Why Every Leader Needs a Happiness Action Plan
As we head into the new year, I want to ask you something.
What’s your plan for happiness?
Not for your team. Not for your family. Not for your community. For you.
Leadership is demanding. It’s full of challenges, responsibilities and the constant pressure to show up for everyone else. And too often, we put our own well-being last, thinking we’ll get to it once everything else is handled.
And the data backs this up. A survey from the Harvard Business Review found that 96% of leaders report feeling burned out, and the primary cause isn’t the workload—it’s the lack of time for themselves. Another study from the American Psychological Association highlights that leaders are significantly less likely to prioritize self-care, often viewing it as indulgent rather than essential.
But here’s the thing—happiness isn’t something to squeeze into the margins of your life. It’s the foundation of everything you do. And when you prioritize your happiness and well-being, you show up more focused, energized and engaged. And that benefits everyone around you.
What is a Happiness Action Plan?
It’s about designing your life and leadership with intention. It’s about aligning your energy, priorities and choices with what truly matters to you so that every action feels purposeful and every moment contributes to something bigger.
When leaders make happiness a priority, there is stronger collaboration, creativity and engagement. Customers notice the energy and authenticity, building deeper trust and loyalty. And most importantly, you feel the shift—the clarity, focus and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with your values.
And here’s the even better news–happiness isn’t some abstract concept or fleeting feeling.
It’s a skill—a tangible, actionable skill you can practice and grow. Research from Positive Psychology shows that practicing intentional habits, like gratitude and mindfulness, strengthens neural pathways associated with happiness and resilience. Over time, these habits transform the way you approach challenges and opportunities, making happiness a reliable foundation for everything you do.
The Eight Pillars of Happiness
Years of research tell us that there are key skillsets that support long-term happiness and growth. I call these the Eight Pillars of Happiness.
Confidence. Believing in one's abilities and potential.
Authenticity. Being true to oneself and aligning actions with values.
Purpose. Having a sense of meaning and direction.
Compassion. Showing kindness and grace to oneself and others.
Optimism. Focusing on positive outcomes and possibilities.
Feeling. Being attuned to and expressing emotions in healthy ways.
Gratitude. Recognizing and appreciating positive aspects of life.
Curiosity. Seeking new experiences and learning opportunities.
These pillars are practical. They’re actionable. And they’re your roadmap to a life and leadership style that feels aligned, intentional, and full of impact.
Why This Matters
When leaders prioritize their happiness, the results are undeniable.
Teams experience less burnout and more connection.
Organizations see higher engagement and stronger performance.
Leaders themselves feel more focused and energized.
Creativity and innovation flourish as teams feel more empowered and inspired.
Decision-making improves.
Employee retention increases.
Workplace culture shifts toward greater trust, collaboration and optimism.
The way you show up sets the tone for everyone around you. When you lead with joy, clarity and purpose, you inspire others to do the same.
So, Where Do You Start?
Start small. Reflect on what happiness means to you. Ask yourself what’s been draining your energy and what’s been fueling it. Think about how you can make space for joy, growth and connection in the year ahead.
If you’re not sure where to begin, I’ve got your back. My Mini Happiness Action Plan Workbook is a great place to start. It’s full of simple tools and exercises to help you reconnect with what matters most and lead with intention.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.
Because when you take care of your happiness, you’re not just better for yourself. You’re better for your team, your family and everyone who relies on you.
So let’s make 2025 the year we lead with happiness. I’m right here with you every step of the way.
👉 Grab the Mini Happiness Action Plan Workbook and let’s get started.
