Patience isn’t about waiting, it’s the ability to keep a good attitude while working hard for what you believe in.
As you move through the days and weeks ahead, remind yourself that it takes roughly 66 days to form a new habit. 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 some work between now and the end of the year, 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 small, meaningful steps.
If you only have fifteen minutes to spare, no problem — make those fifteen minutes meaningful. Focus on taking one small step forward in the right direction. And even when the struggle is real, remind yourself that it always feels better to be exhausted from taking a small and meaningful 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 today.
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 (more) 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 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 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.
Vee says
The simple ideas you share always bring clarity to my self-discovery journey. This post came a right time as I’m currently in a journey of presence and learning to love myself and prioritize Me again. Thank you so much.
Brent says
Thank you for this article. I need to read this everyday!!
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. A good reminder for the gatherings I have planned in the coming days.
Julia 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. Thank you.
Lauranne says
Indeed, agreed.
K. E. Graves says
Control is the way this week.
Phyllis Elder says
I have a journal that I call my book of Nuggets. It contains thoughts, poems, statements and songs that encourage and inspire me to never stop dreaming. There is never a dull moment when I think outside the box and allow the music to touch your inner soul and dance with the wind. Thanks for these additions.
Maureena says
No. 18 is spot on… Start letting life’s little frustrations go. I realize that it is how i respond to situations that matter. And number 2 , for sure i ain’t 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.
Great self-reflection for me! Thanks.
Barbara says
Marc and Angel,
Love this affirmation of many truths! As I have retired, my purpose has been redefined, and it’s been difficult. One day at a time must become my mantra…thanks for help with this journey!
Diana says
Marc and Angel (and frequent fellow commenters), thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a positive influence in my life. I just turned 70 and I’m 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.
Julia says
Marc and Angel thank you so much for always be a light in my life sharing your love and guidance from the bottom of my heart. Your articles always inspires , motivate and gives me courage. I just turn 57 moving closer to retirement i keep learning everytime i read one of your articles thanks to the Almighty for choosing you to be the instrument of light,keep doing the good work God has called you to do. May He keep and blessed you. Thank you,
-Julia
Rory Corsiglia says
A lot of what I read from your email is just like 12 steps work of A.A. All good. I sober 28 years. It’s taking care of yourself one day at a time.
Susan says
Your words truly make an impact especially with learning to accept that everything isn’t always in our control. Thank you Marc & Angel.
June says
Thanks for the true nuggets within this post. All of the nuggets if truth resonate for me. I’ve finished a year if upheaval and am now starting to see restoration. Your thoughts and insights have helped me. Thanks again.
Rishmith says
I am just stepping into the vastness of adulthood and these small,byte-sized drops of something nice to read and easy to follow has been helping me a lot. I am following no.17 right now as I am writing this comment(because I have never done this). Thank you, Marc and Angel for being a clear voice in a crowd filled with noise and distractions.
Jeni says
End with Grace – I love this! To win for the sake of ego feels worse than hollow – I intend to incorporate this into my mindset – embody grace, gentleness and love.
Susan says
Thank you for your thoughtful insight. I found you at a most opportune moment in my life. I’ve practiced a bad habit for years and just recently found a way out; your advice gives me more strength I knew I had. Thank you.
Taurus says
Giving without any expectations from others and or building up resentment because they aren’t responding the way I think they should. Not letting frustrations determine my reactions but to do what I can do and control and let the rest go.
Loretta Jan says
My husband just sent me this article. Very up-lifting. Many resonate deeply with me today even though I’m in a tough place right now with some family members. Thank you.
K.B. 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.
Ann webber says
20 for me. Loved the book analogy.
Leigh says
Thank you !!!
Akin says
Dear Marc and Angel, Thank you for these wisdom nuggets. All the points resonate well with me especially 5,8,12, 17,18,19. I’ll have to read them over & over they are so real wisdom. Thank you & God bless.
David says
There’s a lot here that applies.
“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. 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.
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. You are in control of your focus and how you choose to allocate your energy.
A very pertinent and applicable essay. Thank you! Hugs.
Jani says
I really enjoy your articles, I’ve been going through a rough time and feeling frustrated about being stagnant. But these articles really help to lift the mood, encourage self love while I heal and accept that this is just a phase.
Shivam Singhania says
Really nice!