The Cooling Stream

Re-label your work
Research shows that activities we label as work, are naturally less pleasurable than play. Blur the work life boundaries, there is little difference between a challenging meeting and an argument over dinner.

Seek out happiness
Don't wait for the interesting projects to come to you, they won't. If the CEO's new initiative gets your adrenalin pumping, be clear on how you can contribute and volunteer. Put yourself in the fast lane if that's where you want to be.

Find the purpose
Who gains from the work you do? How are you improving people's lives? From the product your organisation is creating and the customers you are supporting, through to the team you are leading and developing, relish the impact you have.

Stretch yourself
Pleasure alone does not make us happy, we also need challenge. This is why, surprising as it may seem, we are three times more likely to find happiness at work. Set yourself an ambitious goal that will push you to new levels.

Build the people around you
Get good at delegating in a way that builds their skills, they will love you for it and you'll be admired by others. It also means you can spend more time doing what you enjoy.

Praise people
It is infectious and will raise the mood of everyone around you.

Appreciate the good things
Give as much attention to the positive strengths, achievements and qualities as you do to the problems, challenges and mistakes.

Think back
Good, bad or indifferent we can always learn something. Write down everything you achieved at work last year, however small. Then reflect on what you learnt from the things that didn't go according to plan.

Stick to your focus
Decide where you want your achievements to be, plan how you are going to make it happen with clear timings and get going.