Below is a very simple road to happiness written by an unknown author many, many years ago.
The years have flown, the centuries have turned, times have change and technology has transformed the world, yet the road to real happiness remains unchanged.
Spend some time this weekend reflecting on where you are on the road to happiness and areas you might want to improve as you read, The Road to Happiness:
Keep skid-chains on your tongue; always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it often counts far more than what you say.
Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs you.
Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging thing to or about somebody. Praise good work done, regardless of who did it. If criticism is merited, criticize helpfully and never spitefully.
Be interested in others: interested in their pursuits, their welfare, their homes, and families. Make merry with those who rejoice and mourn with those who weep. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard them as a person of importance.
Be cheerful. Keep the corners of your mouth turned up. Hide your pains, worries, and disappointments under a pleasant smile. Laugh at good stories and learn to tell them.
Preserve an open mind on all debatable questions. Discuss, but don’t argue. It is the mark of a superior mind to disagree and yet be friendly.
Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves, and refuse to talk of another’s vices. Discourage gossip. Make it a point to say nothing to another unless it is something good.
Be careful of other’s feelings. Wit at the other fellow’s expense is rarely worth the effort and may hurt where least expected.
Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Simply live so that nobody will believe them.
Don’t be too anxious about getting your just dues. Do you work, be patient, keep your disposition sweet, forget self, and you will be respected and rewarded!
——————————————————————————————————–Contributed by Alan Yip:
Founder, Peak Performance Coach and Master Trainer of MIND EDGE
A passionate educator, cutting edge entrepreneur and one of the most dynamic, powerful and humorous speakers in Asia.
With over 20 years of experience, he is dedicated to empowering others to realise their highest potential for success in school, work and life.
If you find this article helpful and wish to sharpen your mind for peak performance, feel free to chat with Mind Edge at 6345 1618.
Also read: 10 secret of being a truly happy parent