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 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.
Rob Glober says
Don’t hold yourself down with things you can’t control! Love this reminder! I will re-visit this post.
Shittu L Raphael says
Fantastic teaching of life.
Nancy says
I will make the best of it all
Thank you for the power advice with deep insight
Nkhensani M says
Thank you so much for thus article. It spoke directly to my spirit, helping me to resolve my current situation where l feel and experience rejection in all areas of my life. Thank you again.
Nnadika chinyere says
No 20 is a life changing inspiration for me. God bless Angel and co.
SK says
17 and 20, they will help me to get my chin back up, and begin again, to discover that life is still good! Thank you for the inspiration!
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 presence and learning to love myself and prioritize Me. Thank you so much.
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.
Susan long says
Everything resonated with me! Am loving everything you send and it always seems to come at the right time for what I am feeling. So…I am grateful for the two of you! Thx for all the much needed inspiration!!!!!
Diana says
Marc and Angel, 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.
Shirley says
I can’t just choose one of these great inspirational points either. They are all very helpful an d terrific reminders of things I have heard before but, let graze my consciousness and did not practice.
Each day Marc and Angel , your articles lift my spirits and every day are constant reminders for me to be kinder to myself and others.
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… thanks.
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. Thank you.
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.
Sara Olga says
12. Strat being the difference when you wanna see in the World. So true! If you see no light around – be the light. That is my motto. Thank you, very good essay.
Loretta Jan says
My husband just sent me this article. Very uplifting. Many resonate deeply with me today. Thank 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.
Nalo Jones says
To remind myself that it takes roughly 66 days to form a habit on average and to keep simple rituals. Wonderful reminders for me!
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 via email and here on the site. They are indeed all gems of wisdom. Keep writing; keep inspiring. You are doing a great service.
Gina says
Thank you so much for all of your positive messages…#20 Start focusing only on what you can control. I am going through a very difficult time and it reminds me that I have no control over the situation and can only control myself.
Amy says
You’ve really made my day, especially numbers 12, 18 and 20.
Thank you, so much for this wonderful piece.
Muralidhara M S says
Read between the lines.Needless to say simplicity is close to perfection.Let us strive to have a necklace which consists the gems/ pearls/beads of humbleness, patience,gratitude, mindfulness, compassion, kindness etc. Soothing article indeed.
Mike Tinnon says
I love your articles and newsletters, but they are not very user-friendly to print them off.
Paula Murphy says
Thank you Marc and Angel. The world needs bright lights and you are that lovely glow in difficult days.
Words can heal if worded in a gentle kind way..
Same as hugs and we all need them too!!
Ashish says
Thanks Marc and Angel thank you so.much for such a wonderful essay that spreads positivity and I felt quite motivated after reading it.
Nikhil Preet Saini says
This offers valuable insights for cultivating happiness and peace of mind. The emphasis on letting go of daily frustrations, embracing life’s lessons, and focusing on what you can control are powerful reminders to live mindfully and resiliently. The encouragement to dream boldly, act with kindness, and learn from every experience resonates deeply. Thank you, Marc and Angel, for these thoughtful and inspiring words.
Adelaide says
Number 18-Star letting life’s little frustrations go- this is what I’m going to do starting from today.
Marc and Angel you are amazing I’m happy to be part of your newsletters.
Fredricka Yula says
Wow! All the points are so amazing. No. 19 resonates with me: Start embracing the lessons life is teaching you!!!
From experience I can say without doubt that I have grown through the challenges I faced in my life. Truly if you don’t experience difficulties in life, it means you are doing absolutely nothing.
I am so grateful to have come across this easy for my very first time. It has added value to my life.
Gina says
Thank you. I need to stop giving the wrong people the mic in my life and will work on focusing on what I can control while reducing complaining. I realize the complaining isn’t a good look.