How to Actually Be Happier at Work and Lead Like a Pro
Most people think happiness comes after success.
Andrew Matthews flips that idea. He explains why happiness comes first and how it shapes better work, better leadership, and better decisions.
Key Takeaways
You don’t find the perfect job. You build it through how you think and act.
Happy people ask better questions. Unhappy people look for what’s missing.
Happiness is not a reward. It’s the base layer for success and leadership.
Notable Quotes
“It’s not what happens to you. It’s how you think.”
“What you thought was breaking you is probably making you.”
“When you feel better, you do better.”
Real-World Applications
Create the job you have
Instead of waiting for a better role, invest in your current one.
Example: A manager starts encouraging teammates and improving how clients are treated. The job slowly becomes more rewarding.Change the questions you ask
Your brain answers whatever you ask it.
Example: Replace “Why is this so bad?” with “What is one good thing here?” Even one answer shifts your mood.Stop complaining as a habit
Complaints multiply fast. So do solutions.
Example: A team agrees to raise problems only with a proposed fix. Meetings get shorter and calmer.Practice self-acceptance
You don’t need to be perfect to lead well.
Example: A leader keeps a childhood photo on their desk as a reminder to be patient with themselves.
Happiness isn’t soft or optional. It makes you sharper, calmer, and easier to work with. Lead from that place, and everything else works better.
Time Stamps:
01:30 Andrew's Journey to Writing
02:39 Overcoming Rejections
04:12 Creating Happiness at Work
06:37 The Power of Perspective
13:10 Self-Acceptance and Forgiveness
20:10 The Importance of Resilience
32:58 Daily Decisions for Happiness
34:19 Happiness in Leadership
34:44 Nick Faldo's Story
37:31 Conclusion and Book Promotion
Links Mentioned:
Andrew Matthews’s latest book, Bouncing Back on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cfPPYVi
Andrew Matthews’s latest book, Bouncing Back on Audible: https://tinyurl.com/3admkunc
Andrew Matthew’s Website: https://andrewmatthews.com/
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.