Owning a business can be stressful. And being happy in your business requires controlling those stress levels and creating a healthy work environment. Here are a few things happy small business owners do differently, inspired by Purpose Fairy’s tips from happy people:

1. Focus on the Motivations for Your Actions

Stop ‘going through the motions’ and put some feeling behind what you do. Remember the goals you’re trying to reach with every action, and they will help push you forward. By placing a sense of weight and importance into your actions, the outcomes are much more satisfying and rewarding. Focus on the ‘why'; not the ‘what’.

2. Choose Acceptance and Compromise, not Resistance

The world is an evolving place, and in order to maintain your niche within it, you must grow and adapt along with it. Resisting change can cost you both financially and personally. Instead of using that energy to resist, try to accept that the changes that happen in life, and attempt to find the reason.

3. Focus Less on Fear and More on Love

Fear is a two-dimensional beast, and one must slay it to reach the end goal. Equip yourself with love and move forward on your quest, with a different outlook: view things you face in your business not as obstacles but tools. Look at others not as enemies but allies.

4. Respect and Trust

Whether you’re talking to your employees or the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company, treat all with dignity and respect. The happiest business owners are able to make each person they meet feel unique and trusted, regardless of their status.

5. See Problems as Opportunities

Don’t get intimidated by your problems, but approach them as new opportunities. Use them to explore new ways of thinking and problem solving, and instead of hindering you, they can help you to expand and grow.

6. Choose Selflessness over Selfishness

“Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy; while giving, the mind of the giver is made peaceful; and having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted.” ~ Buddha

Look for ways to give back to your community, whether it be enrolling in local activities or donating to local projects. Charity work and donations are not out of the question either. The idea of giving back is a way to help make others happy, and it feels good to do it, too.

8. “Dream No Small Dreams”

Don’t be afraid to dream big, and reach for the stars. Being realistic isn’t quite as important as it is to be true to your own intuition and wants. Dare yourself to reach for the stars, and you just might catch one.

9. Recognize the Power of Kindness

The ability to be kind to yourself and others is key. Happy people are able to understand the powers of forgiveness, love, and acceptance, for themselves and others.

10. Express Gratitude with a Simple Thank You

A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way, and you might be surprised what a thank you letter can do. Be sure to show gratitude for all that you are given, and you’ll be surprised what you may find.

11. Engage in Daily Tasks

Live in the present, with your eyes on the future. Engage with your employees and customers and take part in the daily activities around your business. Focus on your daily tasks and set attainable daily goals for yourself.

12. Take Responsibility, Don’t Place Blame

Remember that taking ownership comes down to you, so don’t try to make excuses. By placing blame in someone else, you are giving away all of your power. Keep that power, and don’t be afraid to take the heat.

13. A Positive Outlook

Keeping a positive, glass-half-full outlook can do wonders. Though negative people may find this ‘irritating’, there is really no point in lamenting over each speedbump. Address the problem, fix it, then shake it off.

14. The Importance of Forgiveness

Holding anger is unhealthy and contagious. Being able to forgive and forget is an important part of maintaining a comfortable work environment. There’s no need to come in upset each day because someone took your lunch last week.

15. Choose Praise over Critique

Although critiques are important for improvement, it’s also critical to be able to address the positive points in your own and others’ performance. Address the positive points, then suggest ways to improve upon them.

Courtesy: Small Biz Trends

About Aubrielle Billig