Category: Happy Life

7 Things Happy People Do – They Take Action (Part 5 of 7)

Published on by Janet5 Comments

That new information you learn?

Take action with it!

This is part 5 of a 7-part series: Things Happy People Do.

Key #1 is Happy People Have an Open Mind.
Key #2 is Happy People Love to Learn.
Key #3 is Happy People Put Themselves First.
Key #4 is Happy People Approve of Themselves.

Key #5:

Happy People Take Action

Knowledge is (almost) useless without action. Action is after all how you participate in life and achieve your goals.

“I learn by going where I have to go.”

Theodore Roethke

You only fully understand your knowledge once you use it.

Imagine a surgeon never performing a real life operation. Their theory, their knowledge never unfolds into pure understanding and wisdom unless they take action. Once they do, they truly “get it”.

It is the same for you in your life. Action becomes wisdom.

I am Healthier Through Action

For years, every time a new nutritional concept resonated with me, I tried it out.

I don’t even look for them anymore they just seem to find me!

But only by acting on it did I fully understand the instructions or the book and learn whether it works for me. Taking action also raises new questions for me and I am able to ask even more in-depth questions.

While I’ve never stayed with any one particular way of eating, I retained certain wisdoms from each.

From the Zone Diet, I learned that a way to feel full after a meal is to make sure it has a portion of fat, protein as well as carbohydrate.

The Eat Right For Your (Blood) Type book taught me gluten in bread makes most people feel sluggish.

But bread is so yum and while I tend to still balance my bread intake, my bigger focus now is thinking:

“everything I eat is good for me”

A far more powerful way of thinking.

While I don’t overload my day with bread, I now digest it more easily (and enjoy it). Your thoughts really do decide your life.

It is an effort to take action, but only initially. The achievement you get gives satisfaction, happiness and that motivation to keep going. Greater discoveries here we come!

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”

George Bernard Shaw

How Do You Take Action?

Once you learn something new, Continue reading “7 Things Happy People Do – They Take Action (Part 5 of 7)” →

7 Things Happy People Do – They Approve of Themselves (Part 4 of 7)

Published on by Janet2 Comments

Do you want an ideal way to love yourself more? Then…

Approve of yourself!

This is part 4 of a 7-part series: Things Happy People Do.

Key #1 is Happy People Have an Open Mind.
Key #2 is Happy People Love to Learn.
Key #3 is Happy People Put Themselves First.

Key #4:

Happy People Approve of Themselves

What Does it Mean to Approve of Yourself?

When you approve of yourself you approve of everything you think, say and do. And everything you have ever thought, said or done.

Sure, we always learn from what we say and do, but don’t agonize over the past and allow it to spoil your future. Add it to your wisdom and move on with today.

If I’m challenging you today, that’s good, it will help liberate you. Everything you’ve ever thought, said or done is okay.

“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.”

Walt Disney

Keep Moving Forward Toward Your Dreams

Additionally, happy people also approve of their abilities and skills, and move forward in their life despite the need to further develop certain areas e.g. confidence, self-esteem, negotiating, interview skills… whatever.

Holding back because of doubt or hiding because of low self-esteem will never take you to more confidence, it just leads to frustration… it leads to unhappiness.

By contrast, it is through engaging in life that your skills develop as does your self-approval.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

~~ E.E. Cummings

My Dream of Working Overseas

In the early stages of my I.T. career, at 22, I moved from South Africa to live and contract in London.

I had a yearning to work in another country, it wasn’t enough for me to travel; I wanted to experience the nitty-gritty of life in another country.

To my delight I discovered my ADABAS/Natural programming skills (… looong time ago!) were in short supply the world over, including England. A friend was heading there to stay in her large family home in Sevenoaks, Kent and invited me to tag along.

The trouble was that although I had experience in Natural programming, it wasn’t recent. But I was going no matter what, so there I was wildly revisiting my programming notes and studying for interviews. A few months later I flew to England, a little nervous.

Choose Your Destiny

This choice of mine completely changed my destiny, not that I knew it then. I now live in Australia instead of South Africa so that’s a clue. My point is that although I recognized the need for more experience, my opportunity to live in England arrived and I took it.

Where There’s a Will There’s a Way!

My first contract wasn’t easy; Continue reading “7 Things Happy People Do – They Approve of Themselves (Part 4 of 7)” →

Self-help Book “How to Get Anything You Want – Just Like That!” Wins 3 Reader Views Literary Awards

Published on by Janet

Every year Reader Views honors exemplary books from independent self-publishers with the Literary Book Awards.

I’m thrilled to say my book How to Get Anything You Want – Just Like That ! is a winner in the Reader Views 2011 Literary Awards:

2nd  in the International Award Self-Help category – overall

1st    in the Regional Award – Australia, New Zealand, Australasia

1st    in a Specialized Award for Self-Improvement

The Specialized Award is sponsored by Jim Bouchard author of the book “Think Like a Black Belt”. The criteria for this award is as follows:

Self-published or published by small independent publisher – awarded to a non-fiction personal development/self-help book that is motivational, inspirational or functional presenting a story or system that encourages the cultivation of any or all of the following: self-confidence, discipline, focus, courage and respect.

The prize involves two $450 mentoring packages (one for the author and one as a giveaway for one of my fabulous readers – keep a look out here for that notification coming soon). Mentoring is an asset because it gives us (you and me) welcome feedback about ourselves and an opportunity for support in our endeavors. My prize also includes a featured review and segment on Jim Bouchard’s Think Like a Black Belt show.

How to Get Anything You Want – Just Like That ! teaches people how to reach their full potential, live life on their own terms and to have fun on their journey.

See the “Just Like That!” Book Review by Reader Views

While some of us may need to read the same stuff over and over again, I have to admit that it is incredibly refreshing to get my hands on a book that I truly feel might be the only self help book that anyone could ever possibly need.”   Paige Lovitt – Reader Views

Reader Views book review of “How to Get Anything You Want – Just Like That!”

See the List of All Winners

List of all Reader Views 2011 Literary Award winners

About the Reader Views Annual Literary AwardsReader Views Logo

The Reader Views Annual Literary Awards honor writers who self-published or had their books published by a subsidy publisher, small press, university press, or independent book publisher geared for the North American reading audience.

Irene Watson, Managing Editor, started Reader Views 6 years ago after recognizing a need for authentic independent book reviews for self-published and first-time authors. In that time Reader Views has reviewed over 8,000 books. Irene Watson has a solid reputation in the publishing industry due to her integrity and genuine passion in helping authors.

James Patterson is one of Irene Watson’s biggest clients, yet Irene also ensures affordable publicity opportunities for first-time authors. Reader Views supports several charities.

*** DOWNLOAD TODAY 3 Free Radical Chapters ***

Just Like That! Front Cover
Start TODAY – Download 3 free chapters

Testimonials – What People are Saying

Janet Poole’s book took me on a journey I wasn’t expecting. It was a journey that enabled me to discover parts of myself I didn’t know existed. Her book gave me the courage to make a decision that has plagued me since 1985. And that is do I or don’t I take the plunge and publish my own children’s writing. Following her guidance in chapter five about challenges and the powerful opportunities they open up for you, I feel confident that I can achieve my goal of publishing my own work.

…Janet Poole’s book is not one that can be read once and put away. It is a reference for life that each additional reading will enhance the understanding of oneself and the world one exists in.”

– Warren Thurston – AussieAuthors

 Just Like That! is lucidly written with a warm matter-of-fact tone which makes it approachable and easy to read.”

– Alicia Thompson – NSW Writers’ Centre

 How to Get Anything You Want – Just Like That! is a gem of a book. It will be enjoyed by psychologists and lay people alike. Each page is encouraging and enriching. So grab a cup of latte, and plan to be empowered and transformed like never before.”

 – Irene S. Roth – BlogCritics

We have all probably heard the phrase, “You have to love yourself before anyone else can love you” – and usually I would say in return, “blah, blah, blah”.  Not so with this book. The author does a fantastic job of helping you discover who you really are and what your weaknesses are.”

– Couponer101

 This book is something else entirely.”

– TeachableMommy

 The book is easy to read, hard to put down at times, in fact.”

– Verginon40

It is full of insightful information that will make you re-think what you have learned from this genre in the past.  With unique hints that seem to be tailored to your individual style, Just Like That! can help you barrel through the obstacles and reach your true potential.  Janet’s distinct writing and powerful voice make for an educational and inspiring read.”

– Bridget Hopper – Readaholic

Buy your copy of “How to Get Anything You Want – Just Like That!” from Amazon.com (Kindle also available) or from this site if you live in Australia – see buttons at left.

7 Things Happy People Do – They Put Themselves First (Part 3 of 7)

Published on by Janet2 Comments

Candle relaxPut yourself first.

I know I know that’s supposed to be taboo.

And therefore a great reason to challenge it : -)

Putting yourself first is logical when you know why.

If you want scientific proof then I have that too.

If the idea sounds tempting then I say, good for you.

It’s 4 years since this blog post was written.
As of 2016, it’s my 4th most popular blog post.
It shows many of us are asking questions about what we’re “allowed” to have.
We have a yearning for truth.

Imagine if we ALL had permission to do what’s right for us, to follow our passions. Everyone would be happier, correct?

This is part 3 of a 7-part series: Things Happy People Do.

Key #1 is Happy People Have an Open Mind.
Key #2 is Happy People Love to Learn.

Let’s get started on #3.

Key #3:

Happy People Put Themselves First

Putting yourself first means you can follow your passion.

It’s the difference between waking up and savouring the idea of the day ahead and bouncing out of bed yelling, “Oh yea!” versus groaning, “Ugh, and now I have to get up…”!

“Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.”

Jon Bon Jovi

Would You Even Know You’re Putting Others First?

Putting others first is a program so drilled into us as children it becomes part of who we are.

Then someone (that would be me) shocks us with “put yourself first !” and we draw back in horror.

So how does putting others first play out in our life?

It means we rarely do what we want.

We spend our life trying to please our family and friends and be accepted by our peers. We do what is popular, we try to fit in, we never offend (a serious no-no), we try to impress others and appear successful and yes, we even try to appear happy.

Does feeling obligated to please others and having to constantly appear successful make you happy?
No.

Most people consider this selfish… it’s not.

Why?

That Scientific Proof You Wanted

1. Quantum physicists have proved that you can only create your own reality – by what you think and how you choose to live your life.

You don’t create someone else’s reality – you can only create yours.

2. Take that one step further and you’ll see you can’t make someone else happy; why some people are never satisfied no matter how hard you try.

3. And one more step – the flip side: You can’t expect others to make you happy.

It’s all about YOU. You make it happen for YOU.

You’ll Become More Generous and Loving

Just because you put yourself first doesn’t mean you skip your responsibilities and stop loving your children. Nor do you become selfish, nasty or greedy. You’re human: you’ll always care for others. You become even more generous, patient and loving. And you’re empowering yourself and others. Life is brilliant!

Tell me, would you rather be around someone who is vibrantly happy and inspirational or someone who is exhausted and disgruntled after years of self-sacrifice… and of course trying their best to mask it? You decide.

My Time as a Stay-at-Home Mother

Women with children surely face one of the toughest challenges to feel okay about putting themselves first.

When I was a SAHM, I was desperate for me time. So were my friends.

It didn’t help that I had no family in Australia, my daughter had started school and I had a very lively active (adorable!) 3yo son who had moved on from his afternoon naps.

Back then I didn’t know about putting myself first.

Achieving Me Time

So how did I handle the situation back then?

I must have had inkling of how important this was because I chose to put my son in childcare 5 hours on a Wednesday.

This meant I could get a cup of coffee by myself or even chop vegetables for dinner uninterrupted!

I didn’t even want to catch up with friends – I just wanted to be alone.

My son hated childcare.

The first few months were fine and he always had a lot of fun once there, but he started objecting every Wednesday morning. I persevered a little longer because I knew I was a better, more patient mother with me time.

I stopped the childcare because my son was becoming more distraught, however those 6 months gave me what I needed. He started kindergarten soon after and I got a few hours to myself.

How Can Your Attitude Help You?

You don’t have to logically work out how to put yourself first. Merely understand that you’re entitled to do so and Continue reading “7 Things Happy People Do – They Put Themselves First (Part 3 of 7)” →

7 Things Happy People Do – They Love to Learn (Part 2 of 7)

Published on by Janet2 Comments

We seldom connect the word “learning” with “happiness”.

Yet learning is a fundamental key to being happy.

For me, learning is like breathing, I live to do it!

If by chance you equate learning with boring then you’ve probably never sought to learn about that which interests you.

As children we were forced into learning what others decided for us. School was not my favourite place.

Not so now.
Now we are free.
Learning ought to be wild, exciting, fun, and take you into new adventures.
Make it so.

Read on to learn (!) how.

“The greater our knowledge increases the more our ignorance unfolds.”

John F. Kennedy

This is part 2 of a 7-part series: Things Happy People Do.

Key #1 is Happy People Have an Open Mind. Let’s get started on #2!

Key #2:

Happy People Love to Learn

Learning leads to wisdom. One answer can open up a thousand more questions.

It intrigued me when I first realized that learning makes me happy. I was already doing a lot of learning and it’s all so obvious now, but I simply hadn’t crystallized it. But what a great way to intentionally exercise your power to change your life and instantly move into greater happiness… Just Like That!

Learning becomes a thrill once you understand the idea. Life is boring when you don’t add to your knowledge.

Definition of a boring life? A life that stays the same with the same old ideas. Just writing that is enough for me.

  • Knowledge encourages you to further open your mind; to embrace radical new concepts.
  • Your open mind draws you into further knowledge; into new adventures called LIFE.

Never stop learning. If you want to have fun.

At some point the knowledge you gain will radically challenge one of your beliefs. If you embrace it, then you’ve officially cast off and are sailing your own chosen course.

A great example is the extraordinary cancer breakthrough coming up.

Where Do You Start?

Step 1: Start learning about how life works. Why not? It affects everything. Once you know why and how you create your life, you reach a whole new level of confidence, freedom, and can-do happiness. Read on for how to get started with that. Continue reading “7 Things Happy People Do – They Love to Learn (Part 2 of 7)” →