We all have ups and downs, days when we’re more motivated and energised than others. Some days, it really is easy to get up and exercise, or do whatever you want to do, then get on with work or chores or … live the good life you want to live. Other days, it’s not so easy. And it’s these days that are really important! Doing what makes you happy and healthy, working towards success and accomplishment, is easy when you’re feeling good. Doing at least something of value, on the hard days, is just as if not more important because that can determine the extent to which you fall down, and spira ..read more

There are so many opportunities to enjoy happiness and contentment in the world. There are so many things you can do to approach life with positivity and to bring about more joy and satisfaction. But even the best of us will fail at times. Because we’re human; and as humans, we’re imperfect and fallible. Just because you’re destined to make mistakes, doesn’t mean you need to give up on happiness. Keep trying. Keep trying even when, or especially when you fail and fall. Remind yourself of what worked and get back to doing that. Learn from what hasn’t worked and make changes where you can. Enlis ..read more

It’s Monday morning, here in Sydney anyway. And what better way to get the week going than with some positive stories about happiness and life, about living and loving well? So, if that’s something you think you’d be interested in then keep reading … First up, and 100% consistent with some of the ideas in my new book, due out soon, is this article via the SMH focusing on the health and wellbeing benefits of getting dirty! Sound interesting? Read more … HERE What if we approached happiness like dieting or nutrition? If we did, we might wonder what the best and healthiest “nutrients” might be ..read more

You can’t change the whole world; but you can change parts of YOUR world. You can’t do everything; but you can definitely do SOME things. You won’t matter to everyone; but you do matter to SOMEONE … Too often, too many of us try to do too much; but if our goals are unrealistic, they can feel overwhelming and stop us before we even get started. Don’t underestimate the little things you can do, those micro acts of courage and positivity, those small steps towards accomplishment and goodness.  Do what you can, that’s enough. Start from where you are, that’s the only real option. And use what ..read more

OK. So I’m sure I’m not the only one who has a drawer in their kitchen, full of cutlery and other cooking implements, that’s a complete mess! And I’m also pretty sure I’m not the only one who finds looking at the contents of this drawer slightly upsetting. Finally, I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks at this drawer multiple times each day, gets upset, and then does … nothing about it! But guess what? Today I tidied the drawer!!! It took all of 5 minutes and I feel fantastic! I’ve already looked at the drawer several times since and enjoyed wonderful positive emotions (not to mention the ot ..read more

If you’re a regular follower of my work, you’ll know that I have a new book coming out soon. It’s titled “Lost & Found” and it’s my most personal (and I think my best) book yet. As the title suggests, it’s about accepting being lost, being uncertain; it’s about embracing discomfort and mess. And I might have an opportunity to share a version of this book / story at SXSW Sydney, a new (local to me) offshoot of one of the most prestigious and cool conferences events in the world! But I need your help! Part of the process of selecting presenters is by vote. And so I’m hoping you can help me b ..read more

I’m sure you’ve just read the headline to this post, so let me be clear … happiness is great! Real and meaningful happiness provides many benefits; it’s not just feeling good but happiness is associated with better health and wellbeing, better quality relationships, improved performance in many life domains and even greater longevity. But it’s not all about happiness. No one is and no one should expect to be happy all the time. As the saying goes … it’s OK not to be OK all the time.  So called negative or unpleasant emotions are normal parts of being human in a sometimes messy and complic ..read more

I recently had a realisation, or truth be told a re-realisation (because I’ve been aware of this before), that … life is short and you only get one shot at it!  I know this sounds obvious, possibly cliched, but I also know it’s so easy to forget, to get caught up in life’s stressors and the problems of the world and to lose sight of what’s really important. And what is really important?  Well, obviously that’s up to you; and that will differ for different people. But if you do all you can to clarify your values and priorities AND THEN TO live a life consistent with your values and pr ..read more

As noted in the headline, it’s that time again! As I do from time to time, I’m happy to share today some articles of interest from around the web / world. With topics varying from happiness to health, wellbeing to philosophy and even depression, I hope you find something of value in the following … although my area of expertise is psychology, and positive psychology, I’ve always had a very strong interest in philosophy, which has always had much to say about life and happiness. So, if you do too, check out this article titled “4 philosophers on how to live a happy life” … HERE Although this b ..read more

There are certain things that are inevitable and unavoidable. And yet in some instances, we still pretend they’re not going to happen or avoid thinking about them until then smack us in the face. One of these is … death.  There’s no need for me to go into details, but for a variety or reasons, I’ve been thinking a bit about death of late. And interestingly, it hasn’t been an entirely negative experience. Don’t get me wrong, the death of a loved one will always be distressing. Grief and sadness and normal and appropriate responses to significant losses. But at the same time, as hinted at a ..read more