One of the most common recurring themes in my work with clients is the pursuit of enduring contentment: How can they build on experiences of joy and happiness, fulfillment and contentment, once they’ve emerged from distress? This TED talk by Shawn Achor is one of the first resources I refer them to. In it, Achor discusses his research that indicates when we put our energies into becoming happy (experiencing joy, contentment, fulfillment), we become more productive, more energetic, more successful in our work. When we put our energies into being successful at work thinking it will make us happy in life, the goal line is always being moved and we never get there. It’s time to turn the old formula on its head and focus on developing contentment – being happy. That’s where the energy for developing a successful career lives.