I’m currently reading a book titled “The Happiness Project” or as the author Gretchen Rubin calls it “Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.”

Rubin spent a year, going month by month, searching for small life changes that would impact her overall happiness, or as the bookend much more eloquently states “test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.” I’m normally skeptical about books like this; however, this one came upon high recommendation by a good friend, so I thought “why not?” Personally, I think happiness is fleeting, but joy is something that really sticks with you. However, I also think the two do go hand-in-hand. Anyways, I won’t get too deep-thoughts-Jos on you here, but I love so many of the bold and defining statements the book makes about happiness. I’m currently reading Chapter 3, which hones in on aiming high at work, and I was completely blown away by what Rubin had to say about happiness in the workplace. I couldn’t agree more…

Happy People: 

“They tend to be more cooperative, less self-centered, and more willing to help other people-say, by sharing information or pitching in to help a colleague-and then, because they’ve helped others, others tend to help them. Also they work better with others, because people prefer to be around happier people…Happier people also make more effective leaders…They’re viewed as more assertive and self-confident than less happy people. They’re perceived to be more friendly, warmer, and even physically attractive…Being happy can make a big difference in your work life.”

– “The Happiness Project,” author Gretchen Rubin (pages 69-70)

I felt so compelled to share this excerpt because I think that this sums up a real recipe for success. Basically, Rubin is saying that happiness makes you more effective in the long run, more approachable, and ever better looking. I mean, sign me up! What do you think? If you were happier, do you think you’d be more successful?