Best Business Year

Work Smarter Not Harder and Create The Best Year of Your Business and Your Life

I believe everybody deserves a dose of bliss on a daily basis. In fact, I think it’s essential to good health as well as being one of the cornerstones of a fulfilling life.

Unfortunately, many people don’t give themselves this gift. They either don’t believe they deserve it deep down, or they are waiting for some future circumstances before they give themselves permission to indulge in bliss.

And for those of you who signed up for my blog for tips on growing your business, before you dismiss this idea as unrelated, think again. This will make you more productive because the more deeply satisfied you are at the basic human, emotional and primal level, the more powerful, creative, and efficient you will be at work.

If you have big goals, a tight schedule and many responsibilities, you might think you just don’t have time for bliss. Well, I say you don’t have time not to enjoy some bliss. don’t let your days pass you by.

If you aren’t taking your daily bliss time, maybe you need to take a lesson from my cat, Maggie. She is an expert on the topic. Take a look at this photo I snapped of her. She likes to lounge on top of the gas fireplace which makes it warm 24 hours a day. If you’ve ever been swimming in a river, and then laid out on a big hot rock, which has been warmed by the sun all day, you will understand why Maggie enjoys the fireplace so much. It’s truly blissful. You can find her lounging there at least once per day.

So if you aren’t giving yourself some daily bliss time, the solution is simple. Make it a priority. No more excuses. No more waiting. the time is now to enjoy your life. Make a quick and simple list of things that you absolutely enjoy – your “bliss list”. Then commit to making time for at least one of them every day.

Personally, I give myself bliss time every morning and evening. In the morning, I do yoga and meditation and listen to music. I don’t do these things because I think they are good for me. These aren’t objectives to accomplish from my to-do-list. I actually really enjoy doing yoga. For me, it’s self-indulgent. I don’t push myself hard to increase my flexibility or strength, instead I do what they call “restorative yoga” and just enjoy coming fully into my body. It’s almost like receiving a massage. I listen to whatever music I’m in the mood for and start the day off right.

In the evenings, I always do something different. It could be enjoying a cup of tea and chatting with a friend. Reading a good book. Watching a DVD with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, or taking a walk along the cliffs down at the ocean. The specific thing that I do isn’t that important. What’s more important is simply that I devote at least a little time each day to the purpose of pleasure. It’s time to indulge my inner child, have some fun, be sensual, be entertained, laugh, relax, and enjoy just being alive, being human, and being in a body.

Sometimes I even take a nap in the middle of the day! In many other countries it is common to take a guilt-free siesta. It’s only in America that naps are considered weak or lazy.

We are all unique and what I find blissful might be downright dreadful to you. So make your own unique “bliss list”. Don’t make this another task. Have fun!

If you have trouble feeling bliss, see my post on the Key to Happiness.

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Ryan Eliason is a professional life and business coach with a proven track record of business success. His small business clients have frequently doubled or tripled their incomes, increased their positive impact, and simultaneously improved their lifestyles. Subscribe to this blog. Download your FREE audio seminar and workbook on How To Have The Best Year of Your Business and Your Life.