FORT MYERS, Fla.- If you want a successful life, whether it’s achieving your fitness goals or having fulfilling relationships, there’s one key ingredient that can give you super powers to get there faster, your happiness. Research shows happiness comes BEFORE success. The happier you are, the more likely you’ll be able to see new possibilities, try new things, and develop new skills. WINK News Fitness Expert Mike Drumm has some tips to get happier and fuel your success in fitness, and in life. If you’re thinking about the Pharrell song “Happy” you are on the right track. Think of your happiness as your personal rocket fuel. Over the past 12 years as a certified personal trainer, and Health Club Manager, Drumm has worked with everyone from kids to seniors with goals from weight loss, strength building, changing eating habits, and getting more sleep, the common trait among those who successfully achieve their goals is a positive mindset. It takes hard work and doesn’t happen overnight, but it can mean the difference between reaching your goals and falling short. Once you train your brain, your mindset, to be led by your actions, you will be well on your way to achieving your goals. TAKE ACTION For example, say you want to go for a run. Prior to the run, you may feel anxious or incapable, but if you can take action despite those feelings, you will be successful and, eventually, your thoughts and feelings will transform to more positive, empowering thoughts about your abilities. Whether you’re registering for a marathon or taking a new job, this pattern holds true. Sometimes it is better to lead with action, and let our thoughts and feelings follow. If not, the comfort zone we have created for ourselves in our own thoughts and feelings can prevent us from reaching our potential or goals. BE-DO-HAVE Model Another way to think about mindset is the BE DO HAVE model. It’s human nature to fall into the trap of thinking, “If only I had a lot of money, I would hire a personal trainer, and then I would be fit.” Or, “If only I would work out, then I would be in shape, and could have a lot of money.” The problem is, when we think and live this way, we will never be satisfied, nor will we have any inspiration to take action toward our goals. Instead, our mindset should be “I am fit, I do exercise, and I have a lot of money.” We must embrace what we want or who we want to be now, in this moment. Tell yourself you are who you want to be. Once we do this, everything else will start falling into place. THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW Write a reverse bucket list You’ve accomplished more than you think you have. Every single person who sits down to write out a reverse bucket list is always super surprised by the results. Try it. Write down places you’ve traveled, goals you have hit, standout memories, things you are proud of and amazing experiences you’ve had. When you take a look at how awesome you are, it will motivate you to create more awesome in your life. Take action. Inaction can cause doubt, depression, overwhelm and apathy. All negative things. Choose action instead. Just take the next small step. Any action is better than inaction. Taking any step, even if it’s small can lead to a momentum of more action. And on days that are really rough, you can just breathe and ask yourself, “Okay, what’s next?” A tiny step in the right direction can do wonders for your mental state. Keep moving forward. Embrace who you are to gain confidence. You are uniquely YOU, so wear it well. You define you. Who wants a world with copies anyway? Be authentic. Love your day at the salon or rock your make-up free style. Embrace your style, values and interests. When you fully own who you are and love it, confidence prevails. When you feel confident, you will be confident and most confident people I know are HAPPY. Love your age. Don’t get hung up on where you are at in life. Wisdom is a gift and it happens over time. At my age and place in life, I feel less worried about what people think of me, more confident in my decisions, and more understanding of myself. I am more tolerant of the differences of others in opinions and lifestyles, and I have less need to prove anything to the world. I notice the beauty in so many more things as I’ve aged, and I love that feeling. Whether you are 20 or 65, love your age and all of its benefits! Control what you can control. You just can’t control what other people say and do. The better you get at not letting the words and actions of others impact your mood or state, the happier you will be. In every situation ask yourself: What can I control and what can I change? Decide not to let the negativity of others puncture your nice happy bubble. Not always easy, but always rewarding. Make exercise a happiness outlet. You already know exercise is the gateway to those feel good endorphins, but when you add social time to your exercise routine, you can make it an even happier experience. Exercise doesn’t have to be a solo sport. Make exercise an outing with friends and family-a double deposit into your well-being.