Our success and happiness depend upon us. When we resolve to be happy and joyful. we form an invincible host against difficulties. Psychologists and surveys tell us, that success and happiness are what people want most out of life. But what if people have to choose between the two, happiness or success? Happiness would win hands down! After all, what good is success if it doesn’t make us happy? Here are some inspiring thoughts on success and happiness.
It’s a proven fact that we pursue most earnestly the things we consider most important. Why, then, do so few people say they feel truly happy and fulfilled? Why don’t they find what they’re after? What’s missing? Where do they go wrong? The answer can usually be summed up in one word: People.

When we stop and think about it, other people play an important part in any real happiness we experience. And if we will think about it some more, we will realize that our level of happiness is in part a reflection of how successful we are in our relationships with other people.

So how do we succeed with people? Someone has wisely said that success in marriage depends not so much on finding the right person as being the right person, and that’s true of all interpersonal relationships. Learning to communicate and get along well with others is one important key to happiness.

Following are some practical tips on communication and how to improve our relations with others, but it all starts with and comes back to one simple principle known as the Golden Rule: Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)

Good communication – Good communication with almost anyone, our spouse, boss, co-workers, children, parents, or friends, depends on few basic principles of people handling. Let's learn these, and we will be well on our way to happy and productive relationships.

Honesty - Good communication is built on mutual respect, and respect depends on honesty. If you want to get off on the right foot with others, be honest and straight forward from the start.

Tact - It’s important to be honest, but it’s also important to be loving and considerate in your presentation, especially with people who are naturally sensitive or when the subject could be sensitive.

Love - When people feel loved or cared for, it puts everything else in proper perspective. You may not do or say everything right, but if others see that you are motivated by love, little problems or misunderstandings won’t become big ones.

Wisdom - Wisdom is what helps you be tactful. You can get wisdom through experience, or you can get it by asking God for it. He’s promised it to you in the Bible, in James 1:5, if you ask Him for it.

Consistency- People who communicate regularly understand each other better and are more likely to be able to work through problems when they come up.

Prayerfulness - A silent mental prayer is good in any situation, but sometimes praying together and out loud can help things click between you and in the spiritual realm like nothing else. Praying together creates a peaceful atmosphere and inspires unity, and when you acknowledge that you need the Lord’s thoughts and help. He’s happy to give them.

Initiative - Fear of being misunderstood or rejected often holds both parties back. Taking the first step expresses faith in the other person, which usually helps him/her overcome any reservations.

Positiveness - Being upbeat usually elicits a positive response. Encouragement and sincere compliments are always appreciated.

Timing – Knowing when to say something is often as important as knowing what to say. “A wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment” (Ecclesiastes 8:5),

Sensitivity – It’s not good to be so sensitive to your own needs that your feelings are easily hurt, but is good to be sensitive to others’ likes and dislikes, needs, and moods.

Effort – Sometimes communicating is plain hard work, but the rewards are worth it!

Empathy – Put yourself in the other person’s position and try to understand the feelings that are behind what he/she is saying.

Clarity – There would be a lot few misunderstandings between people if they didn’t beat around the bush or rely so much on hints. Don’t leave others guessing, say what you mean. If you’re not sure whether they understand your point, ask them

Open Mindedness – People’ opinions and the way they approach problems are as different as the people themselves. Turning off your thoughts and being quiet long enough to let others express their feelings conveys respect and fosters positive, fruitful exchange. People will be much more at ease with you and more likely to turn to you for advice if they know you will open to what they have to say, even if you don’t agree.

Patience – It’s sometimes hard to listen to what others have to say without interrupting, trying to hurry them along, or finishing their sentences for them, but it’s a way of showing love and respect, which pays off.

A Sense of Humor – A little laughter can be just the thing to keep potentially difficult exchanges from getting too intense. Lighten up!

Approachability – The dictionary defines approachability as “Invitingly friendly, easy to talk to.” When someone knows you will take time for him/her, you’ve won a friend.

If we want real success and fulfillment in life, let's get busy building up others and help them succeed; the rewards will far surpass any monetary or material success we could ever dream of – and we can start now!

By Tim Pedrosa