Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar attracts more people to his Harvard University Positive Psychology class than any professor has EVER attracted to any single class at the University. Over 1400 hundred students attended last semester. WHY?

The professor says that surprisingly he has discovered that students are more interested in being happy than becoming rich or famous.

He says the question is not, “Am I happy?” but “How can I be happier?” Traditionally psychology has focused on moving people from depression, anxiety etc. to reaching that -0- point where they can function again in society. In 1998, Dr. Martin Seligman challenged the profession when he said that psychologists aren’t encouraging people to reach their full potential if they settle for getting to zero.

So how do we take action on increasing our happiness quotient? According to Ben-Shahar there are six specific action steps for increasing happiness:

1. Expressing gratitude every day.
2. Simplifying our lives by saying NO more often.
3. Breathing deeply regularly.
4. Focusing on the positives in all life circumstances.
5. Exercising regularly.
6. Focusing on what brings meaning to our lives, what brings us pleasure, operating out of our strengths.

Practicing these six actions could CREATE INCREDIBLE happiness for all of us. I can’t wait to hear Tal Ben-Shahar’s keynote at the ICF conference next week in Orlando! I intend to absorb as much happiness as possible in the presence of fabulous coaches from around the world.