Happy people take themselves lightly.

Most people take life far too seriously. You and I are not going to get out of this life alive so why not enjoy the gift of life today as if it was your last. One day you will be right. In my book, The Road to Happiness is Full of Potholes, I stress that one of the key traits of truly happy people is their ability to have fun. Laughter is medicine for the soul. It helps you reduce the negative impact of the stressors in your life as well as see the problems you may be facing for what they really are, temporary teachers on the path of life.

What does having fun mean to you? When was the last time you played hooky and just spent the day doing what you wanted to do, not what you had to do?

I have a great many heroes. As I was recently considering their impact on my life, I realized that most of them made me laugh. There was Will Rogers and Mark Twain, George Burns and Red Skeleton. There was Groucho Marx and Steve Allen. How about Ernie Kovacs (those of you old enough to remember him) I could go on but the point is, we all need to laugh more, smile more and enjoy the gift of life more.

Few people will say on their deathbed, they should have worked harder, attended more meetings, made more money or saved more money. Few people will say they should have learned more, taught more, become more or seen more. I will bet that many however will say they should have laughed and smiled more.

Have some fun and laugh today. It doesnt matter how you define fun. Just have some. You will be better able to face the struggles, problems, challenges and trials that life throws your way. While you are at it why not brighten someone elses day as well. Do something to bring a smile to their face or help them have some fun. You both will feel better.

On a recent speaking tour in Buenos Aires, I noticed how many of the people I met was how often they smiled and how happy they appeared to be. It was a wonderful trip and I cant wait to return. I like being around happy people.

Dont sweat the small stuff. What is small stuff? What is big stuff? Small stuff is: (some of you might take issue with my list, but it is my list so dont get yourself into a twit over it.)

1. Getting fired.

2. Getting promoted.

3. Going broke.

4. Winning the lottery.

5. Falling in love.

6. Falling out of love.

7. Graduating from college.

8. Retiring.

9. Your computer crashing. (even if you havent done a backup in 6 months)

10. Losing your hair.

11. Losing your mind.

12. Taking everything as if it were life or death.

13. Losing the biggest sale of your life.

14. Losing your business.

15. Losing your keys.

16. When someone close forgets your birthday or any special holiday.

17. Getting wrinkles.

18. Turning gray.

19. Ending a relationship.

20. Starting a relationship.

What is the big stuff in life? You are born. You die, thats big stuff. Everything else in between is small stuff.

I could go on for hours but I am losing interest in this list as I am sure you are as well. The point is, it is ALL unimportant stuff. Life and business is a game. You wont win them all or lose them all. Stop keeping score. The road ahead can change in a heartbeat. Relax and enjoy where you are, while you can.