Happiness Psychologist Aleks Srbinoski wants to help you become happier for free this new year and help you to help others in becoming happier too. All in less then 5 minutes a day! I met with Aleks shortly after having completed his TV show to find out more.
Shaun: Thank you for joining me. Before we begin, congratulations on completing your television show ‘Fulfilling Happiness with Aleks’.
Aleks: Thank you very much. It will be airing this Sunday 13th at 7pm on Aurora. Set your recorders.
Shaun: Before our interview today, I spent some time on freehappynewyear.com and became very intrigued and excited about your new concept. What is the purpose of the Free Happy New Year Challenge?
Aleks: The Free Happy New Year Challenge is essentially about spreading happiness through all levels of society. It starts with the individual participant, but through their actions to become happier they will also influence the happiness of other people that they know and do not know.
Shaun: What is the Free Happy New Challenge?
Aleks: The challenge is actually very simple. People visit the website and sign up to the challenge. Once they sign up, they will receive an email from me every day for 21 days, starting on January 1. In each email, there will be a happiness enhancing exercise that can be done in as little as 90 seconds, 3 times a day. People will be learning the basic skills on how to become happier in less then 5 minutes a day.
Shaun: I can see the great potential benefits of that, happiness training in less then 5 minutes a day. Sounds like a great idea for a busy person. But how is that going to help other people become happier?
Aleks: Three ways. One is that emotions are contagious, and the happier an individual becomes the happier the people around them will become. Secondly, if possible, I recommend creating a small group of people to do the challenge with so they can support each other and discuss the applications of the exercises. Finally, I want people to get sponsored to become happier.
Shaun: What exactly do you mean by sponsored?
Aleks: Sponsorship is optional, but highly recommended. When it comes to goal setting, people need to increase their accountability in order to maintain motivation. I suggest the participant chooses a charity or cause that is personally meaningful to them and then obtain sponsors who will offer them a small amount of money to go to that cause every time they complete a 90 second challenge. The happiness strategies will increase happiness and then be strengthened further by the knowledge that the person is also raising money for a good cause. They will reinforce each other. Happiness at all levels.
Shaun: Why January 1?
Aleks: I want to coach people in achieving a true new year’s resolution, which is learning how to become happier. Often people are motivated and ready to make changes in the new year, but do not have someone to encourage and support them.
Shaun: Who is eligible?
Aleks: Anyone. It is aimed at older teens and adults, but children could easily be taught these strategies with some minor guidance from parents. Happiness should have no restrictions.
Shaun: It really does sound like an incredible idea. I know I will be participating. For more information, visit freehappynewyear.com. Thank you for joining me today Aleks.
Aleks: My pleasure Shaun. Happy to be here.