1. You must accept right now that this universe has a bizarre sense of humor about when it decides to deliver its problems unto you. Usually they arrive unto you at the most ironic moments (translation: most sadistic moments). It’s up to you to make fun your high performance fuel -- and deal with them with the right LIGHT attitude. For example, view your surprise problem as a “fun game show test” -- and yourself as the Master Problem-Meister being tested. Pretend the cameras are on. Laugh (ha,ha,ha) telling yourself: “Okay! Very funny, Universe! I get it! THIS is the part in the reality show of my life where the surprise test comes in to test my creative problem-solving mettle. No problem-o.”
2. Laugh your way to the bank. I've often joked that comedy is when bad things happen to anyone who is not me. Believe it or not, that’s a Buddhist thought because "anyone who is not me" = "the ability to separate one's ego from the situation and see outside yourself to how funny life can be." Imagine what is going on to you is happening to someone else. It's always much easier to find the humor when the banana peel is under the other shoe.
3. Remember what Neitzche once said: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, gives you good screenplay material and/or a funny anecdote to share with friends over margaritas." Or at least Neitzche said something like that. THE POINT: Don't forget to learn the lesson from your problem that you won't forget!
4. YO! IT'S NOT THE FEAT. IT'S THE EMOTION! You gotta enjoy the process of growing your career...that journey stuff everyone talks about! The journey is actually what life is -- which means having the right attitude to enjoy the bumps and curves with a good-natured spirit. After all, it's not he who dies with the most toys who wins, but he who has the most fun playing with his toys who wins.
5. Remind yourself: One of the best ways to assess if someone is leading a truly successful life is to see how often they laugh within their day.
The double punch line summary:
Money doesn't bring you happiness...but happiness can bring you money. The happier you are, the less stressful you'll be -- and thereby the more successful you'll be. So laugh, dammit, laugh!
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