The Secret to Lasting Success: Happiness Habits for Business Owners That Really Work
- Future Accounting
- Sep 8
- 5 min read
Written by: Chris Mulcahy
Why happiness habits for business owners are the key to stronger teams and smarter decisions
Running a business is rewarding, but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. That’s why focusing on happiness habits for business owners is more important than ever. For small business and family business owners, the pressure of managing finances, looking after staff, keeping customers happy, and planning for the future often leaves little room for self-care.
But here’s the thing: lasting happiness doesn’t just happen by accident. According to author and social scientist Arthur C. Brooks, it’s built with intention, one day at a time. His research reveals that the happiest people in the world cultivate joy through four daily practices. And when you break them down, they’re just as relevant to running a business as they are to running a household.
Who is Arthur C. Brooks?
Arthur C. Brooks is not only a bestselling author, but also a professor at Harvard University, where he teaches public leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and management practice at the Harvard Business School. He has written extensively on the science of happiness, blending insights from psychology, neuroscience, economics, and philosophy. His book From Strength to Strength became a #1 New York Times bestseller, and his latest work, ‘Build the Life You Want’, continues to shape how people think about purpose, fulfilment, and joy.
His research is particularly relevant when thinking about happiness habits for business owners, who face constant pressure, long hours, and uncertainty. Brooks’ work shows that happiness is not a luxury but it’s a skill that can be learned and applied in daily life.
The four pillars of daily happiness
Family and relationships: nurturing your inner circle
The happiest people put their relationships first. It’s not about having hundreds of contacts on LinkedIn, but about investing deeply in the people who truly matter - family, close friends, trusted colleagues, and business partners.
For family businesses, this couldn’t be more important. Your team isn’t just staff; often, they are family or feel like it. Checking in with them, listening, and creating time for non-work connection builds trust and resilience.
Action step: Schedule one meaningful interaction every day - whether that’s a coffee with a spouse, a phone call to a parent, or a quiet chat with a team member. These small acts build the foundation for long-term wellbeing and business strength.
Meaningful work: finding purpose in what you do
Happiness doesn’t come from chasing the next big deal. It comes from knowing that what you do has purpose. For SMEs and family enterprises, that sense of purpose often runs deep. Maybe it’s about carrying on a family legacy, serving your community, or building something enduring for the next generation.
But under the weight of day-to-day operations, it’s easy to lose sight of this bigger picture. The happiest people remind themselves daily why they do what they do.
Action step: At the start of each day, take two minutes to reflect: What impact will my work have today, for my family, my team, or my customers? This simple reminder can turn even the most stressful tasks into meaningful ones.
Faith or philosophy: anchoring in something bigger
Brooks’ research shows that the happiest people have a grounding philosophy, whether that’s faith, spirituality, or simply a guiding set of values. The point isn’t religion alone; it’s about having a compass that gives perspective when challenges arise.
For business owners, having clear values and principles can be that compass. They guide decision-making, reduce stress in uncertain times, and remind you that there’s more to life than quarterly profits.
Action step: Define or revisit your personal and business values. Keep them visible, on your desk, in your office, or in family discussions, so they become a daily anchor in both life and business.
Health: looking after body and mind
Finally, the happiest people take care of their health. It’s simple, but powerful: exercise, sleep, and healthy eating are directly linked to mental wellbeing. And yet, these are often the first things neglected when business demands pile up.
For SMEs and family businesses, poor health can quickly become a hidden cost. Burnout, stress, and fatigue don’t just affect you, they ripple out to your team and your family. Developing happiness habits for business owners includes making time for self-care so you can bring your best energy to both work and life.
Action step: Commit to one small health ritual daily. That might be a 20-minute walk between meetings, switching your phone off before bed, or choosing water over another coffee. Over time, these micro-choices create resilience.
Why this matters for business owners
Too often in business, we become solely focused on the day-to-day: managing cashflow, juggling staff, and meeting deadlines. The pressure can feel relentless, and it’s easy to measure progress only by what’s urgent, not by what’s important.
That’s why stepping back is essential. By pausing to focus on positives, whether it’s celebrating a team win, recognising the trust of long-term clients, or simply acknowledging personal growth, you create perspective. This shift doesn’t just make you happier; it strengthens your leadership and helps you make clearer, more balanced decisions.
In other words, happiness habits for business owners aren’t a “nice-to-have”, they’re a strategic advantage. Leaders who are grounded, resilient, and intentional are better equipped to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and sustain long-term success.
The takeaway: build happiness by design
Arthur C. Brooks’ research is clear: happiness isn’t luck. It’s built and just like running a successful business, it requires daily habits, consistency, and intentionality.
By investing in relationships, finding purpose in your work, anchoring yourself in values or faith, and taking care of your health, you can design a life that’s not just successful on paper, but deeply fulfilling.
For SMEs and family businesses, the benefits are twofold: you build not only a stronger, happier you, but also a stronger, happier business.
Ready to build stronger business and life foundations?
At Future Accounting, we know from experience that lasting success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about keeping Health, Wealth, and Family in balance. That’s why we built our Future Prosperity process around these three pillars. When one of them is out of step, everything else feels harder. But when they’re aligned, life and business flow with greater clarity and confidence.
Our Future Prosperity Process takes the information from your head, puts it on paper, and allows a clear plan and strategies to be developed. This can take the worry and strain off your shoulders, giving you the space to focus on what matters most.
Don’t leave your future to chance. With our Future Prosperity Process, you’ll gain clarity, strategies, and confidence - so you can focus on growth while we help ease the strain. Book a session with our team today.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
