The 10 Keys to Happiness: A Framework for Thriving

At Strive, we believe that happiness isn’t a fleeting emotion—it’s a skill we can cultivate. To help individuals and organisations foster lasting well-being, we use the 10 Keys to Happiness, a practical and evidence-based framework developed by Vanessa King in her book 10 Keys to Happier Living. These keys provide actionable steps to enhance mental fitness and create a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.

Together, these keys spell out GREAT DREAM, reflecting the potential for a balanced and thriving existence. Here’s what they mean and how they can make a difference:

GREAT

1. Giving

Acts of kindness—whether helping a colleague, mentoring a peer, or contributing to your community—build stronger relationships and create a sense of purpose. Giving is a powerful way to connect with others while boosting your own happiness.

2. Relating

Positive relationships are a cornerstone of well-being. Prioritising meaningful connections, whether at work or in your personal life, helps create a supportive network where individuals can flourish together.

3. Exercising

Physical activity isn’t just for your body; it’s for your mind too. Regular exercise enhances energy levels, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of accomplishment—all essential for resilience and productivity.

4. Appreciation

Gratitude is transformative. Taking time to notice and appreciate the good in your life can shift your mindset and improve your outlook, even during challenging times.

5. Trying Out

Curiosity and learning fuel personal growth. Embracing new experiences and skills keeps life exciting and helps you adapt to change with confidence.

DREAM

6. Direction

Clear goals provide a sense of purpose and motivation. Whether setting professional objectives or personal aspirations, having a direction empowers you to focus and make meaningful progress.

7. Resilience

Life is full of challenges, but resilience helps you bounce back stronger. By developing coping strategies and a positive mindset, you can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

8. Emotions

Being aware of your emotions and finding ways to cultivate positive feelings can improve your overall well-being. Simple habits like savoring good moments or practicing mindfulness make a big impact.

9. Acceptance

Self-compassion is key to thriving. Accepting yourself—including your imperfections—reduces self-criticism and fosters confidence and inner peace.

10. Meaning

A sense of purpose brings fulfilment. Whether through work, relationships, or a passion project, meaning helps you align your actions with your values and find deeper satisfaction in life.

Why the 10 Keys Matter for Individuals and Organisations

This framework isn’t just for individuals—it has profound implications for workplaces too. By integrating the 10 Keys into your organisational culture, you can promote workplace flourishing, where employees feel supported, engaged, and motivated to do their best.

Here’s how the 10 Keys can enhance your organisation:

Boost Employee Well-Being: Happier employees are healthier, more productive, and more resilient to stress.

Strengthen Team Collaboration: Emphasising giving and relating fosters trust, communication, and mutual support among colleagues.

Encourage Growth and Innovation: Trying out new ideas and learning from setbacks drives creativity and adaptability.

Align Work with Purpose: By helping employees find meaning in their roles, you create a more motivated and committed workforce.

Why Strive Uses the 10 Keys

At Strive, we’ve built our programs around the 10 Keys because they are practical, inclusive, and transformative. They allow us to provide measurable and sustainable support to our members, helping them achieve personal growth and contribute more effectively to their teams, organisations and communities.

Through regular wellness assessments, a wealth of online resources, tailored guidance, and a growing community we help individuals understand how these keys apply to their lives and empower them to make meaningful changes.

Unlock the Power of GREAT DREAM

Happiness isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation for thriving in work and life. By embracing the 10 Keys to Happiness, you can cultivate resilience, foster authentic connections, and align your actions with your values.

With Strive, you can unlock the full potential of the GREAT DREAM framework for yourself and your workforce, creating an environment where everyone can flourish. Let’s take the first step together toward a happier, healthier future.

Take the First Step with Strive

Ready to see the difference mental fitness can make for your team? Let Strive be your partner in creating a workplace where everyone can achieve their best. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business and your employees thrive.

Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for updates and inspiration, and feel free to connect with our CEO Linda Neville to learn more about our mission and vision too.