One of the popular slogans of the 1960’s was, “If it feels good, do it.” It epitomized the do-your-own-thing, pleasure-above-all-else thinking of the era.
I’m not suggesting we be irresponsible, do things that only serve ourselves or focus only on pleasure for the moment.
BUT, feeling good IS important. And it’s not selfish.
In order to do our best, we need to FEEL our best. If we want to make a difference in the world, it is incumbent upon us to find ways to feel good. That’s why it’s our JOB to feel good.
This runs contrary to many religious doctrines that seem to encourage suffering, penance and guilt. As a result, many people feel guilty being happy. The message (or at least the response) is that feeling good just isn’t something a good person should feel—especially if others are suffering.
But whether you’re an athlete, a doctor, a business owner or a parent, you do your best work when you feel good. You’re more confident. You’re physically healthier, more creative and have more stamina. You simply operate at a higher level of performance.
Think about it. Would you want a doctor doing open heart surgery on you when he or she isn’t feeling their best? Do you want the people you work with to be feeling bad? Of course you don’t.
We hear lots of ideas and advice as to how to be in better physical health, but not anywhere near as much about our emotional health. And most of that is directed toward poor emotional health. The focus is usually on getting to normal, but not much about creating exceptional emotional health—about feeling good.
I don’t know about you, but just being normal isn’t very inspiring to me. Average is like being the best of the worst and the worst of the best. It’s boring.
If we do our best when we feel good, shouldn’t we be actively engaged in finding ways to feel better and then doing those things on a regular basis?
I’m willing to bet that you will get blank stares from at least 9 out of every 10 people you ask, “What do you do to feel good?”
We don’t have control over all the things that happen to us. But we do have control over our REACTION to what happens to us. We can choose to feel bad or we can choose to feel good.
It’s easier said than done, for sure. But unless we are proactive in our intention to feel good and to feel happy, we will be at the effect of our emotions.
We all want to be happy. So why not intentionally work at feeling good and being happy? Far too many people postpone happiness until some time in the future when they have certain things or have achieved certain goals. But that doesn’t work.
No matter what your circumstance, you can choose to feel good rather than bad. You can actively change your state and train your mind to feel better.
What will you do today to make yourself feel good?
Recommended Reading
Discover Your Empowering Purpose
Live Your Life with More Meaning, Significance and Fulfillment
Empowering Purpose is a real game changer. If you’re looking for more direction, inspiration, motivation, determination and devotion, read this book, go through the exercises and watch your life catch fire.
