Ever wonder how certain people remain optimistic even in the worst circumstances? And then there are others who seem to be surrounded by blessings are still unhappy? If you’re anything like me (an over-analytical, soul searching, overthinker), the first thing you should do in your search for happiness is realize it’s not something you’re just going to “figure out” one day.
Decide to be happy ahead of time – it’s a decision.
It’s important to keep in mind that things don’t just fall into place once you finally start making X amount of money, fall in love, or get in the best shape of your life. You can have everything the world can give – pleasure, possessions, power – but if you lack peace of mind, you will never be happy. It’s important to be obsessively grateful for the things already in your life.
I’ve been reading so many books from successful entrepreneurs and idols about what they do to foster success and happiness, and I picked up a few patterns.
I learned they kick-start their days with energy and here’s what I learned about their routines.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT WITH MEDITATION
Meditation is key for successful leaders in order to help them achieve mental clarity during their day. Most meditate in the morning.
Meditation provides clarity to live in the moment. When I meditate I often find solutions to problems that have been bothering me. This allows me to stay focused throughout the day.
It also helps me remember the moments where I’ve been the happiest, in order to recreate them again & again.
Make 10 minutes for yourself every AM to zone out.
FOSTER MOVEMENT
In order to set the tone for the day it’s important to get moving. Successful and balanced people begin their day with either a workout or a long walk. This sets the intention to move around. Most people sit at their desks for 8 hours a day. When you start with movement or a brisk walk it gets your blood pumping to help raise those endorphins.
I love waking up each morning with a light yoga routine and walking Zoey to grab coffee. It’s nice to be outside in the sunshine and soak in the rays before sitting in front of a computer all day.
I also make it a point to workout each day! I get a workout in before I shower in the morning…. I would say I do this about 3-4 days a week. Definitely on Mondays I hit the gym at night… Monday mornings are so difficult to endure, so I’ll cut myself a little slack by going at night!
MAKE THE BED
Making the bed sets the tone of the day. There hasn’t been a book about success or happiness that does not have this daily habit inscribed. I have to make the bed- it’s a non-negotiable – and yes I’m SUPER OCD about it! Anyone else?
I need my bedroom clean (and looking like a hotel room) to start the day. I open the windows, let Zoey out on the balcony, turn on a Podcast and take 10 minutes to make the bed.
It’s the first conscious decision I make for the day and it sets the tone to be proud of my actions.
ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW
Successful people are always learning. It keeps their emotional intelligence functioning AND keeps their brain challenged.
When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is listen to the NPR and The Daily podcast. I like knowing what’s happening in the world and this is just as good as reading the newspaper each morning (which I also do some mornings!)
I love listening to something motivational, inspirational, or gives me a wrinkle in the brain. I like learning about successful people while making the bed or doing my morning beauty routine. It kills two birds with one stone. Plus, I feel inspired and revved up to start the day.
I also love to read inspiring books at night before bed. It’s incredible what reading will do for your dreams! It totally helps me wake up empowered with fresh ideas.
Sports Bra // Sunnies // Leggings // Cross Training Shoes
JOURNAL
Successful people write down their thoughts in the morning before they leave their home. Looking back at these thoughts helps them identify problems they can easily fix throughout the day. This helps lead to happiness.
I admit, I’m not the best at journaling… I go through phases because I’m always writing for the blog, which in retrospect, is a type of journaling! The days I do journal even if its just a few pages, I feel so much more put together.
It’s nice to add this to my morning routine as it helps set the tone for the day.
One Task At a Time
Successful people that achieve happiness daily, focus less on efficiency and multi-tasking and more on the present task at hand. It helps them give 100% to each line item on their to-do list without dropping the ball. Think about it, if you do a terrible job on a work project because you’re busy answering calls and emails, you won’t feel very good, right?!
This is a very easy time-management hack that enables you to take full advantage of your concentration by doing a lot of the same things together at the same time.
If you’re a multi-tasker this will be difficult to implement at first, but trust me it makes all the difference! Buy a timer and set aside 15, 30, and 1 hour time frames for specific projects.
15 minutes for emails. 30 for checking social media, and an hour for lunch. When you bucket the items on your to-do list it will be easier to juggle your day… which leads to happiness!
SELF CARE
I have my morning skin care routine and I’m super OCD about it! Brushing teeth, showering, tongue scraping, all help start the day with intention. I do my morning routine while listening to Podcasts!
Successful people practice self care whether it’s hitting the spa once a month, treating themselves to a golf outing with friends, or simply enjoying their favorite show with a glass a wine. The important thing is taking time to enjoy a moment away from work that’s alllll about you.
For me it’s using a ton of beauty products at home. Whatever your cup of tea, go ahead and indulge #youdeserveit.
RELATIONSHIPS
Humans were born to be in groups of people. This is why religion, sports teams, and book clubs are such an important part of people’s lives. Therefore, it only makes sense that successfully happy people nurture their relationships. They cultivate deep and fulfilling relationships by always seeking out their loved ones.
They don’t rely on these relationships to be happy. They find contentment in themselves first, before relying on their relationships to make them happy. It’s also important to not waste time or energy on holding grudges. Understanding miscommunication happens and that it’s important to move forward with love and respect.
In the mornings, successful people take time for their loved ones. Whether it’s getting a hug from their spouse, petting their dog, or checking in on a friend, their morning routine involves connection.
Sports Bra // Sunnies // Leggings // Cross Training Shoes
Personal growth is important as an entrepreneur and in order to be a better friend, girlfriend, manager, etc. I love reading books by successful people because I find them inspiring.
I’ve been working on so many of these habits because this mindset doesn’t just stick overnight. It’s a continuous process of rewiring your brain to focus on the positives.
Thank you guys for reading this! I’d love to hear about your “happy habits” – comment on my Instagram post!
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XO
EV
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.
I love this post! So helpful! I really agree with setting the bed, it’s amazing how one small thing can set the tone for the morning and day!
Author
Hi Vanessa! Thank you for reading the article. I’m glad you found it inspirational. Happy New Year to you and look forward to connecting further in 2019 🙂 Xo Ev