Hello, sports enthusiasts! Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, a dedicated coach, or a supportive parent, this blog post is for you. We’re going to dive into the world of happiness, and no, we’re not talking about the feeling you get when you finally beat your personal best or win that championship game (although that’s pretty great too!). We’re talking about the kind of happiness that comes from within and lasts longer than the thrill of victory. So, lace up those sneakers, put on your game faces, and let’s get started!
The Happiness Playbook
According to Stephanie Harrison, a researcher who has studied the science of happiness for the past 10 years, the secret to happiness is not money or success, but using who you are to help other people. Now, you might be thinking, “I’m an athlete, not a philanthropist!” But hear us out.
Harrison suggests that the key to happiness is discovering who you are, away from societal conditioning, and then figuring out the best ways to share that self with others. This might sound like a tall order, but it’s actually something you can start doing right now. And the best part? It’s a win-win situation. Helping others can lead to more happiness for you and the people you aid.
The New Happy
Harrison introduces the concept of “new happy,” which prioritizes working together, asking for help, and helping others. This is a stark contrast to the “old happy” values that emphasize gaining material things, being better than others, and getting tasks done on your own.
As athletes, we’re often told that winning is everything, that we must be the best, and that we must do it on our own. But what if we flipped the script? What if we focused on teamwork, asked for help when we needed it, and used our skills and talents to help others? According to Harrison, this could lead to true happiness.
The Happiness Workout
Just as you train your body for physical strength, you can also train your mind for happiness. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
- Send a note of appreciation: Let a teammate, coach, or family member know how much you appreciate them.
- Praise someone’s work: Compliment a fellow athlete on their performance or a coach on their training program.
- Reconnect with a friend: Reach out to a friend you haven’t heard from in a while.
- Thank a business: Give a call to a store or business that you enjoy and thank them.
- Smile at a stranger: A simple smile can brighten someone’s day.
- Speak up about a cause: Use your platform as an athlete to raise awareness about a cause that’s important to you.
Remember, these are just starting points. The key is to find ways to help others that align with who you are.
The Finish Line
In the end, happiness is not about the medals we win or the records we break. It’s about using who we are to help others. So, the next time you step onto the field, the court, or the track, remember that you’re not just an athlete. You’re a happiness warrior. Now, go out there and spread some joy!
References:
- Onque, R. (2024, May 16). This is the secret to happiness, from a happiness researcher.
- Harrison, S. New Happy. Penguin Random House.