The 7 Basic Reasons we aren’t happy (by Jeff Haden)

"The 7 Basic Reasons we aren’t happy" (summary of Jeff Haden’s Post on LinkedIn) Click Her for original:

1. We mistake joining for belonging:
• Pick a group you want to belong to and do the work necessary to earn their respect and trust.
2. We think we can achieve anything.
• What you achieve isn’t nearly as important as achieving something. Pick a goal you’re suited for and go after it.
3. We think professional success equals fulfillment.
• Work hard on business. Work just as hard on a few other things you can someday look back on with a different sense of pride; then, where personal fulfillment is concerned, you get to feel great now and later.
4. We’re afraid of what we really are.
• If you don’t like how you look, decide what you’re willing to do about it and start doing it. Just don't ever compare yourself to someone like her or him; your only goal is to be a better version of the current you.
5. We have no one to call at 3 a.m.
• Take off your armor and make some real friends. It’s easier than it sounds, because other people long to make real friends too. Don’t worry; they’ll like the real you. And you’ll like the real them.
6. We mistake structure for control.
• Decide what you really want to do and go after it. You'll feel a real sense of control because you really care.
7. We've stopped failing.
• Why? Failure isn't defeating; failure is motivating.
• Failure also provides a healthy dose of perspective, makes us more tolerant and patient, and makes us realize we're a lot like the people around us.