What does happiness
look like to you? /2

A look at the DREAM component of the GREAT DREAM model

By Angela Civitella

Previously published June 3, 2020

This week we look at the DREAM component of Vanessa King’s GREAT DREAM model. It is a reminder of how, with a little work, focus and the desire to achieve a better more fulfilling life, anything is possible. It all lies within each and every one of us.

D: Direction

Happiness comes, in part, from finding the things that are important to you. So, setting personal goals that are based on your core values will help you to replace drift with direction. Working to achieve those goals can be enjoyable, engaging and rewarding.

Happiness comes, in part, from finding the things that are important to you.

Equally, workplace goals that motivate and challenge you – but which remain achievable, can provide a roadmap to a fulfilling career.

R: Resilience

You can’t always dictate what happens to you in life, but you can choose how you respond. The way that you react to setbacks, such as failure, loss and illness, can greatly impact your happiness.

The good news is that resilience is not just about how naturally tough you are: it’s a skill that you can learn. Key to this is to change your mindset to regard setbacks as temporary challenges, rather than as permanent disasters.

‘… resilience is not just about how naturally tough you are: it’s a skill that you can learn.’

E: Emotions

Few of us get through life without “ups and downs”, but focusing on the times when you feel emotions such as joy and inspiration can help you to build a positive outlook.

Consider keeping a journal, to record the times when you experience strong positive emotions – when a presentation goes really well, for example, or when your boss congratulates you on a job well done. Reflecting on the pride or even the elation that you feel will help you to keep negative emotions in check through the tough times.

The ability to regulate your emotions, known as “Emotional Intelligence”, is also a highly prized leadership skill, so learning to recognize and control your feelings in this way can benefit your career too.

‘… focusing on the times when you feel emotions such as joy and inspiration can help you to build a positive outlook.’

A: Acceptance

Being compassionate with yourself, and accepting your strengths as well as your weaknesses, promotes happiness and a sense of “peace”. No one is perfect, and challenging negative self-talk can prevent you from dwelling on your flaws.

M: Meaning

Research shows that people feel happier when they feel that their lives have meaning. “Meaning” can cover a huge range of life experiences, from religious faith to a belief that the organization you work for fulfils a noble purpose.

‘… try to foster a stronger sense of purpose, by searching for connections between what you do and the “bigger picture”…’

“Meaning” usually has three main components:
• Feeling that what you do makes a difference
• Understanding how the different facets of your life connect
• Having a purpose from which you can develop goals

So, try to foster a stronger sense of purpose, by searching for connections between what you do and the “bigger picture” – your community or the wider world, for example.

Work to understand your organization’s mission beyond the bottom line and its approach to corporate citizenship. Look too for opportunities to participate in charitable or educational projects to find a higher purpose in what you do.

Wishing you happiness, fulfilment, and most of all, the life you have always dreamed of.

Image: Bruce Mars from PexelsOther articles by Angela Civitella
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