How to Stay Happy in Your Career

Sounds almost automatic, doesn't it? Of course, you would be happy if you succeeded at landing the new job; getting that promotion; getting engaged to that man or woman; if you lived in that zip code; or had $ amount in your retirement fund. But that's not always true.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, " Success has ruined many a man." Or as Irving Berlin stated, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success."

Steven Berglas, Ph.D. is an executive coach and a management consultant. He has seen the pitfalls of success enough that he has written a book Reclaiming the Fire: How Successful People Overcome Burnout. He even invents a new name for this malaise that overcomes some people who have reached the pinnacle of their careers: supernova burnout. According to Steven Berglas, supernova burnout occurs when very successful people feel anxious, despondent and depressed over the fact that they are trapped in a career that they can't escape but that no longer gives them gratification.

Doesn't quite sound like Donald Trump, does it? Some supernovas do avoid the burnout. Those people who study these things have defined a list of behaviors that separate the burnouts from the successful people who still have their zest for life.

Less work. Believe it or not, a recent survey of both men and women found that people whose salaries topped $100,000 were slightly happier than those who made less. But they were also experiencing a lot more tension and stress. The top earners also spent 25% more time working and a third less time enjoying the perks of their salaries. Those who worked less and played more considered themselves "successful."

Don't chase the big dogs. One secret to increased happiness is to compare downward instead of upward, says researchers at Swarthmore College. According to tests, performing better than the person next to you boosted mood; but performing worse than someone you know was cause for extreme unhappiness.

Look for happy endings. Not just in movies, either. Recent research currently shows that tough days at the office, painful medical procedures, and boring meetings were more enjoyable if they ended on a high note. This result suggests that people tend to remember events based on the ending. So, if the day at work seems like it will never end, keep a reward in mind that you will give yourself after it is over.

Lose the choice anxiety. A term called hyperchoice has been coined by researchers at the University of Virginia. This word is being used to describe the stress inducing and bewildering array of products flooding the marketplace. Having to make too many daily decisions tends to lead to negative psychological effects. People who had fewer options experienced less stress and regret than those with an open field to choose from. For instance, customers who had to choose between six types of chocolates were ultimately happier with their decision than the ones who were given over twenty options to choose from.

And remember to be thankful. When you feel burnt out, stressed, and like the last ten years' effort wasn't even worth the trouble, sit down and write a thank you letter to a coach, grandparent, parent, or first boss who inspired you along the way. Then read the letter aloud to that person. People who express their gratitude increase their happiness not only for the moment, but the aftereffects are said to last for up to a month.

Take responsibility. People who see themselves as victims tend to be unhappy. Ask yourself what you can learn from each setback and move into productive action.

Appreciate and listen to the people around you. Staying open to other people leads to more people being on your side; which leads to fewer conflicts; and that means less stress for you.

Having success without fulfillment is a common ailment in our busy society today. Hopefully these tips will help you avoid being another high achiever trapped in an unfulfilling career.