14 steps to being truly happy at work (and what to do if you're not)

I think that happiness is something we are all born with and that, over time, it fades, as we get so caught up in the minutiae of life. A lot of people are told who and what they should be - and then one morning they wake up and they realise they’re not happy.

Why did this not happen to me? I believe it's because I was encouraged to be what I wanted to be. And what I always wanted was to work on a counter, selling beauty products to make people feel good about themselves.

And I was great at it. I had a very loyal client base in Debenhams of Croydon where I started working on the Clinique counter and my career progressed simply because, having not had much of an education (I didn’t learn to read and write until the age of 14), - I was eager to learn and understand more.

I have taken almost every kind of sales role within the beauty sector, and each came with the opportunity to help others - and, in turn, help myself.

Today, I am CEO of spa and skincare brand Aromatherapy Associates. I always promised myself that if I woke up not wanting to go to work I would change my role; and I have remained true to this my entire career: life is too short to be unhappy.

So here are my top tips to keep the joy, be happy in your work and stay loving what you do...

1. Don't

Try and keep work and home life separate, one will end up despising the other and the lines will always blur - it is so much easier than trying to be the referee in your own life.

2. Take care

Of your wellbeing, it is imperative to happiness. I truly believe that self-care is healthcare.

3. Try

To stay focused on the present. You absolutely must have a plan in business and in life. But if you look too far ahead, you might lose the benefits of living in the present - it is where conversation, inspiration, happiness, peace and success lie - it’s the here and now! Living and worrying about the future is a lonely place, especially as it’s only you there.

4. Remember

That procrastination is the thief of time, never waste an opportunity to make something better, something good or something great happen.

5. Always

Acknowledge failure, it is present somewhere in your life and that's OK.

6. Ask

For what you want, not only in business and in your personal life but in your head. Otherwise self-doubt will give you something else.

7. Keep

A 'shopping list' of your personal dreams and aspirations. I now have this on my phone, but for years I would write it in my diary; ticking things off, adding more and celebrating myself when I managed to check a goal off.  

Aged 50, I only had one thing on my list, but at almost 52 there are now many more (including learning a Beyoncé dance routine, which I will do at the end of this year).

8. Make

Your goals realistic, otherwise they find a way of beating you up.

9. Be comfortable

With anxiety and fear, most of the things you worry about will never happen. Acknowledge them and keep going, don't dwell on anticipating negative outcomes - they steal your joy.

How to cope with anxiety

10. Inspire

Others, while remaining mentally present, unconditional giving is more rewarding than bargaining.

11. In business

Be honest about your expectations and the desired outcome - not everyone knows what you are thinking. Understand that not everyone will feel the same as you and that's fine - it encourage open courageous conversation. This is where unexpected learning comes in, too, it can be very satisfying.

12. Accept

That you’re not always right... thinking you are will make you brittle.

13. Look

In the mirror every morning tell yourself that you love what you do. The moment you cannot admit that to yourself you should find the courage to change your path. Encourage everyone you know to do the same.

As my mum always used to say, 'if you think you can you will, and if you believe you can't you won’t'.

14. Laugh

Often and especially with people you care for. It unites you more than you know.

Tracey is speaking on a panel at the  'Celebrate Women' event, which is part of a leadership series in partnership between Telegraph Women and The Women's Chapter. For more information and details of future events, click here.