Your long-term happiness and peace both rely on the quality of your daily actions.
As you move through the days and weeks ahead, remind yourself that it takes roughly 66 days to form a habit on average. So for the next nine and a half weeks, consciously leverage the actionable reminders below to look at the brighter side of your life, and you will gradually rewire your brain.
1. Start steadying yourself with simple rituals.
When life feels like an emotional roller coaster, steady yourself with simple rituals. Make the bed. Water the plants. Rinse off your own bowl and spoon. Simplicity attracts calmness and wisdom.
2. Start filtering out the noise in your life.
Be careful about who you give the microphone and stage to in your life. Don’t just listen to the loudest voice every day. Listen to the truest one.
3. Start choosing differently for your own well-being.
A big part of your life is a result of the little choices you make every day. If you don’t like some part of your life, it’s time to start tweaking things and making better choices in the days and weeks ahead.
4. Start being a little more productive than you are busy.
There’s a big difference between being busy and being productive. If you’re going to put in the work today, don’t confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but never makes any forward progress. In other words…
5. Start dedicating time every day to meaningful progress.
If you only have fifteen minutes to spare, no problem — make those fifteen minutes meaningful. Focus on small daily steps. And even when the struggle is real, remind yourself that it always feels better to be exhausted from taking a small step forward, than it does to be tired of doing absolutely nothing.
6. Start moving toward things, not away from them.
The best way to move away from something negative is to move toward something positive.
7. Start doing what’s right, even if it’s not the easiest option.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Just because it’s easy, doesn’t mean it’s worth your while. Do what’s right, not what’s easiest right now. It’s a less stressful way to live in the long run.
8. Start comparing yourself to yourself (and no one else).
Forget what others have and where they are. You’re not walking in their shoes, and you’ll never comfortably walk in your own if you keep comparing yourself to them. So focus on what’s best for YOU and your unique circumstances. What do you need to do next for your own priorities and objectives? Do it! You won’t be distracted by comparison if you’re captivated with purpose.
9. Start being more tolerant of those who see things differently.
Engage with people, including those who think differently. Ask questions, listen closely, and remember that the way we treat people we disagree with is the best evidence of what we have truly learned about love, respect, and kindness.
10. Start letting grace have the last word.
We only really lose the little arguments our pride insists on winning. When it’s more important to win little arguments than love people, we need to start all over again with our faith, grace, and priorities. (Note: Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the Relationships chapter of “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently”.)
11. Start giving without expectations.
You will end up very disappointed if you expect people will always do for you as you do for them. Not everyone has the same heart, values, or priorities as you. Keep yourself centered. The fact that you can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and give them hope, is proof that generosity works wonders behind the scenes. So…
12. Start being the difference you want to see in the world.
Be the change. What you give to another person is really what you give to yourself. When you treat others with love, you learn that you are lovable too. So keep doing your thing today with as much kindness, humility, and honesty as possible. Do what you do, not for repayment or an applause, but because it’s what’s right. Forget about popularity, and just focus on goodness and sincerity for the rest of the month and beyond.
13. Start being more present.
Gadgets are great, but they can get in the way if you aren’t careful. Control them so they don’t control you. Put down the phone when you’re socializing. Don’t avoid eye contact. Don’t hide behind a screen. Be present. Ask about people’s stories. Listen. Engage.
14. Start letting your actions speak to those you love.
Put first things first on the daily. Our closest relationships are vital to our overall peace and happiness. And as we tell those we love that we love them, we must never forget that the highest compliment is not to utter words, but to live by them.
15. Start finding more gratitude.
The secret to being grateful is no secret. You choose to be grateful. When you forget, begin again. (Note: Our newest publication via Penguin, “The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts & Reflections to Start Every Day”, is a good tool for this kind of perspective shift and gratitude practice.)
16. Start complaining less.
Practice replacing the phrase “I have to” with “I get to” whenever you catch yourself starting to complain. So many activities we complain about are things others wish they had the chance to do.
17. Start opening up to new experiences and opportunities.
Don’t let not knowing how it’ll end keep you from beginning again right now. If we allow it to, uncertainty chases us out into the open where life’s true magic is waiting. Go somewhere new, and countless opportunities suddenly appear. Do something differently, and all sorts of great new possibilities spring up. Keep an open mind and have fun with life in the days and weeks ahead.
18. Start letting life’s little frustrations go.
Don’t let the silly little dramas of each day get you down. Joy starts on the inside. Practice focusing on what truly matters, and letting go of what does not. Use your frustrations to motivate you rather than annoy you. You are in control of your focus and how you choose to allocate your energy.
19. Start embracing the lessons life is teaching you.
You are a work in progress, which means you get there a little at a time, not all at once. Truly, everything that happens helps you grow. Oftentimes difficult experiences teach us priceless life lessons we didn’t think we needed to know. If you’re having some problems, that’s not a bad thing. It means you’re attempting things, taking steps, and making progress. The only people with no problems are the ones doing absolutely nothing.
20. Start focusing (only) on what you can control.
Don’t force things. Give things your best shot and then let them be. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Don’t hold yourself down with things you can’t control. Remember, no book is just one chapter. No chapter tells the whole story. No mistake defines who we are. Keep turning the pages that need to be turned.
Now, it’s your turn…
Yes, it’s your turn starting today! I sincerely hope you will make the best of it all, that you will dream boldly and dangerously, that you will leverage the reminders above to create something that didn’t exist before you took action, that you will love and be loved in return, and that you will find the strength to accept and grow from the outcomes you can’t change. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and wisdom in this crazy world), that you will, when you must, be wise with your decisions, and that you will always be extra kind to yourself and others.
And before you go, please leave Angel and me a comment below and let us know what you think of this essay. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which one of the points above resonated the most today?
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Julie says
“9. Start being more tolerant of those who see things differently…”
Wow, did this hit me between the eye’s. My daughter and myself don’t ever see eye to eye of each other. I am going to let #9 be one of my motto’s from now on. Thanks
Sibongile says
Embracing the lessons life is teaching us.i struggle a lot about that,if it’s too difficult I just think am being cursed
Chisara Prisca says
I’m blessed coming across this writeup this morning.
I have learnt so much on all of the point most importantly the part that says” simplicity attracts calmness and wisdom”
Thanks.
Andrea Michel says
All of the points are excellent. For me today the first one is where it all starts . Doing the little daily things that are there to do sets the tone to activate your brain to keep going. Expanding.
Thank you.
Loretta Jan says
My husband just sent me this article. Very uplifting. Many resonate deeply with me today. Thank you.
Lois says
Just want you both to know you are always so meaningful just when I need to hear crystal clear and loving advice. Thank you for all you are and all you do.
Patti says
I loved the point that ‘not everyone has the heart and priorities you have’. Seeing these words in print helps put me at peace with this reality so that I don’t struggle with it any longer. Cheers to a brighter future for all!
Rex says
What a wealth of insight! Thank you so much for this article. The 12th point “Start being more present” resonates more.
I learnt that some years ago from a former boss who would always stop whatever she was doing just to give you a listening ear whenever you visit her office for a talk.
It’s really not helpful how you spend time with people who seem to be lost in their gadgets, giving you the impression that they would prefer to be somewhere else than to be with you.
K. Benson says
Great post filled with simple ideas that have personally worked for me in my 68 years. I’ve mentioned some of this before on a previous comment in another post, but I wanted to reiterate….
What I have learned during my life is that, to a degree, we have to go against this world. Because if we follow every little thing that society has told us is the correct path to follow, we will likely not succeed or find happiness. So many of us are only focused on making money and chasing the dream it buys.
This model works for some people, but sends many of us into a tailspin. We spend all our time chasing things, and not enough time enjoying what we have.
Happiness is not about having the latest in smartphone, car, appliances, TV, a perfect looking significant other, etc. Happiness comes from the little things, like a sunshine filled day, the sunrise and sunset, a marvelous landscape, a great conversation, the taste of a fresh fruit, a healthy body, etc. And this in one of the reasons I fell in love with your blog, book, emails, etc. – much of your writing reminds me that happiness and success is not found in excess, but in simplifying life to focus on the essentials.
Debbie says
Well said in response to Marc’s article.
QueenVee says
Your topics you share always bring clarity to my self-discovery journey. This post came a right time as I’m currently in a journey of sobriety and learning to love myself and prioritize Me. Thank you so much.
Meredith Safarik says
Good luck with your sobriety journey! You’ve got this!!!
Onshella Vernon says
Thank you for your heartfelt encouragement each time I read your posts. I eagerly look and wait for the next lessons you teach. They are indeed gems of wisdom. Keep writing; keep inspiring. You are doing a great service.
Jenna says
Isn’t it amazing that happiness is so elusive? You’ve given some wonderful habits to focus on in our daily lives to help us all maintain a more peaceful attitude. The ones important for me are filtering out the noise in my life, being present in the now, and being tolerant of those who see things differently. I don’t think I could add anything to your post. There are enough tips here to last straight through the year ahead. I could return to this list and act on others that will benefit me as a person and bring daily happiness. Thanks so much for your post.
Fouzia tayob says
This is a wonderful article. I am currently going through an ugly divorce and your advice has been so meaningful for my life right now and the future I’m trying to build
Definitely, stop saying ‘I have to’ and say ‘I get to’ is the one resonating with me right now. I have so many blessings around me, so I’m Definately going to be more grateful. Thank you & may God bless you. Fouz ??
Amberflora says
Always on time…. They are resonate with me… I’m blessed…
Thank you for keep keeping on!!
Jane says
Great post. All the suggestions are great. Right now I’ve been working on a cleaner house, which means a whole bunch of smaller rituals strung together. Make the bed. Vaccum. Tomorrow, bathrooms. etc 🙂
So I liked Suggestion #1 a lot. A clean house really does help create a calmer mind. A clean house is also self care: it says I’m worth it, and so are the people I love who live here. 🙂
Cynthia Ferguson says
Thank you both for all you do!!! Thank you for all these habits that I need to work on..
Nalo Jones says
To remind myself that it takes roughly 66 days to form a habit on average and to keep simple rituals
Carrie says
This was just what I needed to hear. I lost my 23 year old son to suicide almost 2 weeks ago and looking for direction.
Thank you
Mohamad Abdullah says
My focus at this age of 79 is to have peace and this article seems to resonate well with me especially #18.
I have been practicing this in recent months and find that no one is perfect. They may have psychological or emotional problems and it is not my responsibility if they do not want to seek help after my advice. However, with my quietness that person has changed to be better slightly and I am glad.
Mary says
No. 18 is spot on… Start letting life’s little frustrations go. I realise that it is how i respond to situations that matter. And number 2 , for sure i aint gonna give the mic and stage in my life to the loudest as i will start filtering out the noise in my life.
I will ONLY listen to the truest one.
DD says
Today’s message, I find in your words, is that I have one life and it’s never too late to try and try again for what makes me happy.
Thank you.
Diana says
Marc and Angel, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a positive influence in my life. I will be 70 in May and still learning and growing in this life. God is good and has sent you to help guide and focus my life on the things that really matter in this precious time we are given.
This entire article was so meaningful that I can’t choose just one. I hope you both have a wonderful day and keep doing what you do so well…..sharing your love and helping others.
Chathurika Dewmini says
Thank You for sharing this valuable life lesson. It’s very helpful for me to improve, and I am truly grateful for sharing this article.