“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.
Here are 52 morning mantras – one for each week of the year (note: you can start your year of morning mantras anytime you want). I choose one of these mantras every Sunday morning and sit quietly for two minutes, repeating it silently in my mind as if I were meditating. I also write it on a post-it note and stick it next to my computer monitor for the duration of the week. This weekly ritual has helped reduce unnecessary stress in my life by reminding me to keep things simple, peaceful and in perspective.
- The secret to being grateful is no secret. You choose to be grateful. Then you do it again and again. Every day. When you forget, begin again.
- If you worry too much about what might be, and wonder too long about what might have been, you will ignore and completely miss what is.
- You don’t know what the future will bring. So your best strategy for living is to make the best and most positive use of the present.
- Two things, more than anything else, define you daily: Your patience when you are struggling, and your attitude when you are not.
- Patience is not about waiting – it’s the ability to keep a positive attitude while working hard for what you believe in.
- It’s not selfish to enjoy life. What’s selfish is to insist on being negative despite all the positive possibilities available to you.
- Before you waste it on anger, resentment, spite or envy, think of how precious and irreplaceable your time is today. Positivity always pays!
- You may be exhausted. You may be discouraged. You may feel uncomfortable. No matter what, your best option is to move positively forward.
- Those times when you don’t feel like being positive are the times when choosing to be positive makes the biggest difference.
- It’s impossible to accomplish what you assume you cannot do. Be careful not to become a prisoner of your own assumptions.
- If you truly wish to improve your self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth, stop allowing other people to be responsible for them.
- Your track record for getting through hard days is 100% so far.
- When you fail to get what you want, consider that it just might be a blessing in disguise, enabling you to have something even better, soon.
- Use your struggles and frustrations today to motivate you rather than annoy you. You are in control of the way you look at life.
- What may seem like a setback is really an opportunity for you to learn something new, and develop a more effective, more realistic strategy.
- Again and again, remind yourself why. With a strong enough reason why, you’ll be able to do what’s required at any time and in any circumstance.
- Be determined and ambitious, but not out of a desperate sense of need – do it out of a love for the possibilities. Enjoy your journey!
- Do your thing with passion and integrity even if folks don’t notice you. We do what we do not for an applause, but because we know it’s right.
- If the grass looks greener on the other side… Stop staring. Stop comparing. Stop complaining and start watering the grass you’re standing on.
- When you are lost in worry, it is easy to mistake your worries for reality, instead of recognizing that they are just thoughts.
- Whatever your challenge is, worrying about it won’t help. Either do something to address it or do something to let it go.
- Unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you accept that it’s over, you cannot move forward.
- Most people make themselves unhappy simply by finding it impossible to accept life just as it is presenting itself right now.
- You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself, and the storm will pass.
- Nothing is permanent. When you understand this, you can do almost anything you wish because you’re not trying to hold onto anything anymore.
- The most powerful changes happen when you take control of what you do have power over, instead of craving control over everything you don’t. (Read The Untethered Soul.)
- Too often we see ourselves as the victim, rather than the creator, of our present situation. This is why our life is so difficult to change.
- When you are no longer able to change a situation, you are challenged to change yourself. And that changes everything.
- Being happy and grateful doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.
- Your life will improve only when you take small chances, and the first and most difficult chance you can take is to be honest with yourself.
- It’s not what you say to everyone else that determines your life; it’s what you whisper to yourself that has the greatest power.
- Awareness is not just noticing what’s going on around you, but what’s going on within you as well. Keep your eyes open and your Self in mind.
- Be careful about who you give the microphone and stage to in your life, especially when times are tough. Don’t just listen to the loudest voice. Listen to the truest one.
- Don’t let someone who has done nothing tell you how to do your thing. Don’t let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.
- You can’t base your ideas of success and happiness on other people’s opinions and expectations.
- Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly again.
- Don’t be scared to walk alone down the path less traveled, and don’t be scared to love every minute of it.
- Wherever your heart is – wherever your truth is – that’s where you will find your reason to smile.
- Don’t let not knowing how it’ll end keep you from beginning today. Uncertainty chases us out into the open where life’s true magic is waiting.
- You can’t be afraid to have certain conversations. It’s better to talk and find out, than to keep going and get nowhere. Communication is key.
- No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a peaceful way to live, and a beautiful legacy to leave behind.
- Changing the world doesn’t necessitate earth-shattering feats but rather, doing small things with great love. Think simple, not spectacular.
- Our days are always happier and more fulfilling when we give people around us a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.
- Don’t judge someone just because they’ve made different mistakes than you have.
- When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself.
- Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are.
- Be thankful for all the rude, obnoxious, and difficult people you meet in life. They serve as important reminders of how NOT to live.
- There are no permanent jobs on this planet. We are all interning here. Learn from everyone, remain humble, and don’t forget to have a good time.
- There’s no such thing as a self-made person. Someone else believed, encouraged and invested in you. Be grateful and be that someone for others.
- Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in your journey.
- Every day is a new beginning; treat it that way. Stop thinking about what could have been and start looking at what CAN be. (Marc and I discuss this in more detail in the “Passion and Growth” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- Right now it all starts over. The possibilities ahead are endless. Be strong enough to let go, wise enough to move forward, diligent enough to work hard, and patient enough to wait for what you’ve earned.
Your turn…
What’s one personal reminder or “mantra” that helps you keep life simple, peaceful and in perspective? Please share it with us by leaving a comment below.
Also, 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.
Photo by: Pan.
Chelsea says
Angel and Marc, your words continue to help me find positivity in some very stressful recent times.
I read one of your emails, posts, or a page of your 1,000 Little Things book almost every day before I leave my home. Doing so keeps so many important principles in perspective and creates a kind of peace and awareness that somehow encourages me to face the day positively and productively. This really assists me a lot in getting back on track whenever life’s struggles pull me down. Also looking forward to attending your next live event in Orlando.
Angel Chernoff says
Thank you for the kindness, Chelsea! I’m so happy we’re able to help in some small way.
Devon says
Like Chelsea, I have many morning (and evening) mantras, dozens of which I have taken directly from your books, emails, and blog over the years.
One particular quote from your 1,000 Things book that I have had pasted to my bulletin board for a while now, and frequently repeat to myself:
“No matter how chaotic the past has been, the future is a clean, fresh, wide open slate. You are not your past habits. You are not your past failures. You are not how others have at one time treated you. You are only who you think you are right now in this moment. You are only what you do right now in this moment.”
Kathy says
This is sooo good! I need to add that to my board as well. Thank you!
Angel Chernoff says
Thank you for continuing to support our work, Devon. 🙂
Michelle says
My mantra from one of Marc’s comments at think better live better 2020…
“Choose to be miserable and you’ll find plenty of reasons to be miserable. Choose to be peaceful and you’ll find plenty of reasons to be at peace.”
Ain’t that the truth on most days? It sure is for me.
Thank you for another enlightening post and challenge, Angel.
Bren Murphy says
Hi Angel,
Starting the morning with a powerful mantra to set and intention for the day works for me. At any stage during the day, when my mind might drift, or if I lose momentum and feel myself going to a lower energy, I can repeat the mantra and re-align where my intention lies.
It’s about self mastery and finding a moment for a considered response instead of rushing to an automatic reaction.
Especially love #34 – about filtering toxic people who don’t know your dreams as well as you do.
Thanks,
Bren
Elva says
” We make a living by what we get [earn]; we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill. My favorite quotation. Peace and hope, from Elva 🙂
Serenity Pratt says
Wow! This post is right on point and so timely. It’s like you wrote this just for me and had it waiting for me in my inbox just as I got up to start my day. You guys are in a class all by yourself when it comes to motivating and keeping me on track. I looove you. Thank you. Have a blessed day.
AnneV says
Happy belated New Year, Angel and Marc. And thanks for your conference recordings, books, and emails over the past year. All have been vital resources for my healing journey.
Michele Klausner says
I love the morning mantras…they’d make a great card deck. 😉
Rose says
Yes, would love to see that too 🙂
Sharad Kulkarni says
This is one I love:
I am here to express not impress.
Betsy says
#50 is spot on.
What I find works for me: One Day At A Time.
Think I got this reminder from your posts anyway. 5 small simple words that put together mean so much.
Thank you again.
Brian says
I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday!
Kathy says
I copied these to a word doc, spaced them out and upped the font size. I’m making a ‘Monday Mantra” jar, where each week I will pull one of them and post to my monitor for the week. I love this, it has resonated with me greatly. Mixing it up in a jar for me to pull from leaves the Universe open to speak to me directly. (Or I just like a little chaos, which could indeed be the case!)
Thanks for posting this, beautiful!
Nancy says
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Amel A. says
Love the mantras and the comments.
Thank you very much for sharing.
One of the mantras that I truly appreciate:
“When the world says (screams) ‘Give-Up’, Hope whispers ‘Try one more time'”.
Thank you.
God bless you.
Irina says
Love it.
Positive attitude and smile makes every day better. Just sometimes you need little reminder.
Check your life, illuminate what drives you crazy and enjoy the rest every day.
P.S. Regarding to the Pooh and Piglet dialog, sometimes reading to your children stories , you find wisdom that you did not notice before. It’s amazing.
Gml Lavery says
Thank you for all of this. My heart needs it.
Sonukay says
I stumbled across your blog about a year ago and after a few visits I was hooked and signed on. I now read and share your emails regularly and sincerely miss them on the days there aren’t any, because on those day I often find myself missing out on the introspection that follows each – so can I please start off by saying you guys are doing an amazing job and I’m making my way to becoming your Number One Fan at this rate 🙂
I must admit I have thought of responding many times, but then get caught up in the comments and feel like my rambling would be nowhere as interesting as some of the stories I read on there.
However, after reading today’s post, which I must admire as a beautiful thought process, I feel compelled to share my personal mantra with you guys because it has literally helped me keep sane through some pretty crazy stuff (which by my therapist’s own admission are a set of highly unusual circumstances for any one individual to have gone through in just 35 years of life) and I hope it’ll help someone else out there just as much someday.
It’s the Serenity Prayer that I’m sure the majority of us are familiar with, but the difference is that in times of adversity I repeat it over and over to myself until I identify the various components (in CAPS) it mentions and that invariably brings a sense of calm over me…
GOD, Grant me the
Serenity to ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE,
Courage to CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN
and the
Wisdom to KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and may God always grant you even more in the years to come.
Stay blessed always!
Paul says
I repeat this one everyday:
“Live life as if it was rigged in your favor”
Rawhitisue says
Love this post, and I also have been finding lots of value in your happiness courses these past several months leading into the new year. Just wanted to say thank you.
Barb says
Thanks you for always giving me the right perspective, no matter what is weighing on my mind. Your blog and Think Better conference have been invaluable in my growth of the past several years. Cheers to a better 2022.
rk says
Your articles are simple yet profound and insightful. I really love these 52 quotes. I will start to choose one per week. My favorite that I try to remember often is “keep an attitude of gratitude”. That suddenly makes the wants and needs less wanted and needed.
Chizoba says
They are very sweet just like all your write ups. No #2 hooks on me… “If you worry too much about what might be or wonder too long about what could have been, you will ignore any miss completely what is.” Isn’t that too great?
I count myself lucky coming across both of you. Your book and emails have transformed me.
Merci beaucoup from Toulouse France.
danv says
Beautiful post, beautiful comments. I love this blog!
Angel Chernoff says
Love all the mantras you’ve shared, everyone.
Thank YOU! 🙂
Lisa says
My mantra:
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide. ~ Henry Wadsworth
Barbara says
When things are good I say Thank You. When things aren’t going well I say, This too shall pass. If I can do something about it, I try to do it. If I can’t do anything about it, I let it go. Much of this is due to the perspectives gained from your readings. Thank you again for the reminders. Even if I’ve read some of them on your blog in the past, I’m not the same person I was when I read it last and I gain new insights at the new reading. Thank you, thank you!
Dee says
Wow — you all NEVER cease to amaze me with how what you have to say shows up at JUST the right time, sending the message that is SO needed! Thank you for these and your work — it is SO appreciated! One of my favorite quotes from you (it’s in the signature block of my email) is: “paths are made by walking; not by waiting . . .” I have to post all 52 of these somewhere conspicuous to ponder daily so I do not miss what’s important. Thanks for being THAT force in THIS world — you give me a lot of hope for how great us humans can be!
Walda says
Your wisdom is so needed…
thank you for your inspiring thoughts..‘sometimes, my way of thinking doesn’t solve the problem..because the way I’m thinking IS the problem.’
Irma Cole says
“Do or do not. There is no try.” Yoda
Raj says
Thanks for such wonderful list. Really helpful
On point 46.- about being kind to rude people. I am tired of being kind. Rude people continue to be rude and assume we are ok with their rudeness
Any tips for strong boundaries for rude comments yet being kind
Melissa says
Good point, Raj. Of course it depends on the situation and who the rude person is… sometimes just walking away and not reacting works. I had a friend that used to put me down as a joke too often. My sister suggested that I just make an excuse and leave every time she did that. It actually worked and she stopped!
Raj says
Thank you Mellissa
Makes sense
Linda says
Hola !! When encountering a rude comment it is an opportunity for you to victoriously rise. Exsmole : someone at work, home,church, anywhere says something intrusive such as ” Do you own your home or rent it ? ” answer simply with a smart answer ”Why do you ask? ‘ ..pause ..your off the hook. It’s back on them. No answer needed. As far as rude ..repeat back what was said to you. Example John I don’t care about your opinion on this” answer..can you just repeat that back to me …and then you repeat the sentence outoud and reply i just want to CLARIFY what You just said because I like to be clear. Done. Your work here is done. Kindness matters to you but so do boundaries and personal responsibility for our words. Try it. Extremely effective and Your peace will stay intact.
Raj says
Kindness matters and so do boundaries!
Loved this Linda
Thanks
Krishan Sampath says
Love the quotes and articles from your site, always positive and encouraging. Anytime, I feel low, I will come to your site for the positive booster shot, I instantly get it. Thank you for everything you do to boost others. Great service to the world. May god bless you both and your family!!!
Joni Angulo says
I saw this mantra on a poster and adopted it as my own….it doesn’t matter how rich, cool, good looking or well educated you are, how you treat other people says it all. Integrity is everything!
Patrick Richwood says
Thank you so much for this! I begin tomorrow morning!
Here’s a mantra I enjoy, though I never thought of it as a mantra until now. It comes from the late, great Jim Henson and as a man whose passion and living have been in the arts for the majority of my life, I find it instantly empowering around both:
Make art.
Make art make money;
Make money make art.
Repeat.
Joe Mills says
I find all your “stuff” positive, challenging, and inspiring. Sometimes i share the information with my Compeer volunteers/friends as tips for a more positive outlook!
I guess it could be a “mantra”, I say to people: “Have a nice day, but if not, then have a better one!”
When I say this to people almost everyone has a positive response! My spirit is always lifted by their responses!
Bobby Goreja says
There are so many of the mantras that fit the different states of our mind and life situations that we go through.
Still, I would like to share the one I saw posted on the front of a Church, very long time back, and which has stayed with me all these years:
**** No One Is Hopeless,
Whose Hope Is In God ******
and there are a few others:
+++ There Isn’t Enough Darkness In The World To Put Out The Light Of One Candle +++++
### The Difficult Is Possible,
The IMPOSSIBLE,
Takes A Little Longer ####
||||• The Best Way To Live , Then, Is
To Work Hard
and
Be THANKFULLY SATISFIED With Whatever Increase The Lord Gives •|||||