In her new book Life & Love, serial entrepreneur and editor of The Collective Lisa Messenger talks business, balance, the importance of family, and how to thrive as the fullest version of yourself.
Here’s Lisa’s quick version on how to be happier in 2015…
1. Don’t sweat the small stuff
“Everyone has worries sometimes (I run a magazine sold in 37 countries – it isn’t easy), but the trick is stopping a downward spiral. When I’m in danger of going down a negative path, I like to ask myself these questions: will it matter in 10 minutes from now? Will it matter 10 months from now? Will it matter 10 years from now? And if you really want some perspective – will it matter 10 decades from now?”
2. Seek creative outlets
“Try different hobbies and put yourself out there. Live life. Really live it! Paint, draw, doodle, read, sing, knit, craft, build, act, cook, photograph, dive or climb. GO WILD. Just start doing something. It could even be the start of a whole new career path. If you’re struggling to tune into your purpose, listen for the consistencies from people around you. You may be really great at something that you consider ‘just a hobby’, but if people keep commenting on how great you are at it, perhaps there’s a way to monetise it and take it to your business world?”
3. Create a sacred space
“People often underestimate the impact our environment has on our happiness. If you spend the whole day in an office, find smalls ways to make that space lighter, brighter and more inspiring. It could be as simple as opening a window so you can hear the wind rustling outside, adding pot plants and fresh flowers or investing in a chair that doesn’t cramp you. At home, your sacred space could be symbolised by one cushion in your favourite colour. Tell your family, your friends, your colleagues; ‘when I am sitting on this cushion I am having me-time and do not want to be disturbed until it leaves my bottom’.
4. Find your tribe
“They say the most memorable people in your life will be the friends who love you even when you aren’t lovable. And thank goodness for these kind, forgiving, generous souls (you know who you are) because I’ve learned that everyone needs friends. Not hundreds. Not even a dozen. Life is busy and it takes time to nurture such genuine, deep, committed relationships. But enough friends to balance out the ‘yes’ people in your life.”
5. Less talk, more action
“There are two types of people in this world – the ‘implementers’ and the ‘gunnas’. The ‘gunnas’ always say they’re gunna do this and gunna do that, but really, they never do. As so it doesn’t matter how good their idea is, it’s just an idea. I love the ‘implementers’, those who put their arse on the line and commit. They reach inside of themselves and get a little uncomfortable, because at the end of the day, they get out there and do. You should too!”
BUY IT Life & Love by Lisa Messenger is on sale Feb 12. Visit www.collectivehub.com
