What actually makes you happy? Thehe question is as banal as it is difficult to answer! Here is a brief summary of various research papers on the subject.
Happiness factors
- Cultivate altruism - Help other people to be happy
- Maintaining a personal social network - friendship and family
- Looking for challenges with creative freedom
- Meditation, nutrition, sufficient sleep, regular exercise
- Several moments of happiness per day change more than one big moment of happiness every few months
Closing point
On 50 years of research into motivation: Reward and well-being bring more than punishment and discomfort.
As a manager, it is therefore crucial that you create positive conditions for yourself and others: Happy people work more creatively, reliably and productively.
Principle: Change is only achieved if the path to it is consistently followed.
Practice transfer
- 10 minutes of meditation every day
- Daily 5 minutes aware do something positive for someone
- Take 10 minutes every day to write down the most important insights of the last 24 hours
- 5 minutes of gymnastics every day
4-week program
Spending the 30 minutes mentioned above every day for 4 weeks increases your personal happiness - scientifically proven!
The little things every day are crucial to being happy!
Your well-being and attitude to life depend on the little things you do every day. TODAY. Your habits are important. Happiness lies in doing something that is good for you today.
That you treat yourself well today and automatically feel good as a result. But it also lies in the fact that you consciously do nothing. Go into yourself and make friends with the present moment.
Also be okay with not being happy sometimes. Because if you're always desperate to be happy, you'll only stress yourself out.
Admitting dissatisfaction can bring you closer to happiness.
Would you like to benefit from the use of coaching in your company?
Arrange a free initial consultation now! Our experts will be happy to advise you.
Conclusion and next steps
Professional coaching can make all the difference - whether for your career, your team or your personal development. Contact us for a free initial consultation and find out how individual coaching can help you.
Find out more about our coaching services: Business Coaching, Executive Coaching and Management coaching in Frankfurt and throughout Germany.
About the author
Scientific perspectives on happiness and the good life
In recent decades, positive psychology has provided important insights into what constitutes a good life. Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five pillars of well-being: positive emotions, commitment, relationships, meaning and performance. In coaching, we use these scientific findings to develop individual strategies for greater life satisfaction.
Interestingly, research shows that the pursuit of happiness alone does not lead to the goal. People who focus on meaningful activities - whether professionally or personally - report higher life satisfaction in the long term than those who pursue happiness directly. Coaching helps you to clarify your personal values and align your life more closely with these values.
Another important aspect is the distinction between hedonistic and eudaimonic well-being. While hedonistic happiness focuses on momentary pleasure, eudaimonia describes the feeling of leading a meaningful life and developing one's own potential. Both forms of well-being are justified, but sustainable coaching focuses primarily on the development of eudaimonic qualities.
In the coaching process, you explore which areas of your life are particularly important to you and where there is a need for change. Through targeted reflection and action planning, you create the conditions for a life that not only makes you happy, but also feels right and authentic. At the ICI Frankfurt, we combine philosophical depth with practical feasibility - for sustainable results in your everyday life.
In practical terms, this means that instead of constantly chasing the next moment of happiness, it is worth investing in sustainable relationships, pursuing a meaningful activity and cultivating gratitude for what you already have. In coaching, you develop concrete strategies based on your personal values - because what constitutes a good life is ultimately a deeply individual question that no one can answer from the outside. The coaching relationship offers a protected space to explore this question honestly and in depth.
Ultimately, it's not about choosing between happiness and a good life - the two go together. Happy moments arise more naturally when we lead a life that corresponds to our deepest values. Coaching helps you to clarify these values and find your own personal path to a fulfilled life.
Frequently asked questions
Practical tips: How to get the most out of your coaching
The success of a coaching process depends largely on your own willingness and preparation. Before you start coaching, you should take the time to clearly formulate your goals. What exactly do you want to change? What specific results do you expect? The more precise your objectives, the more focused the coaching process can be.
Between the individual sessions, it is important to actively integrate the insights you have gained into your everyday life. Keep a coaching diary in which you record your progress, challenges and "aha" moments. This reflection reinforces the transfer effect and makes your personal development visible. Many of our clients report that the time between sessions is crucial for lasting change.
Be open to new perspectives and be prepared to question habitual thought patterns. A good coach will challenge you without overwhelming you. Trust the process, even if individual steps seem unfamiliar at first. The best results are achieved when you get involved in the collaboration and play an active role in shaping it. Our experience at Ihr Coaching Institut in Frankfurt has shown that clients who have this basic attitude achieve their goals much faster and more sustainably.
Scientific basis and effectiveness
The effectiveness of coaching has been proven by numerous scientific studies. A meta-analysis by the International Coach Federation shows that 80% of coached individuals experience a significant improvement in their self-efficacy. Other studies show positive effects on stress reduction, decision-making quality and interpersonal communication.
Research provides impressive results, particularly in the area of leadership development. A study by the Manchester Consulting Group showed an average return on investment of 5.7 times the coaching budget invested. The improvements were reflected in increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and improved working relationships.
Neurobiological research explains why coaching is so effective: new neuronal connections are formed in the brain through targeted reflection and new experiences of action. This process, known as neuroplasticity, enables lasting changes in behavior. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we work exclusively with evidence-based methods that put these scientific findings into practice. Our certified coaches combine sound specialist knowledge with many years of practical experience.
The coaching process: procedure and phases
A professional coaching process follows a clear structure that is divided into several phases. In the orientation phase, the coach and client clarify the issue together, define specific goals and agree on the framework for the collaboration. This clarification of the assignment is crucial for later success, as it determines the direction and focus of the entire process.
During the work phase, new perspectives are opened up, resources activated and concrete action strategies developed with the help of various coaching methods. Your coach will ask specific questions to stimulate reflection and support you in developing individual solutions. Between sessions, you put the insights gained into practice and gain new experiences.
The final phase is used for reflection and sustainability assurance. Together, you evaluate the progress you have made, anchor successful strategies and plan the next steps for your further development. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we attach particular importance to careful evaluation so that you can clearly state the benefits of your coaching - both for yourself and for your employer.
Coaching in Frankfurt: Your location advantage
Frankfurt am Main is not only the financial center of Germany, but also a hotspot for professional coaching services. The high concentration of executives, international companies and ambitious professionals makes Frankfurt an ideal location for high-quality coaching. As your coaching institute, we have been firmly rooted in the Rhine-Main region for years and are familiar with the specific challenges of the Frankfurt business environment.
Our central location enables flexible coaching formats: Face-to-face sessions on our premises, coaching walks in the countryside or virtual sessions via video conference. Many of our clients appreciate the ability to easily integrate coaching appointments into their daily work routine. Our easy accessibility via S-Bahn, U-Bahn and the connection to Frankfurt Airport makes us the preferred partner for managers from the entire Rhine-Main region and beyond.
Whether you are looking for a professional reorientation, want to expand your leadership skills or want to master personal challenges - our team of over 35 certified coaches offers you tailor-made solutions. All of our coaches are certified by renowned associations such as ICF, DBVC or DCV and have extensive industry experience.
Read also: Coaching for the self-employed in Frankfurt - How a coach ..., Definition of change
What is happiness?
Being happy describes a targeted development process based on scientifically sound methods. The certified coaches at the ICI Frankfurt support you in achieving sustainable change.
What are the benefits of being happy?
The benefits include: clearer goal orientation, more effective communication and sustainable behavioral changes. Studies show that professional coaching can increase ROI by a factor of 5 to 7.
How do I find the right coach for happiness?
Look for recognized certifications (ICF, DBVC), proven experience and a personal fit. The ICI Frankfurt offers a non-binding initial consultation to help you find the right coach from our team of 35 experts.
How long does a typical coaching process take?
A typical coaching process comprises 8-12 sessions over a period of 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the individual goals and progress. Initial results can often be seen after 2-3 sessions.
How can I recognize a reputable coach?
Look for recognized certifications (ICF, DBVC, DCV), sound training, demonstrable professional experience and transparent methods. A reputable coach offers a non-binding initial consultation and works with clear agreements.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is future-oriented and focuses on achieving goals and developing potential. Therapy, on the other hand, treats mental illnesses and focuses on the past. Coaching is aimed at healthy people who want to develop further.
Can coaching also take place online?
Yes, online coaching is just as effective as face-to-face coaching. Studies show that the coaching results are comparable regardless of the format. Online coaching also offers flexibility and time savings.
Tim S. Tabrizi is the founder and managing director of Ihr Coaching Institut (Frankfurt). Certified Executive Coach (ICF, DBVC) with over 15 years of experience. 35 coaches throughout Germany. LinkedIn profile | Your coaching institute on LinkedIn | Author page →
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