Why Marketers Need to Prioritize Their Happiness

It's no secret we spend a lot of our time in the quest for those perfect campaigns, flawless strategies, and killer conversions, right? But, let's talk about something a little different today—our happiness. Yes, you heard it right! (I can already see a few raised eyebrows there!) It's time we put our own happiness on our priority list. 

Remember the famous book 'Happiness by Design' by Paul Dolan? The one that says happiness isn't just about feeling good but also about finding purpose? Well, it's time to revisit those principles. This book makes a compelling argument that true happiness comes from a delicate balance between pleasure and purpose that's sustained over time. And I know what you're thinking... "Isn't that just a fancy way of saying work-life balance?" Well, it's more than that, my friends. 

"Happiness is experienced when pleasure and purpose come together over a period of time."- Paul Dolan, Happiness by Design

This viewpoint isn't just for philosophers or happiness gurus, but for us marketers too. We need to embrace this idea and build a productivity system around it. This way, we can meet our client/employer demands while also staying happy. (Yes, it's possible!) 

Let's dive in and see how we can make this happen, shall we?

First off, let's unpack the concept behind the book 'Happiness by Design'. The author, Paul Dolan, posits a simple yet profound idea - happiness isn't just about the grand, joyous moments in life. Instead, it's a combination of pleasure and purpose, both sustained over time. It's not just about the thrill of landing a big client or the euphoria of a successful campaign, but also about finding meaning and satisfaction in the work we do every day. 

As marketers, how often do we lose sight of this? We're so engrossed in deadlines, targets, and customer satisfaction that we forget to prioritize our happiness. But here's the kicker - our happiness is not just essential for our well-being, it's also crucial for our productivity. It's a win-win, folks! 

Why should marketers prioritize their happiness? 

Well, for starters, happiness is contagious. Ever noticed how a good mood can light up a room? (Think about it, you've been there). Happy marketers often foster a positive work environment which enhances creativity, encourages collaboration, and boosts productivity. And you know what that means - better results for clients and employers. 

But it doesn't end there. When we're happy, we're more likely to take on challenges, come up with innovative solutions, and stay committed to our goals. Happiness gives us the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. It keeps our motivation levels high, and importantly, it makes our job feel less like work and more like a passion. And who wouldn't want that? 

Building a Productivity System for Happiness 

Alright, so we've established that happiness is important. But how do we go about achieving it? That's where building a productivity system comes in. A well-designed system that balances pleasure and purpose can go a long way in ensuring you stay happy and productive. 

Start by identifying what tasks give you pleasure and what tasks provide you with a sense of purpose. Are there tasks that provide both? Prioritize these. For example, if brainstorming creative campaigns lights your fire (and let's be real, isn't that why we got into marketing?), make sure you allocate time for it in your schedule. 

Next, remember that balance is key. Yes, we need to meet targets and deadlines, but it's equally important to take breaks, engage in activities that bring us joy, and nurture our relationships. Remember, we're aiming for sustained happiness, not just fleeting moments of joy. 

So there you have it, folks. As marketers, prioritizing our own happiness isn't just about personal fulfillment. It's about being better at our jobs, delivering greater value to our clients, and ultimately, being true to our passion. It's time we started designing our happiness, don't you think?

Embracing the Pleasure-Purpose Principle 

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How do we apply the pleasure-purpose principle in marketing? It might be a heck lot easier than you think! 

Firstly, find what brings you pleasure in your work. Is it the thrill of closing a deal? The satisfaction of a well-executed campaign? Or perhaps, it's the joy of watching your brand grow and evolve. (Let's admit, we all have that one aspect of our job that we secretly, or not-so-secretly, love.) Once you have identified these pleasurable tasks, make sure you're doing them regularly. Remember, happiness is sustained over time, not just a one-off event. 

Next up, identify what gives your work purpose. Is it the impact your campaigns have on your clients' success? The chance to contribute to a brand's growth? Or maybe it's simply the opportunity to use your creativity and problem-solving skills. (Again, it's personal so don't shy away from your truth.) Once you have these tasks identified, ensure they are a significant part of your daily work. 

Striking the Balance 

The trick, folks, is striking a balance between pleasure and purpose. Just like in life, too much of one thing can lead to a lack of fulfillment. (Ever heard of too much of a good thing?) So, make sure you're not just chasing the high of closing deals or getting lost in the purpose of your work. It's the combination of both that yields sustained happiness. 

Your productivity system should help you balance these two key elements. If it's all work and no play, or all play and no work, you're going to find yourself feeling unfulfilled, stressed, or even burnt out. And let's be real, that's not good for anyone, especially not our clients or employers. 

Making the Shift 

So, how do we make this shift, you ask? Well, it starts with self-awareness. (Yep, a good old dose of introspection never hurt anyone.) Recognize what brings you pleasure and purpose in your work. Embrace it. Celebrate it. Then, build a productivity system that allows you to prioritize these tasks. It's not about ignoring the less enjoyable parts of our job but integrating the pleasurable and purposeful tasks into our routine to keep us happy and motivated. 

Remember, folks, happiness isn't just a state of mind; it's a lifestyle. It's something we need to consciously design and cultivate in our daily lives. And as marketers, prioritizing our happiness is not just essential for our well-being but for our creativity, productivity, and success. So, let's start designing our happiness, shall we?