In the month of December, I had the privilege of visiting Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore) for attending a 5 day residential leadership program. Needless to say, it was absolutely brilliant. After 10 years in the corporate world, the academic program was a breath of fresh air and revitalized me and most of my fellow participants. We had a range of sessions in the program, covering the topics of Corporate Entrepreneurship, Personal and Interpersonal Effectiveness, Leadership, Strategy, Branding, Execution, Negotiating etc.

In one of the sessions, we had a spirited discussion on Happiness & Passion. Our faculty for the session, DVR Seshadri, gave us the following 12 pillars for achieving happiness :-

Rise to your full potential

Set your own metric for success

Give rather than take

The only reality is now

This phase will also pass

Have an attitude of gratitude

Everything happens for good

The last shirt has no pocket

Strive for balance

Respond, not react

What we know is a small part of what exists

Change, and the world around you changes

These are the 12 pillars for a happy life for your body, mind, heart, soul & intellect, based on the foundation of your core values.

Brilliant!