I have just finished reading the book, The Art of Happiness, which comprise of interviews with the current Dalai Lama – Tenzin Gyatso. This book is carefully authored by Howard C. Cutler, who interviews the Dalai Lama.
Curiosity drives me to read this book after seeing reviews from several blogs and Zen Habits’ recommendation. While reading the book, I can relate some of the principles that is extremely useful for Entrepreneurs. Chapters like Dealing with Anxiety, dealing with suffering and bringing about change stays close to my heart. On top of these, I would encourage you to read this book just to remind ourselves about living and leading a more compassionate life.
The following are three takeaways for me:
Dealing with Anxiety
Dalai Lama says that “So, I’ve found that sincere motivation acts as an antidote to reduce fear and anxiety.”
I am not 100% sure of the sincere part but I came to realize that motivation is what drives me so far. While Dalai Lama stresses on the big picture of what you are going to achieve, I put focus on short-term goals for motivation. For example, expanding my customers pool for monthly subscription of my services has reduced my anxiety for business survival by a whole lot!
I think that every business owners will be anxious especially in the beginning of their venture and if they let their fear overcome them, things will be out of control. The only way to get back the control is to realize that we need motivations along the way, even at a daily basis!
There is a whole chapter on dealing with Anxiety in this book and I would recommend you to read it as it provides great insight of how we can become more aware and take control over things.
Facing Suffering
I like this chapter very much! Dalai Lama says it the best, “Our attitude towards suffering becomes very important because it can affect how we cope with suffering when it arises”. To put it into business context, it is not what happens to us that counts, it is how we respond to the event that matters.
I believe as Entrepreneurs, things rarely turn out as what we expected. Customers never pay up, project never gets started and tons of challenges we will face daily. To me, I take all these as a test, giving me opportunities to be stronger and better =) It can be difficult at times, but it is well-worth the effort if we eventually realize a solution to overcome the obstacle.
I think this is a very important lesson for everyone to appreciate and change our mindset when things happen.
A Change for Happiness
This book also has a chapter that talks about bringing change. I believe that change is the first step for someone who wants to be happy, or more happier =)
To me, there are only two types of people around us – Those who make things happen and those who don’t want to make any mistakes. And I always find that people who always try to make things happen is much happier no matter if they fail or succeed. What do you think?
Any thoughts you want to share ?
