For the past few weeks, I’ve been reading this:
Before I even finished the book, I ordered multiple copies to give others as Christmas gifts. Not because I think everyone should be able to relate to everything that she writes – but I know that there are probably bits and pieces that people can take away from her project.
Throughout the book, Gretchen Ruben integrates current scientific research in the development of her year-long “Happiness Project.” That’s what I like. She doesn’t just pull these generalizations from her butt. She backs up her choices and her decisions with evidence-based practices.
There were a lot of things I was able to relate to or that I thought would prove beneficial to my own life. But I really liked the general way she went about tackling her 12 personal commandments. Part of me thinks you shouldn’t have to break down “the pursuit of happiness” into daily, measurable goals. But then another part of me can see the true benefit in doing just that.
So, come January, I’m making my own project. It’s not enough to say “I’ll be better at keeping in touch with my family this year” or “I’ll get healthier and stop eating so much crap this year.” I need small, measurable goals that I can check off at the end of each day.
My daily goals for this month are:
- Call at least two family members.
- Contact or meet up with at least one friend (phone, e-mail, in person).
- Eat at least two pieces of fruit.
- Plank-A-Day (just because I want to get to 3 minutes in 2013!)
- Write at least one blog post a week.
- Write in my 2-sentence/gratitude journal every night.
- Go on a 20-minute morning walk before work at least once a week.
- Read at least three news headlines a day.
I’m sure I’ll add to these and make changes as the year goes on. But this is a good start for now. And I will be all the more motivated to hit these goals so I can check them off on my chart: Happiness Chart
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What are your resolutions this year? What steps are you taking to keep them?
i.love.this. you’re.effing.baller.
Sissy, you love me period. You’re going to think everything I do is baller.
Wonderful post. So often we forget to connect with friends and family, and before we know it the year has passed! Good luck on the plank 🙂
Thanks!
I know – this year, it hit me hard. SO many of my close friends got engaged/pregnant and I just felt so out of touch for way too long.
I like this idea — and your goals. Except the news — how can that possibly improve happiness? (I am a news junkie and know it stresses me out!)
That’s true – never thought of that!
I just think that, as stressful or depressing as it may be, it’s important to be aware of what’s happening in our world. Even when 90% of it is awful :-/ So maybe happiness is not a direct result of the events that occur – rather, just being aware of it.
But who knows – ignorance is bliss for a reason, right? 🙂