HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Happy New Year! See the year starts with Happy so be happy. I have recently gone through a year end review using a wonderful tool called the year end compass. I wrote about it last year when I first discovered it. This year I was able to spend a bit more time going through it more thoroughly to reflect on last year and to consider themes for this year. I found the process really enjoyable, useful and contemplative. I spread it over a few days as opposed to doing in one sitting. It allowed me to remember and savour the happy moments, absorb and accept the sadder moments, consider the things learnt and really appreciate the opportunities and moments of joy experienced. With that I gratefully thank all who have supported me on this journey; be it words of encouragement, coming to or sharing about workshops, investing in a happiness journal or two and encouraging others to do so also; creating opportunities for me to share at groups, communities and companies or reading this blog . Thank You.

A few questions from the year end compass:

What is the wisest decision I have made…?

The biggest risk I took …?

The biggest surprise of the year…?

The most important thing I did for others…?

Who are the three people who influenced you the most?

What are the the people you influenced the most?

Plus many more.

Then there are sections to look forward to this this year which included:

This year I will no longer procrastinate any more on…

This year I will be bravest when…

This year will be special for me because…

Take a moment to consider your answers to the questions .

I created a worksheet with some of these questions for the class I teach of 14-15 year olds at Veerayatan SCVP Jain School. It is part of work we are doing in sharing life skills with Habits and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers being the focus. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Really enjoying researching, think about and developing the content to share.

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The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. Last year I wrote about Blue Monday. Again my friends at the Museum of Happiness are hosting a Winter Happiness Festival on Sunday 19th January 2020 to coincide with Blue Monday. I am volunteering there, I have enjoyed the previous 2 festivals.

Speakers include:

• Clinical psychologist Dr Shelley Kerr of Balanced Minds, who will share the science of self-compassion and offer practical tools and techniques to give you full permission to be kinder to yourself

• Best-selling author and behavioural change expert Shahroo Izadi will share how self-kindness is the key to changing unwanted habits, and how to make meaningful sustained changes in any area of your life

• Former contributing editor of Ethical Performance Magazine Adam Woodhall of Extinction Rebellion will motivate and inspire us on how to be kinder to animals and the planet

• Founder of I am Circle Nina Bubamara will conclude with a reflective session to connect and reflect more deeply, champion our creative expression and individuality, and set strong intentions to take action for a happier, kinder world.

We’ll close with a loving kindness meditation for the world and some ecstatic dance to shake off what no longer serves you.

This is a fundraiser to help the museum continue to do the fantastic work it does. Details here if you want to get tickets.

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On February 14th (Valentines Day) and February 28th, both Fridays I will be sharing workshops on Happier Relationships at Veerayatan SCVP Jain School in NW London. These sessions are free and open to all.

Resources

Year End Compass

If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

THE SECRET TO LONG LASTING HAPPINESS

Let me share with you the secret to long lasting happiness. It is … Gratitude. Thank goodness for gratitude! It is my favourite and niche Happiness habit and has immensely helped me many times through life’s challenges. Gratitude is the practice of counting our blessings for what we already have in our lives. For being thankful with what we have. For appreciating where are are, what we have and what we are doing. It is the recognition of what is already wonderful in our lives. It is a habit of the heart and when practised regularly helps cultivate and enhance all the other virtues. The Roman, Marcus Cicero is quoted as saying:

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others

Marcus Cicero

Thanks Giving is a a traditional time when many people reflect on gratitude and give thanks for what they already have. Traditionally Thanksgiving started as a harvest festival to give thanks for the harvest collected.

What can you give thanks for, be grateful for that you already have in your life?

Could it be for hot running water? shelter, family, friends, food, heating, transport options, work, study, community, hospitals, etc?

The beauty of gratitude is that it amplifies the good we already have, it helps rescue us from negativity or struggles and fosters connection. It heals, gives hope and helps us not feel deflated.

Some scientific proven benefits for happiness - in particular Gratitude - from Gratitude Researcher Robert Emmons:

• Practice of gratitude has dramatic, lasting and positive results: every time

• Journal Diary - 2 weeks - sustained reductions in stress (25%) and depression (16%) in health care practitioners

• 23% lower levels of stress hormones (cortisol)

• 10% improvement in sleep quality in patients with chronic pain (76 % had insomnia) and 19% lower depression levels

• Letter of gratitude reduced feeling of hopelessness in 88% of suicidal patients and increased levels of optimism in 94% of them

Gratitude activates the learning centres in the brain hence helping us be solution focused and found solutions to life’s challenges. It helps increase the release of the happy chemicals such as Dopamine into our system and flush out the stress hormones such as cortisol thereby reducing stress and making us feel happy. It has an impact on our mental and physical health improving our overall well being.

Scientifically proven benefits of gratitude

Shaileen Shah founder of Happy Life Habits speaks about the impact on his mental health whilst working in the Finance / Tech industry and why he has turned to a role of helping people unlock habits that will provide them with more happiness.

Resources

21 Day Gratitude Challenge starting 23rd Nov 2019

Invest in a Happiness Journal from Happy Life Habits for £20 - each one bought supports the UNs Sustainable Development Goals by giving a book to a library in India. Get in touch if you would like a journal.

Happy Life Habits does workshops on Happiness at Work, Gratitude, Kindness, Mindfulness, Habits.

If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

Identity Theft Fraud: How I lost more than 7 figures...and so could you.

During late September 2019 I became a victim of identity theft fraud and I lost more than 7 figures. This impacted my happiness, peace, focus and productivity. It happened to me, it happened to food writer Jack Monroe, it happened to Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and it very easily could happen to you!

If you have a mobile phone, you could also become a victim - the potential damage, stress and hassle is huge. Trust me take the various steps mentioned to minimise your risk, the damage , the stress and the hassle. In this case prevention is better than cure.

This article chronicles what happened, how I dealt with it, steps you can take to reduce your risk and some great resources to help you.

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On a Monday afternoon, I had a couple of calls from an unknown number to my mobile number, when I answered nobody spoke but it sounded like a call centre. I dismissed it as one of the many calls often received regarding PPI, or an investment opportunity or such. However in hindsight my Spider senses started tingling. I later understood that a call is often made to the mobile to check that the number is live.

Then around 5 pm I got a text message from my mobile network provider saying here is my PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) and it is valid for 30 days. PAC codes are used to transfer or port a number from one network to another. A few minutes later I got text message from new network provider welcoming me to the network and saying that my number will be transferred in the next 24 hours. I later found out this was already too late and the point of no return - the damage had already be done! The fraudster already had control of my number and all things connected to it.

This all caused a panic as I knew not having my mobile number would cause hassles. The 2 main thoughts were: (1) my number had been given by mistake, a typo or something or (2) that something bad was going on.

I called my network provider and explained that I had not requested the PAC code and did not want to be ported to another network provider. That this process had to be stopped as so much is linked to my number, a number I have had for best part of 2 decades. In a way that number was part of me, my identity. I was assured that technical services would be made aware and if the number was ported that it would be able to get it back (relatively quickly I thought). I also found the number for the new network provider and called them explaining my predicament. They could not find my name or number on their systems and said I would have to wait for the number to switch before it could be switched back. Unfortunately the customer service teams at both networks did not action their fraud teams.

The PAC code request and start of switch had occurred around 5 pm - the time when many people are commuting so not actively able to view or check their messages. Also the customer service teams / fraud teams at the phone providers often only provide service till 6 pm so the fraudster took advantage of all this.

The next morning I had an email from my credit reference agency highlighting activity over the last 7 days. There was an entry on it for identity check that I did not recognise that had occurred the day before on the Monday. The Spider senses were on full alert. I probed into the report further, found the credit agency and queried them. To my horror, the fraudster had set up an account on another credit reference platform under my details and had access to my full credit report - my financial information of banks, credit cards, loans, mortgages, addresses, linked people etc. I later found out they had also done a credit card application quotation. This is when I knew things were not right.

My credit reference provider advised me to contact the platform and get the account closed. I also was directed to contact Action Fraud to lodge identity theft issue, sign up with the other major credit reference agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax being the main 3 in the UK). I also went to CIFAS, an organisation that deals with fraud prevention and took out their 2 year Protective Registration service which means processes for taking out financial products etc.will be slower as extra steps will be needed.

Then just after midday I got a text from one of my credit card companies saying that a transaction valued £900 for a purchase from a particular company had been flagged as suspected fraud activity and for me to reply if the transactions were mine with a ‘Y’ or a ‘N’. I replied ‘N’ and got another message to call my credit card company on a particular number. I had read about fraudsters able to spoof emails and phone numbers to look like they are genuinely from a particular company and being on high alert with my Spider senses switched on I checked on the credit card companies website and confirmed the number was in fact genuine. I called them and talked through the transactions that were not mine informing that last night my mobile number had been requested to be switched so I was in the middle of identity theft fraud. They were great, reassuring and immediately cancelled my credit card and issued new ones. I requested that my mobile number be taken off as my mobile number was going out of my hands. I logged this fraud transaction activity with Action Fraud.

Just a few hours later I lost service on my phone. I called my number and it went to the voicemail of the new network provider. That was it, I was the victim of identity theft fraud known as ‘SIM Swap’, ‘Port Out’, ‘SIM Switch’ and other similar names. I still had my phone but no service, no number and no idea what next. I called my network provider as well as the new one and explained that fraud had already been attempted and for them to block the number and switch it back asap. I was annoyed and frustrated that despite being proactive and highlighting the issue and potential troubles; again unfortunately the teams at the network providers did not action the fraud teams or in my opinion actively deal with the incident to limit the damage.

Imagine if the text from my credit card company had been a few hours later when I no longer had my phone number and the fraudster had it. They would have received the text, replied Y and had the £900+ transaction go through and I would have been none the wiser, no idea that anything was wrong.

I saw a message come up on my phone about Yahoo Account Keys - I thought it suspicious but did not comprehend what it was about. This was the next step in the fraudsters process as I later found out.

At around 5 pm (24 hours after the PAC code request and submission to another provider) I saw an email come into my inbox, luckily I was online and on my email. The email was from Samsung confirming the order for 2 high end mobile phones worth over £2,000 to be delivered the next day by courier. The email had a name, delivery address and a contact number (no doubt all also identity thefts of another victim). Now panic set in, my email was hacked and compromised. Oh Shit, this is bad. What else was impacted?

This is where my childhood dream of being a detective really kicked in. I had to put my investigative skills to use. My practices of gratitude and mindfulness helped me with clarity of thought, planning and solution finding. I had to :

1. Secure my emails

2. Contact Samsung and flag the fraud

3. Consider what else is at risk and get a plan together - in reality everything was at risk; all things connected to my email address or mobile number such as other online accounts for shopping, banking, credit cards, financials, personal data, business, social media

Remember I don’t have my mobile number so needing to use a landline or somebody else’s mobile number and now I don’t have full control of my email. The 2 main communication channels, my mobile number and my email were not in my full control!

I called Samsung told them that order was fraudulent, to stop the transaction and not deliver the 2 phones the next day. I asked them how it had been paid for and was told PayPal. I tried to log into my PayPal account but could not so had to request pass code/password via alternative option of email. I could not do using the my connected mobile number as I no longer had it. I managed to get into PayPal as see what method of payment was used; another credit card. I contacted the credit card company explained what had happened and asked for the transaction to be stopped, my card cancelled and re-issued. Again their customer service and fraud team were great, reassuring and explained what would happen and that I would not be out of pocket.

I initially struggled to get a number for PayPal and talk to someone (again UK team closes at at certain time) but did manage to get through to someone I think maybe in USA explain what was happening and requested the transaction be stopped, my account blocked till further notice. They took action immediately. I was realising that whatever I used my phone for to get pass codes to access the account was at risk - almost everything: bank accounts, emails, financial platforms - almost anything with an account, email and pass code via text message.

Frantically trying to work out how to secure yahoo email, remove the mobile number pass code and use alternate email option. The fraudster had used a feature of Yahoo called account keys which means if Yahoo is accessed from the device with the mobile number no password etc needs to be entered. It is a faster access method.

From Yahoo web page:

“Tired of remembering and managing multiple passwords? Account Key is more secure and lets you use your mobile phone instead of a password to sign in. Once enabled, Yahoo sends a notification to the mobile device of your choice. You can approve access with a tap on your phone, so no one else can get into your account.”

However if you no longer have you mobile number and the fraudster has put into a new phone, requested account keys to set up access to your Yahoo email then they have access to your email even if you change he password as the phone is the device to allow log in.

I looked in my deleted folder and saw a Yahoo pass code request notification email, the fraudster had received this and deleted it without my noticing it. I also saw a similar one for PayPal. This is how they had accessed these accounts. There was also one for an Argos account having been created.

I had to secure my email by removing the link to my mobile number and get the email browser session closed that the fraudster was using. This took a few hours to research, experiment and try but after 9 pm it seemed to be that I had secured my email by removing the mobile number completely as an alternate option, changing my password by using an alternate email option. On Yahoo you can go to Account Info and see recent activity. Here I could see the browser sessions that were open for yahoo. The fraudster had a session open so I signed out from all sessions. With that action, removing the mobile number and changing the password I felt the email was now secure again.

I went to the Argos site and asked for a password reset by email to my Yahoo account. Using this I reset the password and was able to get into the Argos account the fraudster had set up. In the basket was another £900 phone ready to be purchased. The name on the account was different from the Samsung one - so probably a bogus or one of another identity fraud victim. The email was obviously mine which they had access of up to this point and the mobile number for contact was the same as the one on the Samsung order. This led me to believe that the fraudster was using that number to get notifications of delivery for the orders placed. I believe that the address and name the fraudster had used on the order was probably of another identity theft victim and also that the mobile number was another victim of sim swap. With the delivery courier using text to say when they will deliver the phones I suspect the fraudster waited outside the delivery address with the phone and text message so they could show the courier, take receipt of the phones and be on their way with not trace left.

I checked my other email accounts for recent activity and any change requests to see if they had been compromised.

I needed to think fast and started contacting some of my credit card providers and banks to highlight that I was victim of identity theft fraud and my mobile number that is connected to the card had been compromised so to be extra vigilant with any activity or change requests on the account or transactions and to temporarily remove my number.

After being on edge all day, reacting and responding to events as they unfolded, I turned in late at night after a day where I needed to think on my feet fast, act quickly, be vigilant and mindful with my game of cat and mouse with the fraudster I thought of the damage that they were so easily able to do in 24 hours or so. Take control of my phone number and any associated alerts, use one of my credit cards, access my email and subsequently my PayPal account and hence another credit card, set up an Argos account and attempted over £4,000 worth of purchases for 4 high end mobile phones. I thought the financial damage was limited as the credit card company had caught the credit card usage, I had contacted Samsung about the 2 phones so deliver could be thwarted and I had accessed and changed the Argos account.

I woke up at 4 am with a need to double check that my email was secure and no further activity had occurred. It was safe. I also worried about another bank account and some credit cards I had not informed them of the fraud activity going on. I called them, spoke to the fraud teams explaining what was going on and requested for my cards to be cancelled and re-issued, for my mobile number to be removed from the accounts, to freeze any online access to the accounts. I spoke with Action Fraud again highlighting what had happened adding more information to reports including information about the Samsung delivery later that day which could allow them to catch the fraudster. I filed a police report and gave them a run down of the sequence of events and again details of the number I believe the fraudster is using to receive delivery information and when the delivery for Samsung was going to be so they could attempt to catch them. I later found out that no action was done by Action Fraud, the police or by Samsung so the fraudster did get away with 2 high end phones worth over £2,000. This was disappointing after having given enough information and acting proactively to various organisations.

I emailed and contacted my network provider making a complaint, sharing the police report case number and requesting action from the teams / senior management. Eventually action took place and I got my number back after one week while the fraudster was able to take my number in a few hours. Something very wrong with this.

I set up my profile on other credit reference agencies and set up a password for any requests.

The fraudster only needed my name, address, date of birth and mobile number to initiate the sim swap - they were not asked for pin / password or memorable information associated with my account. I am sure they also had my email address and the long number of one of my credit cards. How they got this I do not know. It could be a data breach from a company that has my information, it could be a dodgy employee at a company or discarded paperwork from a company ( I shred all my personal info before discarding).

At the end of the day the fraudster got away with 2 high end mobile phone worth over £2,000, I did not lose any money from my accounts; however I was not able to progress my normal day to day activities whilst I dealt with this issue so that had a knock on impact as did all the research, phones calls, time waiting and explaining.

“Identity Theft Fraud: How I lost more than 7 figures...
this was my mobile number not financial sum!”

Throughout this incident I was reminded of the age old question that we must all answer at some stage ….

WHO AM I?

I am grateful for fraud activity alerts

I am grateful for fraud activity teams

I am grateful for being vigilant, aware and alert.

I am grateful for informative articles on identify theft and organisations that help

This is a very quick and easy fraud that can happen to you and cause a lot of damage, hassle and worry. Please take steps suggested to reduce your risk and also share with others

ACTION PLAN

Here are suggested actions to take to reduce your risk and other resources.

Read these articles to understand the damage that can be caused and how easily

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-50043230

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/beatthescammers/article-7571099/Sim-swap-fraud-fraudster-managed-swipe-80k-bank.html

https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/31/20841448/jack-dorsey-twitter-hacked-account-sim-swapping

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/sim-swap-criminals-really-number

1. Contact your network provider and request to have a password set up that must be used for any PAC requests or account access/changes

2. Create a free account with the 3 main credit reference companies in the UK and request for a password to be associated for any credit profile or report requests.

   • Transunion Telephone 0330 024 7574 https://www.transunion.co.uk

   • Experian Limited Telephone: 0344 481 0800 www.experian.co.uk

   • Equifax Ltd Telephone: 0800 014 2955/ 0333 321 4043 www.equifax.co.uk

3. Dissociate your mobile number from your email for pass codes/password resets. This is one of the most important things to do but not the easiest. Set up two factor authentication (2FA) by using a trusted 2nd mobile number (e.g. a second personal sim, partner’s number etc.) and/or alternate email account.

4. Set up alerts on you various financial accounts such as banking, credit card company, share dealing, crypto, business accounts (e..g mailchimp etc) to send email and text when a login to account occurs, a transaction is done such as a payment and regular balance / transaction updates. This will let you monitor activity and stay vigilant.

5. Check haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email / data has been part of the many data breaches occurring in organisations

6. Register with CIFAS.org.uk (the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service) and request a Protective Registration to be applied to your credit details. A CIFAS Protection Registration warning on an address indicates to lenders and other organisations that they may need to carry out additional checks on any applications from that address. Telephone 0330 100 0180.  

7. If you become a victim of fraud contact the police and Action Fraud Telephone 0300 123 2040  https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

This article, The SIM Swapping Bible, is packed with brilliant information, is very comprehensive, has action steps and is a must read and action as much as you can. I am taking action on many of the suggestions.

Please do take action regarding this issue - do not be complacent, that is what the fraudsters are counting on. Share with others and please share your suggestions, recommendations and useful information/tips in the comments.

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

THE INEVITABLE - DEATH, THE END OF LIVING

“Life and time are the two best teachers. Life teaches us to make good use of time and time teaches us the value of life.”

This is dedicated in memory to my good friend Bobby Shah, aged 47, who passed away on 15 October 2019.

I had been meaning to write on this topic soon after writing about my experience of identity theft (still to be completed and published - it is not as important).

Over the last few years I have been attending more prayer meetings and funerals for family members, friends parents and wider community members. Each time it is a stark reminder of how short life is, not to waste time on the mundane and to do the things that matter. Also each time I am often at a loss on how best to respond, what to say and how to provide some support and solace despite deep feelings of empathy and compassion. Each time it makes me reflect on my ageing parents and in-laws and ultimately on my own life and mortality.

During a couple weeks towards the end of Summer I was hearing about people we knew or their relatives passing away almost on a daily basis. In some cases it was old age, others health in one of many forms of cancer, related to heart problems, diabetes or an accident. Almost on a daily basis we hear on the news about a knife related murder in the capital.

Even with spiritual learning, faith, personal development and knowledge of the science of happiness and understanding that our true nature is an eternal Soul it is hard to deal with death. I share about time management and Begin with the End in mind.

This is a poem shared by one of Bobby’s friends which is apt.

Farewell My Friends by Rabindranath Tagore

Farewell My Friends
It was beautiful
As long as it lasted
The journey of my life.
I have no regrets
Whatsoever said
The pain I’ll leave behind.
Those dear hearts
Who love and care...
And the strings pulling
At the heart and soul...
The strong arms
That held me up
When my own strength
Let me down.
At the turning of my life
I came across
Good friends,
Friends who stood by me
Even when time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell My friends
I smile and
Bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears
For I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad
Do think of me
For that’s what I’ll like
When you live in the hearts
Of those you love
Remember then
You never die.

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According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross there are 5 chronological stages to grief:

1. Denial

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance

We were aware that Bobby had a cardiac arrest two weeks ago and were getting regular updates on his situation. Latest update had been that small progress was in the right direction. Knowing his character of being a fighter and young in age we really thought and hoped he would pull through. Alas the news on Tuesday 15th October 2019 in the afternoon gut wrenched us. We were numb, my wife and I consoled each other. We checked in and spoke with friends to see how they were doing. I was and still am filled with a real sense of loss, remorse, sadness and grief that I have not felt and experienced in a long time. Being a positive, optimistic, happy person with practices to help me stay that way I have not embraced or felt these emotions of loss, grief and sadness in a long time.

Tuesday evening the emotions over ran and I cried uncontrollably being consoled and hugged by my wife. Since then I have often been moist eyed and am as I write this. I still need a good cry - to wallow in the grief. My thoughts often go to Bobby, the memories and that sense of loss and regret. A few times while driving I have missed turnings as mind wandering. Time seems to have slowed down.

My wife and I discussed that not having physical health can be an impact on quality of life, so can not having mental health (be it depression or any form of dementia) while having good physical health. In fact all 4 need to be kept good: Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual. See previous post

Why Be Happy, Health, Wealthy and Wise

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A palliative nurse called Bronnie Ware who cared for people in their last 12 weeks of life has captured in a book The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying :

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Something for us to reflect on and action.

Here are some of the things that I have shared with others to help during this difficult time that may help

• What were their strongest qualities?

• How were they expressed (stories, anecdotes, examples, etc.)?

• What was their life motto/key principles?

• What are your fondest memories?

• The challenges they faces and how they dealt with them

The use of the happiness journal.

• I am grateful for having Bobby in my life

• I am grateful for the time we shared and memories created

• I am grateful that he is no longer in pain or suffering

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Bobby was a great friend to all and very sociable.

He was not afraid to try new things and made bold choices. He studied graphic design and pursued a career in that area during a time when most people were pursuing careers in accountancy, medical related, business or IT. This pursuit led him to work for the esteemed Fitch consultancy. Another bold choice was during the internet revolution he left core graphic design to be part of a start up working for may months in India as a co-founder of a tech start up. He re-skilled and saw opportunities in digital recruitment and later as a digital career coach.  

He was an early advocate of Apple Macs before Apple became mainstream.

His friendly, encouraging, helpful and cheerful personality meant he touched many hearts. Community Service was a strong aspect of his life and he helped many community organisations, companies and individuals including Navnat, Veerayatan and Young Jains. Many spiritual leaders and saints from the various Jain organisations and groups where praying for him over the last 2 weeks. 

He saw a need to help and created groups : Dance with Diabetics and one for Career mums.  He loved dancing.

I have many fond memories from our 20s and 30s where we spent most time together. Most weekends we would be either going to the cinema, plays, shows, club, family picnic, out for a meal, getting together at someone's house watching a movie, playing games or just chatting.

Going ski-ing with a large group in the late 90s, joining friends who were going to Manchester to watch international cricket, garden parties and family picnics in the summer, going to Pizza Express after Navnat Youth Badminton or almost each week after 20 week Jain Course being taught by our Jain teacher - Mr Vinodbhai Kapashi.

The various groups of friends had shared various milestones in each others lives such as birthdays, job changes, engagements, marriage, birth of children, passing of parents, Diwali, Christmas and so forth. He has now taken the courageous and bold step to work on his next big project.

I regret not making so many positive memories in recent times or being there more often for him and family during the last few years.

May his Soul Rest in Peace. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Resources and Actions

This is a wonderful collection of resources please do look into them

• Live with Loss by my friend Suraj Shah a trained bereavement support visitor

• Organising a Jain Funeral by my friend Heena Modi (Suraj’s wife) has written an excellent article with great links (whether Jain or not)

• Get a Will and Power of Attorney sorted, I recommend contacting my friend Shandip Shah of Balance Consultancy

• Talk to family and friends of what you are feeling and going through - share your feelings and emotions, write them down/ journal them - do not keep them bottled up. Being aware of your present emotions, sensations and thoughts is much of what mindfulness is about

• Begin with the End in Mind - focus on what matters and do those things - it is more about health, relationships, emotions and less about more hours in the office or bigger pay packet, though do not neglect creating habits for long term financial security.

• Read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom - based on true story, reminds us what matters

• Watch and read The Last Lecture again true story of a cancer patient, beautiful messages - include some of my favourites like Disney and Star Wars!

• Re-watch the classic Steve Jobs Stanford speech - How to Live before you die.

• Really useful podcast on 6th stage of grief by Commune.

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

HLH Positive Grief Shishukunj Bethak Preview

1 HLH Positive Grief Shishukunj Intro

Leadership is an act and not a position - event with Nick Williams

Leadership is an act and not a position

This is written with personal insights on leadership as well as from the Shishukunj Bethak with Nick Williams on 26th September 2019 where six core ideas were shared on Be Inspired. Be Inspiring. Be Yourself. Includes recording of the event and slides..

During the December of 2000 I was in leadership role as President of the Young Jains charity organisation and had travelled to India on holiday. I remember distinctly seeing a poster in a shop that resonated with me and had a lasting impact. The poster had a quote which read:

Leadership is an act not a position.

This message really hit home and stuck with me.

The first habit in one of my favourite books, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr Stephen Covey is the habit “Be Proactive”, this is about leadership and being responsible.

The book also explains the difference between management and leadership using a ladder metaphor.

Management is about making progress up the ladder whether that ladder is career, relationships, business, learning, purpose or personal growth. Leadership is about making sure the ladder is leaning against the right wall - your mission, values, purpose, goals.

Leadership is about doing the right things and management about doing things right.

Other books that I have read on leadership are Covey’s “Principle Centred Leadership”, Robin Sharma’s “The Leader With No Title” and “Dare - Accepting the Challenge of Trusting Leadership” by Scott Weiss. All great reads.

The focus of the Shishukunj event was on Spiritual Leadership. After greeting with Namaste, we reminded everyone that the greeting means we are bowing to the higher self, reminding us we are a Soul.

Most Shishukunj events start with the prayer “ Aasatyo Mahati….”, my interpretation and translation (which is not fully correct I am sure but works for me) of this is :

Dear Lord, lead me from what is not true to the truth,

Dear Lord, lead me from darkness to the light,

Lead me from death to peace,

Lead me to Divinity

Nick Williams an author, coach, thought leader, past director of Alternative and has spirituality at the heart of everything he does as he shares about inspiration, creativity, leadership and challenges such as resistance to these. September 2019 is the celebration of 20 years of his first of many books, the classic book “The Work We We Born To Do”. He is a humble, creative, discipline, devoted , grateful and inspiring individual. The event related to his latest book “Be Inspired. Be Inspiring, Be Yourself”. Some of the ideas that were shared were:

• Offering Leadership Vs Leadership as a position where offering leadership is steeped in love and leadership as a position is often driven from fear.

• It takes courage to show up

• Best leaders have been on a journey of self leadership and lead with empathy and compassion. Self leadership is authentic, powerful and professional

• Leadership is about drawing the best out in yourself and help others to do the same

• “We are the ones we have been waiting for”

• Primary purpose of leadership is to inspire

• Inspiration has a different quality to motivation

Six core ideas:

1. Assume your best qualities, gifts and abilities are already within you. Some are already manifest, many remain dormant are are waiting to be drawn forth. They do pre-exist so it less about self improvement and more about self cultivation. Always an invitation to blossom.

2. Seek to be inspired and inspiring, come from a place of personal inspiration at least some of the time. Stoke the fires of inspiration, source of inspiration never goes away. What will inspire you next? The most power relationship: Being a willing collaborator. Whatis your next chapter? How will you inspire yourself next?

3. Understand that inspiration has an “evil twin” that is called resistance. Resistance - all our ego’s petty responses to the amazing power, ideas and creative impulse of your Soul.

4. Make friends with your vulnerability. Become comfortable with your discomfort. As we step outside the comfort zone we grow.

5. Show Up! Even in small but bold and brave ways. The world is poorer when our resistance wins. It is about sharing the light with others and not taking the spotlight.

6. Commission yourself. Initiate. Take responsibility.

What are your next steps of being an inspired leader? We are all leaders whether we have a leadership position or not as we may have roles of parent, family head, team lead, teacher, community leader and world citizen.

If you would like signed copies of Nick’s books get in touch.

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The next one will be about my recent crisis of being a victim of identity theft fraud, losing more than 7 figures, how I resolved and steps to protect yourself.

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Added Value Resources

The recording of the event.

The slides used at event.

Here is a TED talk I love about every day leadership

We have all changed someone's life -- usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other's lives.

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

WHAT’S MY PURPOSE? WHY AM I HERE?

(This article was commissioned for the Young Jains Magazine on the theme of Purpose Summer 2019)

These questions and other related ones are what many of us ponder and ask ourselves at various points in our life. Some find answers and begin living their purpose, others keep searching and some stop asking or never asked. 

There are many books, articles and workshops that are available to help answer “How do I find my purpose in life?”. Something can only be found if it is lost. I do not believe we find our purpose; I believe we uncover our purpose, our life's calling. It has always been there, just need to be uncovered. This is likened to the Michael Angelo quotes:

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free”

“Every block of stone has a statue inside and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it”

Our purpose is within us and our journey is to uncover it and live it.

When I was a teenager doing the examinations in GCSEs (O levels) and A levels I did not know what I wanted to do as I grew up. My older brother Raju was studying Computer Science/IT and suggested I do that as a degree. 4 years later with a degree, masters and having met my life partner Harshna, I was looking for a job in a recession hit economy. After months for applying for various jobs and not having any luck; Raju showed me an article in a computing magazine about a US consultancy firm that was setting up offices in Europe. I tracked down the phone number for the company (pre- Google); made contact and sent my C.V. I got a job as a trainee consultant and was one of the first 10 UK employees. I was sent to the US on an assignment for a few weeks (become a few months). During this time; the early 90s; I was introduced to the now classic book Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. During the same time I attended my first of many personal development seminars. I flew back from the US for 4 nights to attend Tony Robbins (No1 Success Coach) Unleash The Power Weekend (UPW) which involved walking on hot coals on the first night of the seminar! Also around the same time I was attending YJ events and becoming more active. These experiences and learnings from them were conducive  to uncovering my purpose. I was keen to put into practice and share what I had learnt. This led to me joining the YJ committee and being on convention committees. 

The 7 Habits book has had a phenomenal impact, in particular habit 2 “Begin with the End in Mind”. This has an exercise to write a personal mission statement. This I did and has been guiding most of the decisions and activities I have been involved with since the mid 90s. 

I have not often publicly shared my personal mission statement; however here it is to help inspire others to think about theirs:

“I continuously contribute, learn, grow and make a positive difference to all in my environment adding tremendous value.

I am a caring, loving, supportive family member and friend.

I act with integrity, truthfulness and do the right thing.

I use my time effectively, am a creator of wealth, value and abundance. I achieve balance”

This has been my North Star, my compass and resulted in my active involvement in Young Jains, Shree Chandana Vidhya Peeth (SCVP), Museum of Happiness, Service Space, Oshwal and Shishukunj.

This mission and my values have been challenged even sometimes compromised. I worked in Finance Technology in Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS the bank) during the RBS takeover of NatWest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis during which RBS had to be bailed out. Upon leaving RBS through redundancy in 2016 I took time out to consider the next chapter in my life. During this time through various experiences, conversations, reading and pondering that added to existing ones; pondering on what is important to me; reflecting on my mission statement;  has led to an uncovering of my current purpose in life: Being a Happiness Coach and through my business Happy Life Habits : Positively Impacting Happiness and Well Being Levels.

A concept that has become popular is Ichigai a Japense term.

“Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” The word “ikigai” is usually used to indicate the source of value in one’s life or the things that make one’s life worthwhile. The word translated to English roughly means “thing that you live for” or “the reason for which you wake up in the morning.” Wikipedia
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Japanese concept of Ikigai

Purpose and Meaning are components of The Science of Happiness for a happy life. 

I share the definition of happiness from researcher and author of “The How of Happiness”, Sonja Lyubomirsky:

“The experience of joy, contentment, or positive wellbeing, combined with a sense of one’s life is good, meaningful and worthwhile”

In a succinct way I guess my purpose and perhaps the purpose for everyone is :

“To be happy and help others be happy”

That’s why I am here. How about you?

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

Why be Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise?

This article was written for the Oshwal Health and Care Fair Brochure as part of the Oshwal Health and Care Fair in June 2019 where Happy Life Habits had a talk on Stress and Resilience.

Why be Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise?

Recently I read 

“You only live once. That is incorrect! You die once but you get to live every day.” 

Developing habits to be happy, healthy, wealthy and wise you can live a very happy, fulfilling, meaningful and harmonious life each and every day with great energy, focus and resilience, as well as problem solving capabilities.  I am excited to share scientific insights and practical tips on how you can do this.

What is Happiness? What is The Science of Happiness

Happiness is more than a fleeting emotion. It is an innate part of who we truly are. From my field, The Science of Happiness, I share the definition researcher and author of “The How of Happiness”, Sonja Lyubomirsky:

“The experience of joy, contentment, or positive wellbeing, combined with a sense of one’s life is good, meaningful and worthwhile”

Take a moment to reflect and absorb that definition.

The Science of Happiness does research and experiments to find out the things that make us happy, as defined above. It covers all of these areas in the diagram titled “Your Brain on Greater Good”.

What we in the field are finding is that many of the factors leading to following can be managed, so that we can lessen or prevent: 

Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, overwhelm, loss of direction and low productivity.  We know how this all impacts our relationships, sense of loneliness and life balance.

The science show us that there are regular practices and habit which help rewire the brain and increase the happy chemicals - Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins - and all without the use of medicine or drugs.

What is Health? 

The World Health Organisation, WHO, defines health as: 

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

Health is a dynamic condition resulting from adapting and adjusting to changes and stresses in our environment. 

For me it has 4 components; 3 of which are covered by the WHO definition. These 4, according to the Stephen Covey classic “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, make up the 4 human dimensions. They are: Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual. All 4 are interconnected and when any one of them is negatively impacted we feel imbalanced, out of sorts and not our whole self, not being able to fully engage with life. For example, a physical injury such as a sprained foot can impact your mental and emotional wellbeing with thoughts and feelings of pain. Or when you are stressed or worried about something, those feelings can manifest in physical conditions, such as not being able to sleep, loss of appetite and feeling down. 

All 4 dimensions are required to be healthy and live a full life. 

What is Wealth?

If you have jumped straight to this section without reading the previous ones go back!⇑

Wealth in some cases is described as a large amount of money or valuables that someone has. It is also described as a large amount of something good e.g. “He has a wealth of experience in teaching”. There are many options to learn more about wealth from individuals, companies, books and groups.

A lack of wealth can cause unhappiness and health concerns. In many cases the paradox is that the pursuit of wealth leads to a decline in health and then that wealth is needed to restore or manage the health.

A certain amount of money is needed to live well in the world. For each person this is a different amount. Consider how much you really need and how much is for your wants. The Science of Happiness says that earning above $70,000 does not significantly improve a person’s happiness. 

In research, one group were given some money, about $20, and told to spend it on themselves and another group given the same amount of money and told not to spend it on themselves. The group that spent it on someone else had higher happiness levels. Also spending it on experiences as opposed to material things led to more happiness.

My own take on this is that a certain amount of money/assets etc. is needed to live well - think how much you really need. However real wealth is bigger than the finances, money, assets, and properties. It cultivates an abundance mindset - that there is enough for everyone. It encompasses giving the wealth of our time, energy, knowledge, service and money for a greater good. Being present, being there.

That the wealth should flow and do as much good as possible. Earn it, save it, invest it, grow it, protect it and share it. 

Warren Buffet one of the richest person in the world and a great investor is quoted as saying 

“The best investment you can make is in yourself”

What is Wisdom?

Wikipedia defines wisdom as 

“Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight”.

From our health perspective The Serenity Prayer provides wise advice:

“God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change; 

Courage to change the things I can; 

And wisdom to know the difference.”

Keep learning. From the Science of Happiness we know that learning new things positively impacts our happiness. Talks on Dementia highlight that an active, learning brain can help prevent or reduce the onset of Dementia. When learning, the brain is making new associations, connections and wiring the neurons. Learning new positive habits helps us feel good, stay well and deal better with life challenges. Some happy habits are counting your blessings, 3 good things –listing 3 good things that happened to you each day and mindfulness. The key is to practice them regularly so they become a daily habit and part of your lifestyle.

Patch Adams

Patch Adams the real life doctor who was played by the magnificent Robin Williams in the inspiring film of the same name has said:

“When we treat an illness we either win or lose, but if we treat the person, listen to them and love them, we can’t fail”

“The most radical act anyone can commit to is to be happy”

Benefits of Happiness & How to practice

Often when we have something we do not appreciate it until we lose it. This is often the case with good health, we often do not worry about it or pay much attention to it until it starts to deteriorate or be lost. That is where the practice of Gratitude, being grateful and counting our blessings comes in. 

Some scientific proven benefits for happiness - in particular Gratitude - from Gratitude Researcher Robert Emmons:

• Practice of gratitude has dramatic, lasting and positive results: every time

• Journal Diary - 2 weeks - sustained reductions in stress (25%) and depression (16%) in health care practitioners

• 23% lower levels of stress hormones (cortisol)

• 10% improvement in sleep quality in patients with chronic pain (76 % had insomnia) and 19% lower depression levels

• Letter of gratitude reduced feeling of hopelessness in 88% of suicidal patients and increased levels of optimism in 94% of them

References

Lyubomirsky, Sonja : “The How of Happiness”

Greater Good Science Center, University of Berkeley: Image of Brain on Greater Good

Covey, Stephen : The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

WHO, Definition of Health : https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions

Emmons, Robert : The Little Book of Gratitude

Williams, Nick - Patch Adams quote: The Work we were Born to Do 

About the Author

Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.

Invitation to Shishukunj Bethak with Author and Coach Nick Williams

I am fortunate to be helping organise the next Shishukunj Bethak on 26th September 2019 where Nick Williams will be the speaker. Nick is a friend, I have read some of his books including his first “The Work We Were Born to Do” and the latest “Be Inspired. Be Inspiring. Be Yourself”, they are great. He brings a wealth of experience and a authentic, caring approach, The event is free, registration required and details are below.

NAMASTE,

“Be Inspired. Be Inspiring. Be Yourself.”

Spiritual Leadership - enabling the best in yourself and others. Nick Williams is a best-selling author, leadership coach and mentor.

FREE insightful talk on Thursday 26th September 2019 at Shishukunj Bhavan at 25-27 High Street Edgware Middx HA8 7EE 

at 8:30pm - 10:00pm

We have tended to think that in order to offer leadership, you need to have a position of leadership, or someone needs to appoint, anoint or vote for you. But today, leadership can simply be a choice you make in any moment. We can all offer inspired leadership by following our call to lead, and don’t need a formal position of leadership. We can be“ordinary” and still offer inspired leadership. 

Inspired leadership is about helping to transform a thought system based on fear to one based on love and inspiration. In this very practical event, Nick will help you explore the next chapter of how you show up in your inspired leadership.

Nick is best selling author of over 16 books including the inaugural "The Work we are born to". He has been heart of the Alternatives programme for 21 years, and co-leading it for 3 years; hosting events for Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer; etc.

The bethaks are open to all. Please confirm your attendance by email to Laxmiben at
bethaks@shishukunj.org.uk.

If you do not wish to receive emails about Bethaks, kindly inform me and with your permission will remove you.  
there is ‘NO’ Bethak in October.

Inspired Mindful Moments During Taxing Times

I had not planned to write this blog but had an inspired mindful moment. Today is the last day of the current tax year. I remember a quote I had seen when I was younger.

Born Free, but taxed to death!

Tax, money, work, health, parents, kids, family, relationships, traffic, Brexit or lack off can all cause us stress. Stress in itself is not a bad thing, it is the body’s coping mechanism to deal with perceived threat and help us survive. The problem occurs when we have constant stress which are greater than our capacity to deal with them. Fortunately we can nurture, practice and develop coping systems that increase our capacity to deal with and bounce back. This is known as resilience. Happy Habits such as mindfulness and gratitude help build our resilience, perspective, ability to cope and find solutions.

Over the next month and bit I am fortunate to take part in various events where I can share about stress, resilience, mindfulness and happiness.Some are free public events and some are ticketed events. Details are below.

4th May “The Resilient Dentist” : Oshwal Dental Group

14 May “Mental Health Awareness: Habits for Happy Mental Health” : GLL Better Finchley Lido

30 May “Mental Health Awareness: Habits for Happy Mental Health” : Shishukunj

02 June “Journey from Stress to Happiness”: Oshwal Health and Care Fair : Oshwal Centre

In June I will be hosting an online 21 Day Mindfulness Challenge

If you are coming to any of the events let me know, would love to say hi.

I have capacity to share more and would love to do more events. So If you have opportunities at your work place or group let me know, especially for Mental Health Awareness, Resilience or Well Being.

International Day of Happiness

Have a Happy day celebrating The International Day of Happiness. Smile. Think of something you are grateful for. What good things happened to you today. Practice a mindful moment. Do a random act of kindness. Sign up to the Happy Life Habits newsletter.

Happy Life Habits supports the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.

https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/business-for-good/

BUSINESS FOR GOOD MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS A WIN- WIN

Having recently sent gratitude emails to clients who have purchased products or services to thank them for helping make a difference in someone else’s life by supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals was very heartwarming. Seeing the impact we are making is terrific. This is a business for good, not just creating financial profits but more about making a positive impact in making the world better. This is good karma.

Happy Life Habits is designed from the start as a business for good. It’s mission:

Positively Impacting Happiness & Well-Being Levels so that individuals, groups, communities and companies can engage with life in a happier, kinder, effective & more meaningful way for the greater good.

Expressing some of the companies values which include Gratitude, Kindness, Service, Making a Difference & Win-Win Relationship; Happy Life Habits supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by partnering with the organisation B1G1 - which stands for Buy 1 Give 1. Buy a product or service and in doing so we give to make a positive impact related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

• When a happiness journal or book is bought we give a book to a library.

• When workshop or speaker session is paid for we give 240 days of learning material to vocation students in need

• When a coaching package is completed we give 30 days of life training to a young person in prison

• When a well being programme is completed we give 30 days of specialised medical support to people in need

When you do business with Happy Life Habits we create a Win-Win Relationship. We provide you with outstanding value with the products and services we supply. You and recipients of the service/product get a positive impact in happiness and well being levels. Happy Life Habits gets to serve its mission, do what it does best and be compensated for the value created.

This allows it to continue to provide the services to individuals, companies, corporations, organisations as well as free services to community groups, charities and individuals.

However, together we impact and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and bring greater good to the world.

To see the impacts we are making and for more information see

https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/business-for-good

Thank you Happy Life Habit Clients for this support and making a meaningful difference.

#Business for good, #B1G1, #WIN-WIN, #Making a difference,#Greater Good, #Impact

START YOUR YEAR END REVIEW NOW

Many people in December do a end of year review to reflect on the past 12 months. They go through their calendar, diary, journal and memories to reflect and capture aspects from the year. There is a great free tool called the year compass that can help with this process available from yearcompass.com/gb. The process can be insightful, heartwarming, provide learning and growth. Instead of waiting till the end of the year to do it why not do one at the end of each month, This has the advantage of making the end of year process quicker and smoother, less chance of missing things and the benefit of getting a good feeling as you savour and reflect at the end of the month and the opportunity to savour each following month.

One way to do it is to copy some of the items from the yearcompass into a word document or google sheet and title with the chosen month then add to it each month end.

Things to consider for inclusion are:

What did I achieve this month?

What were insights I gained?

What did I learn?

What am I grateful for?

What was challenging and how did I deal with it?

Who helped me?

Who did I help?

What could I have done better?

What am I looking forward to this coming month?

The YearCompass breaks it down into a few categories which include:

• Personal Life & Family

• Belongings

• Friends, community

• Intellectual

• Finances

• Work, Studies, Profession

• Relaxation, Hobbies, Creativity

• Heath, Fitness

• Emotional, Spiritual

• Bucket List

This is an expansion of the 4 human dimensions of : Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual.

YearCompass gives opportunity to consider the time period in six sentences such as :”The wisest decision I made…”. and six questions such as “What is the best thing you have discovered about yourself?”.

There is much more to the review doc than shared here, however, hopefully this gives you a feel.

Enjoy reviewing and reflecting

Happy Life Habits gets the golden ticket

Happy Life Habits has made it through the first round of the Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition 2019. We got given a golden ticket to the next round after a 2 minute pitch about the business and services. Next round is working on a business model canvas.