Happiness Project

Resolve to Make 2010 a Happier Year.

I’m working on my Happiness Project, and you could have one, too! Everyone’s project will look different, but it’s the rare person who can’t benefit. Join in -- no need to catch up, just jump in right now. Each Friday’s post will help you think about your own happiness project.

Last year was a tough year for a lot of people, but January brings a fresh start. Ask yourself: what would make you happier? Cleaner closets, less yelling, more fun? Make it happen in 2010!

In 2010, each month, I’ll propose an area of life to tackle, and once a week, over the next four weeks, I’ll suggest concrete, manageable resolutions to help you boost your happiness – and I’ll periodically remind you to stick with them. Also, assuming I manage to pull this off, I’m going to do a series of short videos on the proposed resolutions and why they matter.

To help people stick with their happiness projects, I’ve set up a sign-up sheet so you can add your name to the 2010 Year of Happiness challenge. It’s worth taking a second actually to sign up; studies show that doing an action, like signing this pledge, will help you hold yourself accountable for your resolutions.

The areas of focus will be:
• January--Body
• February--Love
• March--Work
• April--Money
• May--Mindfulness
• June--Order
• July--Spirit
• August--Fun
• September--Spirituality
• October--Friends
• November--Attitude
• December--Joy

Of course, these categories are just my suggestions. You might choose to focus on very different areas for your happiness project.

January 1 is always a good time to make a resolution – 44% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions – so by adding your name now, you’re committed to taking action when January 1 rolls around.

Also, it’s so exciting -- to kick-start your 2010 happiness project, you can check out the posts, tips, and tools over at the Woman’s Day Happiness Project page. Womansday.com has an entire area devoted to happiness projects, so check it out and get inspired. You can read accounts of other people's happiness projects here.

Now, some people argue with the term “happiness” and maintain that it’s not possible to be “happy.” But even people who can’t agree on what it means to be “happy” can agree that most people can be “happier.” And that’s the goal of the 2010 Year of Happiness challenge – in some way, to make yourself happier.

Join in.