Be happy now. It's a great Western disease that we'll be happy in the future - when we get higher status or that BMW or that promotion or this project finished. Instead, be happy now.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of finding happiness in the present rather than postponing it for future achievements.
Marshall Goldsmith's quote highlights a common mindset in Western culture where people often believe they will find happiness in the future through external achievements and possessions, such as status or wealth. Instead, Goldsmith urges individuals to embrace happiness in the present moment, advocating for a proactive approach to joy rather than a future-dependent perspective.
In practice
This quote can be shared at a personal development seminar to inspire attendees to focus on present happiness.
Active questions are the alternative to passive questions. There is a huge difference between, 'Do you have clear goals?' and 'Did you do your best to set clear goals for yourself?' The former is trying to determine the employee's state of mind; the latter challenges the employee to describe or defend a course of action.
Treat every piece of advice as a gift or a compliment and simply say, “Thank you.
The only thing I don't think people don't understand about good leaders is that they're both good and lucky. A lot of it is timing.
Life is short. Do whatever you can to help people - not for status, but because the 95-year-old you will be proud if you did help people and disappointed if you didn't.
If we become aware of what's happening before we act, behaviour becomes a function of choice rather than a result of an impulse or trigger. You begin to control your world more as opposed to the outside world controlling you.
A leader who is self-aware enough to know that he or she is not adept at everything is one who has taken the first step toward being a great leader.
If you're in a position where you can help other people, there is nothing better in life than helping other people. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!
If you practice gratitude a little, your life will change a little. If you practice gratitude a lot every day, your life will change dramatically and in ways that you can hardly imagine.
I have no name: I am but two days old. What shall I call thee? I happy am, Joy is my name. Sweet joy befall thee!
And as I walk round the park I always think, 'Maybe round the corner I am going to find something beautiful.' I always think positively. It is very rare that you find me in a mood that is sad or melancholic.
I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.
Maybe happiness too is a metaphor invented on a day of boredom
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