Action for Happiness!

The new 'Action for Happiness' website was launched yesterday...

Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier society. They want to see a fundamentally different way of life where people care less about what they can get for themselves and more about the happiness of others. The movement aims to bring together like-minded people from all walks of life, drawing on the latest scientific research and backed by leading experts from the fields of psychology, education, economics, social innovation and beyond. Members of the movement are making a simple pledge: to try to create more happiness in the world around them through the way they approach their lives. The website provides practical ideas to enable people to take action in different areas of their lives - at home, at work or in the community. 

The movement was founded in 2010 by three influential figures who are passionate about creating a happier society: Richard Layard, Geoff Mulgan and Anthony Seldon. 

Their ten keys to happier living are...

1. Do things for others;
2. Connect with people;
3. Take care of your body;
4. Notice the world around;
5. Keep learning new things;
6. Have goals to look forward to;
7. Find ways to bounce back
8. Take a positive approach;
9. Be comfortable with who you are;
10. Be part of something bigger.

Their actions to create a happier society are...

Action 1: Take the Action for Happiness pledge
Action 2: Do kind things for others
Action 3: Create a local Action for Happiness group
Action 4: Find three good things each day
Action 5: Thank the people you're grateful to 

Action 6: Look for the good in those around you

Action 7: Bring mindfulness into your day
Action 8: Find your strengths and focus on using them
Action 9: Get help if you're struggling
Action 10: Help kids build emotional resilience
Action 11: Use positive parenting techniques
Action 12: Volunteer your time, energy and skills
Action 13: Try something new or different
Action 14: Help out a friend in need
Action 15: Make something happen for a good cause
Action 16: Set your goals and make them happen
Action 17: Make sure you get enough sleep
Action 18: Be curious and get inspired
Action 19: Give yourself a happiness check-up
Action 20: Learn how to meditate
Action 21: Know your thoughts, choose your actions
Action 22: Find your true purpose
Action 23: Really listen to what people are saying
Action 24: Understand each other’s needs
Action 25: Get to know your neighbours better
Action 26: Ask others about the things that have gone well
Action 27: Get in touch with your spiritual side
Action 28: Detox your negative thinking patterns
Action 29: Get completely absorbed in something
Action 30: Figure out what's important to you
Action 31: Be positive but stay realistic
Action 32: Write down your dreams for the future
Action 33: Be realistic in your reasoning
Action 34: Get happiness on the agenda at your child's school
Action 35: Get happiness on the agenda at your college or university
Action 36: Get happiness on the agenda at your place of work
Action 37: Get happiness on the agenda of your existing group
Action 38: Boost your positivity ratio
Action 39: Get outside and enjoy the natural world
Action 40: Unplug - take a break from technology
Action 41: Take care of the world around you
Action 42: Find a way to make exercise fun
Action 43: Wake up your MP and council to wellbeing
Action 44: Have tactics for the tough times
Action 45: Enhance your relationship with your partner
Action 46: Make time for fun with family & friends
Action 47: Get a good balance between work and life
Action 48: Organise a party in your street
Action 49: Find happiness at work
Action 50: Create a happier environment at work

Sound familiar? Like many of you, I suspect, I have been working on this agenda all my professional life and it is great to see this brilliant website.  If you haven't already discovered it, the 'Action for Happiness' website is at www.actionforhappiness.org/.

Chris