Not everyone is happy. Indeed, research suggest we're less happy now than at any time in history. Even though we have more! Here are ten top tips for bringing the joy and happiness back into your work!

1. Know your joy stealers. Most days they are waiting for you when you wake up so be sure to pounce on them before you get out of bed. Lighten up! Don’t dwell on negativity and dread! Everything in life is a choice. If you can choose to be happy when you wake up and choose to not allow the stuff of life to rob you of your joy, then you can remain happy all day long!

2. Life your life to the max! Be fruitful. Life may not feel short, but it is! Make sure you jam pack your life full of exciting opportunities, possibilities and challenges. Make the most of every day – Carpe Diem. Live outrageously – it’s contagious.

3. Believe for the extraordinary. How are your expectancy levels? As a man thinks in his heart so he is or so he becomes. The more you believe for the unexpected and extraordinary the more heightened you are to it happening. Sometimes we are so busy doing life that opportunities pass us by before we have time to grab them. Think about it! Just waiting expectantly for great things/people/circumstances and opportunities to come your way is bound to put a smile on your face.

4. Take the rough with the smooth. Just because not everything is going your way doesn’t mean you can’t stay optimistic! Hang tough when the going gets rough and know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Keep smiling!

5. Excel in giving. Can you remember the last time you did something really nice for someone? Giving isn’t just about money. I once heard that love is spelt T.I.M.E. Give of your time, your gifts and your abilities. Pour into others and you’ll definitely have something to smile out. It’s called the ‘feel good factor’. How can you not be happy when you are doing something wonderful for someone else? They joy of seeing them blessed will stay with you for a long time. That said – you can’t live on one experience so be extravagant in your giving. He who sows generously reaps generously.

6. Have purpose, direction and meaning. It’s called vision. Without it you will wander aimlessly through life, but with it – the world is your oyster. Those who know where they are going are far more content than those who don’t. When was the last time you wrote some goals down – or evaluated the ones you’ve already written?

7. Love generously. To love others you must first love yourself. If you have a healthy self-worth you will find it easy to love others. Share sweet words with people – speak life into their situations; again it will make you feel good about yourself. Love when you’re not loved back – it shows real maturity. When you can truly love you'll be truly happy.

8. Hit the pause button periodically. Scientists have shown that the human body functions best if we make sure we have one day off in seven. God knew what he was doing when he invented the Sabbath! The bottom line is we all need to rest. Our bodies were not designed to work flat out 24/7. Some of us work to cover up other insecurities or gremlins in our lives. Ultimately this won’t work! Working flat out will not cause happiness. Take time to recharge your batteries. Happiness can be found in the balance between your work and your social life.

9. Accept your lot – but always press on! Learn to be content with where you are but always strive to be the best you can be. Happiness should not be determined by your outward circumstances. You can be happy regardless. Don’t place all your happiness in your job, your bank balance or a relationship – all these things can ultimately let you down. Remember happiness is a choice!

10. Always do the right thing. Happiness can be found in the times when you know you are doing everything to the best of your ability. Who can ask for more than your best?! Live an honest life, live at peace with everyone. Happiness can be found in just knowing you can't be a better person than you're currently being. Doing the right thing doesn't always feel likes its paying off, but in the long run you'll be the one with a guilt-free conscious. Happiness can be seriously affected if you carry bad baggage!