Suite Success

The Psychologist from The Apprentice Reveals What It Really Takes to Excel—in the Boardroom and in Life

Suite Success

Author: Liza Siegel, Ph.D.
Pub Date: 2007
Your Price: $24.95
ISBN: 0814473601
Format: Hardcover

 


GENERAL HAPPINESS SCALE

For each of the following statements and or questions, please circle the point on the scale that you feel best describes you.

1. In general, I consider myself:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not a very happy           A very happy person person

2. Compared to most of my peers, I consider myself:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Less happy           More happy

3. Some people are generally very happy. They enjoy life regardless of what is going on, getting the most of everything. To what extent does this characterization describe you?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not at all           A great deal


4. Some people are generally not very happy. Although they are not depressed, they never seem as happy as they might be. To what extent does this characterization describe you?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A great deal           Not at all

To score the test, total your answers for the questions and divide by 4. The mean for adult Americans is 4.8. Two-thirds of people score between 3.8 and 5.8.

If you find that your score is 6 or above, you are probably one of those naturally optimistic people who tend to look on the bright side.

Anywhere between 3 and 6, you may be fairly happy most of the time, but may have some situations where you would prefer to be happier.

If you scored below 3 you may struggle with pessimism, and may find that you have periods of being “blue” where you tend to personalize setbacks and think that when bad things happen they will not change for the better.

Although most emotional states can be changed, a trait or tendency, like optimism or pessimism, is largely genetic. That does not determine how unchangeable that tendency is however, and although traits like sexual orientation are quite difficult to change, traits like pessimism are very changeable. If you want to become more optimistic try the following exercises:

1) Identify your habitual negative thoughts and see if you can modify them. For example: “I am never going to get out of this sales slump” is an example of “fortune telling” and a more productive thought would be “I can take some time to fine tune my presentation so I will be more prepared next time.”

2) Set aside more “fun” time. Go on an Outward Bound Retreat, visit the zoo, have an ice cream, or rent old Pink Panther movies. A little lightheartedness can go a long way.

3) Practice gratitude. Make a list of things you are grateful for and set aside time to focus on these blessings everyday.

Adapted from SUITE SUCCESS: The Psychologist from The Apprentice Reveals What It Really Takes to Excel—in the Boardroom and in Life by Liza Siegel, Ph.D. (ISBN: 0-8144-7360-1).

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