous world of Podcasting. Congratulations! Podcasting is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It is estimated that there are more than 1 Million active podcasts with more than 30 million episodes in over 100 different languages.

To say that podcasting is enjoying an explosive surge in popularity is indeed an understatement. If you are considering entering this amazing world, the best news for you is this... it is growing every single day.

In other words, millions upon millions of people all around the globe are actively looking for new podcast shows - and one of those new shows could be yours!

But before you turn one of your bedrooms into a home studio, invest thousands of dollars in equipment and software and jump headfirst on to the podcast bandwagon, there are a few things you need to seriously consider.

One of the biggest issues facing newbie casters is the amount of time that is required to successfully produce a series of episodes. Do you have enough time to dedicate to this brand new and exciting endeavor? If you do, then you need to ask yourself one more important question.

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF
One of the most important questions I ask all of my clients is this... "Why do you want your own podcast show?"

This may seem like a silly question, but it is so vitally important to answer before beginning and it's the one question that is so often overlooked.

Everybody has a different answer. Some will want a podcast show because they've got something very important they feel they need to share with the world. Some will want to promote a particular brand or business.

Both are equally valid reasons. But there should always be a passion around your desire to create a podcast. Your audience will feel it when you speak and when it resonates with them it is pure GOLD!

Podcasting can certainly enhance any business or industry if done right. If you're a real estate agent, a coach or consultant, a healer, speaker, teacher, doctor, etc. literally any profession or industry can have a special place in the podcasting world.

But please do take a moment right now to dive into your own personal reasons for wanting to take on this lifestyle - because it definitely is a lifestyle - and it can take up a large amount of your time.

Think of creating your podcast like getting a brand new puppy. You need to feed it, walk it, make sure it is healthy - and of course love it.

And as with any new puppy you bring into your family, you need to spend a lot of quality time with them. It's the same when creating a new podcast show. Because the most successful podcasts are produced with a level of consistency and an attention to quality that trumps quantity every time.

Yes, developing and creating a new podcast can give you an enormous amount of satisfaction and pride - and it can be wonderfully fun at times. But it can also be extremely time consuming and frustrating - especially when learning new technology. If you don't start with the basics, it can feel very overwhelming.

So the reasons why you want to create your own show should outweigh any of the time commitments and possible learning curve-balls thrown at you.

PERSONAL NOTE FROM CHRISTINE:
If you would like guidance on getting started in Podcasting I would love to help you! Just email me at OutOfTheBoxWithChristine@gmail.com and we can set up a complimentary Strategy Session

TIPS ON HOW TO GET BOOKED ON RADIO AND PODCAST SHOWS

TIPS ON HOW TO GET BOOKED ON RADIO AND PODCAST SHOWS

One of the questions I get asked a whole helluva lot from entrepreneurs is, “What do I need to do to get booked as a guest on a radio or podcast show?”

As a seasoned podcast host (Out of The Box With Christine) and veteran radio talk show host and producer (KPFK 90.7FM) a few of my best pieces of advice are listed below;

·       Take the opportunity to be interviewed as much as possible. It doesn't matter if it's a radio program or a podcast show. It doesn’t matter the size or reach of the show either. It simply does not matter. You need to be interviewed in order to be seen and heard - and you need to develop your interview skills as much as possible. And yes, it’s a skill. Not everyone makes a great guest.

·       Go “Out of The Box” On That First Contact - I get a lot of emails from folks who say, “I want to be on your show. This is what I do, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…” And some brave souls even try calling me. But trust me, don’t call me. I'm not going to answer a call from a number I don’t recognize. Hell, I won't answer the phone for people I know - unless it’s my mom or my wife.

·       One of the best things you can do for that first contact involves the one thing that’s most likely with you every hour of the day. You have this amazing virtual film crew right in the palm of your hand called a smart phone and it can really help you get bookings.

·       Here’s where I encourage you to create a short video on your phone to focus on all of your best attributes. You don't need fancy lighting or tripods and stuff like that. All you need is a simple cellphone that you can create a powerful short video with (1-2 mins max) and then actually say why you are so special and why you would make a great guest.

·       Do NOT just send an email. Because in an email, I can't see your eyes and I can't see your passion. The person you are trying impress can’t either. But we can witness firsthand your enthusiasm with a short video.

·       With a clever video you're definitely going to get our attention and we’ll know right away, “Hey, this person's got something.” At the very least I'm going to take the extra step and check out your website. It’s a great way to get the attention you need to get booked on a show.

About a month ago I was trying to get in touch with a very important person - and instead of sending some boring email and explaining what I do and why I wanted to get in touch with them - I just created a short and fun video. And you know what? They called me back right away and we started working together!

The simple truth is we live in a very busy world and it can be a struggle sometimes to get people’s attention. Short videos are free and easy to create –and the best part is the engagement is really high.

Just remember to keep it brief. Don’t go on and on and on. Keep it short and to the point and you will go far. Now get that phone out and start making your irresistible videos – and GET BOOKED!

#podcast #podcasting #radio #tips

Craig Duswalt and Christine Blosdale in studio LIVE on air in Los Angeles