HNS JOURNAL, Entry #10

THE JOURNAL

Dear HNS Insiders,

Hello! Thank you for bearing with me through a several-week hiatus. 

I recently came across a quote while reading the book Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert Sapolsky that I cannot stop thinking about.

What was an unexpected pleasure yesterday is what we feel entitled to today, and what won’t be enough tomorrow.

This idea is the essence of the Happy, Not Satisfied mindset. If we do not guide our thoughts and intentions with purpose and in a productive manner, we let our external circumstances dictate our happiness. You might be thinking, “well doesn’t not being satisfied mean that nothing is ever enough?” While that is a valid question, the answer is no. Not being satisfied cannot stand alone. For it to benefit us, it must be coupled with the “happy” part.

The idea of not being satisfied is meant to be freeing. Without this concept, we are likely to slip into a thought pattern in which we think specific achievements or goals are arrival points and we will finally be happy once we reach these “destinations.” As you probably know from experience, and as Dr. Sapolsky so eloquently states, this approach is doomed to fail. Our brains will not allow us to remain forever contented with a positive outcome or an unexpected pleasure. Instead, the key to joy lies in our improvement-focused approach to life.

As I have said before, there is no “end.” Internalize and truly understand this concept, and unexpected pleasures will stop turning into not enough. Enjoy the unexpected pleasures as they come, but know that they are just trees outside of your train window. They are fleeting, and another one will come sooner or later. 

Upcoming Events

If you are attending the virtual Midwest Clinic International Conference, I invite you to “attend” my presentation about Happy, Not Satisfied!

In Case You Missed It

Southwestern Musician magazine was kind enough to invite me to contribute an article to their November issue about the Happy, Not Satisfied approach to fostering positive and productive organizational culture. Read the article below!

HNS Apparel

The Happy, Not Satisfied T-shirts are a hit! Get yours today!

Classical Music Isn’t Boring!

The Canadian Brass are an always-entertaining brass quintet that continue to redefine our definition of classical music and entertainment. Check out their Saints Halleeljuah, a “mash up” of When the Saints Go Marching In and the Hallalejuah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

WHOOP, There It Is!

Photo via @whoop

Have you been thinking about purchasing a WHOOP fitness band? Now is the PERFECT time. If you use the link below you will not only get $30 off, you will also get an additional 25% off your membership for Black Friday!

FREE EXCERPT - Happy, Not Satisfied: The Guidebook

Interested in learning what Happy, Not Satisfied: The Guidebook is all about? Check out this free excerpt! 

Until next week,
-Dan