10 Simple, Sure-fire Ways to Make Today Your Best Day Ever

zero255zero Says:

November 8th, 2007, 22:17 pm

Loving step 5, everything in my studio just seems so simple now, and it’s nice to come home to a minimal, clutterless apt.

AgentSully Says:

November 8th, 2007, 22:26 pm

Glad to know we’re not alone in our time struggles, Leo. Thanks for sharing this story and great advice.

Teo Says:

November 8th, 2007, 22:26 pm

I shall add another one: Read Zen Habits. Your post just made my day =D I like number 6, because I managed to do so for the past 2 days. If it is exercise, I don’t think that I can stick with it.

Vagelis Says:

November 8th, 2007, 23:00 pm

I’m amazed !

Just reading those, got me deternmined to do less and more important things, and since I love music, I ‘ll have it playing along. I just feel tommorow is going to be great! I hope I ‘ll stick to this plan, and that it will work for me too.

Lukep Says:

November 8th, 2007, 23:08 pm

Nice list. All are great points to drive home. I never underestimate the power of turning on some good music.

Emilio Says:

November 9th, 2007, 0:27 am

Leo, you are a lucky man, to realize when you are not “aware of the moment” *and* to be able to change that.

I often realize the problem, but have no success in getting “out of it”.

Of course, I will give your suggestions a try :-)

(excuse my english)

Dicky Says:

November 9th, 2007, 0:31 am

Thanks for another great post Leo - very timely too as was having a stressful, manic day at work and reading this has made me take a step back and think and be grateful for life. Am putting on some of my feel good tunes now and plan on taking a nice walk with the dogs when I get home!

Miss Gisele B. Says:

November 9th, 2007, 0:50 am

Hi Leo,

That’s exactly how I felt yesterday morning!

I woke up feeling rushed and quite impatient. I started “mentally arguing” with people who had not delivered things to me on time and were constantly pushing back due dates.

I stopped myself and thought I’ve got to stop this right now.

I took a step back, read a “power sentence” that I’ve posted in front of my computer when I feel this agitated to calm me down and chose to focus on what was on track. I told myself that things were still moving forward and I just had to be more patient or else my impatience might cost me.

I did follow your recommendation #8 and put some music that makes me feel good. That one-on-one pep talk I had with myself combined with some of my favourite music, changed my day.

In the end, I had a great day and many things that were supposed to be delayed actually came through on time.

Tomorrow, I intend to do some of the same … make it my best day ever.

Thanks for an inspiring post.

Gisele
http://www.mybeautymatch.com

Ivan Says:

November 9th, 2007, 1:16 am

Interesting article!
What helps me and what I also leared from you is to establish a morning-routine where I can spend some time just with me. So I can connect with my inner self and my soul. This is a very goog beginning of the day!

Ivan
http://www.blatternet.ch

Nick Grimshawe Says:

November 9th, 2007, 1:31 am

I have had a fantastic day too, mainly because I have been reading my rss feeds filled with the very best post I’ve seen in a long time.

I loved you ten steps. My biggest challenge is staying in the now. Walks really help me do that. Keeping a “want to do list, instead of a “have to do list” . I know this might sound a little off the wall, but if I catch myself drifting off into muddle muddle, I say out loud, “Live Now.” I whispher it if there are alot of people around, but out in the woods on walks yelling it is very helpful.

When all else fails, I stop everything, and listen. Some how I find that very centering.

All you ten tips are great.

Thanks

Nick

LK Says:

November 9th, 2007, 2:01 am

Namaste(Hello in India) to all people…
Its Diwali, a festival of lights, here in India..
Wishing all readers a happy Diwali…

Aldo Says:

November 9th, 2007, 4:32 am

I like your blog very much. I live in Mexico and I think a lot of people here would like it as much as I do. Have you thought about having your blog translated? I could help. I really think your posts would be very much appreciated. Give it a thought and let me know.

pacomexico Says:

November 9th, 2007, 5:51 am

ALDO you can find this article translated in my blog

http://pacomexico.wordpress.com/

Saludos compa Mexicano, soy de Veracruz.

pacomexico Says:

November 9th, 2007, 5:51 am

sorry, this is the good one

http://pacomexico.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/10-simples-formas-de-hacer-tu-dia-el-mejor-dia/

Simple Says:

November 9th, 2007, 6:29 am

Great post Leo!

So simple and profound!

I am glad that I started my day reading your post. I have been reading your blogs for a month or so, and it has a tremondous impact on me on daily basis. Thank you so much!

I also found a podcast online for everyone that’s interested in exploring the concept of living in the moments:

http://www.ask-inc.com/podcasts/archive.shtml

Being Present- The Kanes explain that the present moment flows effortlessly when we leave the past and future alone.

Have a great day everyone!

Pat Says:

November 9th, 2007, 7:13 am

This was a wonderful post! I loved the one about Be Present because that is one of my major faults! I’m always thinking of what I should be doing, could be doing, or what I will need to do that I’m not here right now. Thanks for this powerful reminder!

Leo Says:

November 9th, 2007, 8:09 am

@Aldo: There have been Spanish-language translations of a number of my posts (and many other languages as well). I’d be willing to give permission for you to translate up to 3 of my articles. Thanks for your interest!

@pacomexico: Thanks for translating my post … I usually ask that bloggers ask my permission first, just out of courtesy. I also ask that you limit translations to 3 posts per blogger, as a general policy.

Thanks for understanding!

GreatManagement Says:

November 9th, 2007, 8:35 am

Beautiful post!

If I could do numbers 2, 6, 8 ,9 and 10 and read, the day would be perfect.

In fact I am going to plan for that this weekend with my other half. sssshhh, don’t tell her!

Andrew

Laura Says:

November 9th, 2007, 9:42 am

Your advice on cutting down the to-do list is spot on! I’ve cut my list and things are less stressful by far. Thanks for your article.

The Financial Philosopher Says:

November 9th, 2007, 10:08 am

#11. Have An Escape…

Before doing this, you must “plan your escape.” In other words, begin thinking of a place you can go in your mind that will take you away — a place you may have been before — in childhood or a place you’ve read about. It just needs to have an association of calmness and it should be the same place you go to everytime you need it. The more you use it, the clearer it will become and the more effective it will be…

So when it is difficult to “be present,” find a way to step out of the moment and into your escape…

Mikey Says:

November 9th, 2007, 10:12 am

The tip about living in the present moment is the best advice I have heard. Amaazing how something so simple can really touch you when you just stop and think about it.

Mikey Says:

November 9th, 2007, 10:13 am

The tip about living in the present moment is the best advice I have heard. Amazing how something so simple can really touch you when you just stop and think about it.

Sunny Says:

November 9th, 2007, 10:37 am

You are my hero, Leo.

etavitom Says:

November 9th, 2007, 11:20 am

wow! another profound posting… thank you so much for the inspiration.

Candleman Says:

November 9th, 2007, 11:29 am

I loved this post and would only add one thing. Service. No day is PERFECT for me, if I haven’t gotten out of myself and contributed in some way to the life of another. Being present when we’re with others is part of that and spending time with others is too.

G Says:

November 9th, 2007, 11:49 am

Missed the sunset? Around here (at this time of year anyways) it seems to happen sometime before quitting time - you get up from your cubicle and notice that its already dark. Check out http://www.eternalsunset.net/ — there’s almost guaranteed to be a sunset happening somewhere inthe world right now.

Steven Klassen Says:

November 9th, 2007, 12:35 pm

Excellent post; this one made me stop and think about what my days have been like the last couple weeks. I can see some room for improvement.

Thanks!

Mark Says:

November 9th, 2007, 12:53 pm

Nice post Leo ~ I think sometimes it is easy to forget that living for the moment, the day, or the year takes work and persistence.

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

November 9th, 2007, 13:00 pm

It’s amazing how powerful some of the simplest truths in life can be! You really captured it quite nicely, Leo. The most important things I try to focus on are definitely sticking to what is important, being grateful for the little things everyday, and consciously trying to connect with the present moment. Life really doesn’t have to be more complicated than that!

(Oh, and I think the term being used these days is either “off the hook” (which might actually be outdated too) or “sick”. Don’t ask…)

Chris Says:

November 9th, 2007, 14:22 pm

Running out of material? This list basically comes down to, “Do 10 things that make you happy and you’ll have a good day.”

Leo Says:

November 9th, 2007, 15:00 pm

Thanks, everyone, for the really nice comments! It’s so encouraging to hear that you enjoyed or were inspired by this post … I was a little worried that you might think this post was fluff, but these things really did make a difference for me and I wanted to share them with all of you.

@Chris: I hear you, but they really worked for me. And yes, if you’re having a bad day, doing 10 things that make you happy isn’t a bad idea at all … and it may be obvious to you, but sometimes we just need a little reminder. I’ve gotten a couple of emails from friends saying that my post turned a bad day into a good day, so if it helped even a couple of people have a better day, I feel the post was worth it. :)

Leo Says:

November 9th, 2007, 15:57 pm

@Eugene: Thanks, my friend, for the terminology lesson. I know “off the hook” but I have noticed “sick” being used a lot and for some reason it bothers me. A sign I’m getting old. :)

You, my friend, are sick.

Marc Says:

November 9th, 2007, 16:06 pm

I haven’t read the whole post yet, but will. At first skim through it looks to be great and I look forward to reading the whole post including the comments. :)

Just have one question Leo (and sorry if it has been asked and answered somewhere in the comments):

What reactions do you get from people if you are visibly grumpy and then all of a sudden change to being present and happy as you mention you did with your kids? That is always my (silly?) fear that people will think it strange that all of a sudden I can be happy after being glum (like I literally threw a switch). Does anyone else think this way too or is it just me?

I’m trying of course to not have those glum, grumpy moments but when I’m physically or mentally tired or hungry or upset about something they seem to be very hard to avoid.

Leo Says:

November 9th, 2007, 16:47 pm

@Marc: Good question … I’ve had those thoughts myself, but then I tell myself: Why should I keep myself from being happy just because I’m worried what others will think?

Most likely, they’ll be a little confused, but they’ll be happy that you’re happy. And if not, who cares? :)

Your fears are not invalid, but sometimes we just have to push past these fears and opt for happiness.

Evan Hadkins Says:

November 9th, 2007, 17:18 pm

Dan Millman said: you can choose to be unreasonably happy.

I guess this isn’t true all the time, but I do find it a good reminder that I do have some control over how I feel. And it does help me have a better day.

Mark Says:

November 9th, 2007, 18:05 pm

We have a tremendous ability to create our own reality, whether we choose to be happy or sad.

ThePete Says:

November 9th, 2007, 19:04 pm

I agree with everything but the sunsets/rises. I’ve come to be bored of sunsets (perhaps I’ve taken the time to watch them too often?) and as a nightowl and a writer, I’ve come to despise sunrises (seeing them means I’ve taken too long to write something, or have mismanaged my schedule so that I’m going to bed at 6am after being up all night).

So, perhaps you could swap out sunrises/sets for something like “appreciate the natural world” as in: “Stare at a plant” or “Stop and smell the roses” or “buy a bag of dirt and smell it”. :) I did something like that the other day–my wife and I bought potatoes for the first time in a long time and they smelled like dirt. Living in a city, it had been forever and a day since I had smelled dirt. I just stood there in my kitchen with a potato pressed to my nose. It was awesome.

pacomexico Says:

November 9th, 2007, 19:22 pm

@Leo, ok i understand. Sorry for wath i did, it´s just that it´s a very good one and i wanted to share it with the hispanic world.

I`ll ask for permission next time.

Best Regards

speedy Says:

November 9th, 2007, 22:20 pm

Creating and performing rituals makes my day better.

Lifting my mug of tea in salute to the dawn starts the day out right.

But I also create rituals for things I do not enjoy to make them more tolerable. One of the best is my balance-the-checkbook ritual. I make tea, play beautiful music, light a candle, and pay attention to the details. This has worked so well that I no longer dread the task of balancing my accounts!

Hida Says:

November 9th, 2007, 23:21 pm

I thank you really it really made me realize sieze the moment life is short thank you short and sweet….

Cesar Says:

November 10th, 2007, 4:45 am

One of your best post Leo. Congratulations!!!

Jolanda Says:

November 10th, 2007, 7:21 am

Stand stil for a second three times a day an say thank you. Be grateful for what you have. Sounds corny but it works for me.

Jeniffer Says:

November 10th, 2007, 9:05 am

Another really good post. I particularly liked #4. 4 or 5 most important things in my life…my kids are #1 (always). And I do have a problem with thinking of other things when I am with them, in spite of the fact of how important they are to me. I find myself going over what I plan to do that day. As to the other things that are important–…hmm. That one requires some serious thought! I wonder, if you took a pole, what people would think was the most important thing for them?

Jeniffer Says:

November 10th, 2007, 13:40 pm

Guess that should be poll? Must have gotten to thinking about all the stuff I have to do later today again!

Michael Says:

November 10th, 2007, 15:34 pm

Just make sure that the music you are grooving to is not driving someone else nuts. One person’s music is often enough another person’s distracting noise.

mick Says:

November 10th, 2007, 20:10 pm

Sunsets beat sunrises.

Matilde Says:

November 11th, 2007, 0:53 am

Leo, I’ve had quite a few similar experiences of late… reminders that bring me back to the present moment. It’s simple but not necessarily easy, you know?

Thanks for the 10 Tips. They are fabulous. I especially like #3.

Stephen - Get Busy Livin' Says:

November 11th, 2007, 4:25 am

Yes! I did No 5 today, this morning in fact. My bedroom was a sham and the very first thing I did was clean/throw out everything that I felt was unnecessary - a great start to the day!

amit Says:

November 11th, 2007, 5:57 am

Hi Leo ! I have been following your posts for quite a while now. You are just amazing Leo. I sincerely thank you for doing what ever you are doing. Mean it.

grace Says:

November 11th, 2007, 11:37 am

Thanks for the refresher on how to seize the day. I do try to live in the moment. However, sometimes I get caught up in others’ expectations. Does any one have any suggestions on this problem. My spouse is very task oriented and the energy in our home is unnerving. I ‘ld love for him to adopt some of your principles, Leo. Maybe you could post an article on creating balance between indviduals sharing the same space. I’m finding it difficult to stay centered.

Bertie Says:

November 11th, 2007, 18:48 pm

My way to ensure that I have a great day is to find time to take my 2 year old son to the park, watch him kick autumn leaves, and help him feed the ducks. Seeing the world through the eyes of someone who is experiencing so many things for the first time is a sure way to have a great day.

Kyle Richardson Says:

November 11th, 2007, 20:19 pm

Here is one that always makes my day. I give my family members a hug and tell them how much I appreciate them.

mauiMIAe Says:

November 11th, 2007, 20:27 pm

They say the simple act of smiling changes everything. Now imagine starting your day off with ‘Laughing’ It may seem silly at first folks, but it is great! it’s also contagiously infectious ~ it’s the best EXCERCISE for just about everyBody.

It’s super easy and fun. Just start off by simpling laughing. In the mirror before you start the day, alone or with a friend or group. Once laughter is in the air, it’s soooo hard to quit! Before you know it, your stomach will start to tighten, your face and skin will glow and everyone around you will notice something ‘different’

some of you say it’s not that easy? especially in front of people? you can’t just force yourself to laugh … The solution: close your eyes and think of a time in your life where something funny happened. A funny joke, cartoon, article…something you saw on TV.
Once you’ve got it in your mind, you should just start giggling or chuckling or maybe just smiling. If you’re in a room with others, the other people with their eyes closed as well, they can’t see you only hear laughter and start to giggle them selves. The different sounds of laughter will infectiously make other laugh as well. Listen to different sound effects of laughter…Ho Ho Ho…heeee heeee heeee HA HA HA huhuhuhu

Imagine if our school systems K-12, large corporations, sports teams and athletes, IMAGINE IF THE WHOLE WORLD started the day off with this wonderful cheery way of making yourself feel good, goofy, energized, confident and … well “equal” to everyone else. we have this gift of power amongst ourselves.

Start with a few minutes a day. Work in laughing sessions throughout the day. Lengthen the times of each laughing session. Let’s say, you laugh for 5 minute sessions about 3-4 times a day. Well, that’s 15-20 minutes of pure physical and mental activity for your body everyday.
It’s cardio workout as well as a mental feel good workout, it’s good for teeth and skin and hair, it’s good for everything!!!

It also benefits others who see you or are in your presence. It’s great! I’m a firm believer and I’d like everyone to try it. It’s the best thing ever!

GreatManagement Says:

November 12th, 2007, 3:32 am

Well, I spent all weekend with my lovley wife - so number 10 was achieved.

Together we certainly completed number 2 (lots of relaxing), 6 (walking with our dog, Sam), 8 (music - went to see a live band, which was great), 9 (didn’t get to do this - too cloudy!) and read (I’m reading a great book at the moment - Marley and Me - a true sad story about a dog)

So we had a great weekend!

Andrew

Marc Says:

November 12th, 2007, 13:40 pm

Thanks ThePete! You started off my day laughing at the image of you standing in your kitchen with a potato held to your nose! :)

But I know what you mean: getting out into my garden to do some weeding or simply walk among the flowers and vegetable beds makes me feel great, especially because of the smells. :)

Kathy Sena Says:

November 12th, 2007, 16:42 pm

Tomorrow is my 50th birthday, and I’ve been trying to find ways to make the next 50 years more meaningful. Your post was the best birthday gift I could have received. I plan to print it out and keep it forever.

THANK YOU!

Kathy

Leo Says:

November 12th, 2007, 16:51 pm

@Kathy: That’s one of the nicest comments ever! Thanks so much!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Mark Says:

November 12th, 2007, 17:07 pm

Leo ~

Thanks for the inspriration!

I wound up using the post on my site.

All the best,
Mark

Mark Says:

November 12th, 2007, 17:09 pm

ps. that’s ~inspiration~ apologies for the typo above…

Larissa Says:

November 12th, 2007, 17:32 pm

Before I open my eyes every morning, I say this mantra:

“Today is going to be a great day. This is my one chance to have a great day, be compassionate toward others, focus on health and creativity, and embrace the opportunities that come my way.”

I find that saying a mantra before thinking about anything else in the morning primes my perspective to choose to have an amazing day. Thanks for the great post!
Larissa

Mark Says:

November 12th, 2007, 18:29 pm

Great tips to make every day the best day!

Isarian Says:

November 12th, 2007, 18:36 pm

Thank you Leo. I’ve read through this a couple times now, committing it to memory. It is especially powerful today, since it’s been a very “Monday” Monday so to speak.

And it is a beautiful Monday.

Damien Riley Says:

November 12th, 2007, 21:46 pm

What a great, well thought out, and obviously “lived out” post. I submitted it to all social bookmarks as well as my own blog where I’m featuring it as a link. Oh, and I am subscribing too! Would it be cliche to say “Have a good day?”

Douglas Woods Says:

November 13th, 2007, 6:59 am

Once again you present some simple powerful pieces of advice that can be used by almost anyone.
Thanks for this inspiring post.

Doug
http://www.dougwoods.com

Andrea Says:

November 13th, 2007, 10:51 am

I’m going to bookmark this one and print it out. It can go on my desk at work with “12 Ideas for Establishing a Calming Routine” and another copy put up on my bedroom wall.

It’s rare that I print these out. Usually I read them once, absorb them (or not) and move on or I add to my bookmarks and then forget about them. Of course I’ll Digg it too.

Ghi Says:

November 20th, 2007, 2:17 am

I just got laid off today from a job that has been a major part of my life for 6 years. So, I found this website while searching for something else (never found it) and I am so inspired. Just so pleased at what I read and know that this visit is the first of many I will make in this life change. The information is invaluable and inspiring.

Web Design Lincolnshire Says:

April 2nd, 2008, 5:08 am

I totally agree. When working for hours you need to retreat. Therefore, getting back to reality of seeing friends, having walks and having fun will help you.

Excellent post