‘Give yourself permission to feel good.’ 4 strategies to fight discouragement

We all deserve to feel good.

Feeling down, stuck in a slump, or facing moments of discouragement is something we all experience. However, it’s important to remember that the actions we take during these times shape who we are.

Author, speaker, and podcast host Hank Smith shared some strategies to help you fight discouragement by taking small and powerful steps forward.

Understanding Discouragement

Discouragement is a normal part of life and can even be healthy to experience. In today’s fast-paced world, we often face a lot of pressure and comparison-based identity issues. This creates a gap between where we think we should be and where we actually are, leading to feelings of discouragement. “We seem to be the hardest on ourselves. And I think that’s where that self-discouragement comes from,” Hank explained.

Levels of Happiness

Hank discussed three levels of happiness, based on the model developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology:

1. Pleasure: This is the most basic level of happiness, often experienced during childhood. It’s about enjoying simple pleasures, like getting candy on Halloween.
2. Passion: As we mature, we seek more passion in our lives. This involves using our unique gifts regularly, such as teaching or pursuing hobbies.
3. Higher Purpose: The highest level of happiness comes from using our gifts for something bigger than ourselves, something that will outlive us.

Strategies to Fight Discouragement

1. Social Circle: Your social circle has a significant impact on your happiness. According to research, your social activity and happiness are closely linked. Hank emphasized, “When your social activity goes up, your happiness goes up.” Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, spending time with people can boost your mood.
2. Exercise: Physical activity changes the brain’s chemistry and can be more effective for depression than antidepressants. Even if your body doesn’t change significantly, regular exercise can make you feel happier.
3. Music: Listening to happy music can significantly improve your mood. Creating a happy playlist and listening to it daily can have a profound impact on your overall happiness.
4. Focus on Signature Strengths: Identify and focus on your unique gifts, or “signature strengths.” These are activities that give you energy and make you feel good. Whether it’s playing music, baking, or running, make time for these activities in your life.

Thomas Edison is often cited as an example of perseverance and resilience in the face of failure. One of his most famous stories involves his numerous attempts to invent the electric light bulb. Edison reportedly failed over 1,000 times before finally succeeding. When asked about his failures, he famously responded, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This story highlights Edison’s unwavering determination and positive mindset, demonstrating that persistence and learning from mistakes are crucial components of success. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, showing that even the greatest inventors faced significant challenges and setbacks.

Fighting discouragement is about taking small, deliberate steps to improve your mood and overall well-being. “Give yourself permission to feel good and make time for the things that bring you joy,” Hank said.

Find more inspiration from Hank on Instagram, @hankrsmith or on his website, hanksmith.com.