The Secret of Happiness - Five questions you should ask yourself every day
by Hagenz
How to turn your days into special days, by asking yourself every morning 5 simple questions.
I personally do not think much of the wisdom of "Live every day as if it were your last!” This would be associated with way too much pressure and hassle - there would be still so much to do, and there would definitely be no time for simple and pure hedonism.
I rather stick with the Five Questions, which written down neatly stick to my refrigerator door - at eye level! This way I am reminded every morning that today again I have a very special day waiting for me.
I've found these questions in the book "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma, who has since been one of my favourite authors.
The Five Questions
What can I do to turn this day into a small masterpiece?
Now, this sounds banal, but it is not. Due to never-ending lists of appointments and commitments, we often forget about our goals and desires. Do you want more money, a partner at your side, a new car, more time for friends and family or just a bigger apartment? You want to be a famous writer or simply lose a few pounds?
No matter what you wish for, or what your long-term or short-term goals look like: Think every morning about what you can do today (yes, today!) to get one small step closer to your goal.
What can I be thankful for today?
There is in every circumstance and every situation always something we can be grateful for. We tend to forget about it, and need to be made aware of it. If you are grateful for something every day - even for the breakfast on your plate - then this awareness will immediately give your day ahead a positive note.
What I can do today to improve my spirit, my body and my soul?
Too often we simply fail to remember to do ourselves some good. A little bit of hale and hearty selfishness is essential. Remind yourself every morning to pamper yourself: Treat your mind by reading a good book or an interesting newspaper article; give your body some relief in a bubble bath, a walk through nature, or perform the Five Tibetan Rites; and allow yourself to practise forgiveness or enjoy moments of calm, to heal your soul.
Who can I help today?
As we all know, you only get what you give. If every day we help another person without expecting anything in return, the positive reactions won't fail to appear. There is no need for great heroic deeds - we can even help others without them knowing it -, often simple acts of friendship or even just a word, are entirely sufficient.
How can I have fun today?
This is perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself every day: Fun! Many people have basically forgotten what fun is. Just try to ask an adult what he or she thinks is really fun - you'll be surprised how few people are able to reply spontaneously. So ask yourself the basic question first: "What is fun for me?" If you have no answer, then go and find out - today!
More from Robin S. Sharma
 | The Saint, the Surfer, and the CEO: A Remarkable Story About Living Your Heart's Desires Once in a while, a book comes along that has the power and the wisdom to speak to the best part of us and awaken our highest selves to the miracle our lives were meant to be. ... |
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Comments
Thank you :)
This is a beautiful article and I will return back to it. I will strive to remember the 5 rules you have delineated here: think of what I am thankful for, question what I can do to improve my body, soul and spirit, ask how I can help today and how can I how fun? Those are all important questions for happiness.
Thank you!
I really enjoyed your article and will go and practice these practical tips TODAY :)
Then it's about time to start again ;-)
Very well said and good advice to follow. I've learned through loss to be more grateful and aware of what I have and how I want to live each day. We have to purposely pull ourselves out of our busyness and focus on ourselves as you've said. I do have trouble with the fun part. It's been a long time since I've had fun.
True!
Enjoyed this. Thanks. We tend to overlook this with our busy lives.
Thanks Petunia! That's a great idea ... laughing at least once a day ... many people forget that one, too.
Great advice! I have always loved that when our grandchildren were born, our son and daughter-in-law determined that the children would see them laugh at least once a day. As far as I know, they are still doing that, and the babies are in school now!