The pursuit of unhappiness

Strategic Finance, July, 2007 by Robert W. Gunn, Betsy Raskin Gullickson

With her newly heightened awareness, Karen is about to go after another raise. This time, she's carefully sorting out her thoughts first by asking herself:

* What do I really need?

* Does my boss have the authority to give me what I need?

* If I ask for what I need and my request is granted, will I be satisfied?

* What if I just stop dividing my attention between work and reward? Won't that end the constant tug of dissatisfaction?

* What if I just concentrate on the job at hand and try to do the best I can, standing firmly in the present and unconcerned about my future reward?

* What if I just release my attachment to money, recognition, fame, praise? Will knowing that I am doing a good job allow me to generate satisfaction myself?

In short, the key question isn't "How can the boss make me happy?" Nobody else and nothing external have the power to do that. Karen is now asking, "What can I do to improve my mental condition in order to find it easier to feel positive about my work?"

All happiness is personal. The choice is ours: Will we allow unexamined habits to drive our reactions to people and events, or will we step into the full richness of experience and life uncensored by our thoughts?

Bob Gunn, Editor

Bob Gunn is the cofounder of Accompli, an advisory/coaching/training firm focused on organizational change and executive leadership development. You can e-mail Bob at rgunn@AccompliGroup.com.

Betsy Raskin Gullickson was an EVP for Ketchum Communications and is now a leadership coach and author.