Happiness is Your Responsibility: Take Ownership and Thrive

How do you create lasting happiness in your life and career? More importantly, how do you take responsibility for it? In this episode of Reflect Forward, I explore why happiness is a worthy goal and why you must take ownership of your well-being. I reflect on my fireside chat with Jenn Lim, CEO of Delivering Happiness and author of Beyond Happiness, to discuss how true happiness is cultivated through purpose, progress, and deep connections—not just quick dopamine hits. Happiness and leadership are closely linked. Unhappy leaders create disengaged teams, while fulfilled leaders inspire innovation and growth. Workplace culture thrives when individuals take ownership of their happiness and well-being. In this episode, Jenn and I explore the mindset shifts and daily habits that help leaders and employees build sustainable happiness, resilience, and fulfillment in work and life. Key Takeaways • Happiness is a choice and a skill. It requires effort, mindset shifts, and intentional action. • Dopamine vs. sustainable happiness. Quick dopamine hits (social media, alcohol, shopping) provide momentary pleasure but do not lead to long-term well-being. True fulfillment comes from purpose, progress, and relationships. • Leadership and happiness are interconnected. When leaders take responsibility for their happiness, they set the tone for an engaged, motivated workplace culture. • Use the “LIT Framework” to define your purpose. Light (what excites you), Impact (how you contribute), and Talent (what you excel at) help align your career and life with what brings fulfillment. • Self-care is a discipline, not a luxury. Leaders and professionals must prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional well-being to show up fully. • Gratitude creates a ripple effect. Regularly expressing gratitude strengthens team culture, improves relationships, and enhances personal happiness. This episode is essential for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to improve workplace engagement, personal fulfillment, and resilience. Happiness at work leads to higher productivity, stronger collaboration, and a healthier company culture. Reflect Forward Episode on Why You Should Do Hard Things mentioned in this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsKcPAEPUWM&t=1s Jenn Lim’s book, Beyond Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Happiness-Authentic-Leaders-Prioritize/dp/1538736888/ref=asc_df_1538736888?mcid=45c01e95587f39b1980af23d567c4540&hvocijid=17706018888584484959-1538736888-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730352155585&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17706018888584484959&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015544&hvtargid=pla-2281435176698&psc=1 Please share this episode with a colleague or friend if you find it valuable. Subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help spread the word. Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/ Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO! And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!