Being a Minimalist Might Not Make You Happy

I’ve always believed that less is more. A less complicated life is a good life.

If that’s the case, you would think that in an age of tiny homes and minimalist attitudes everybody would be as happy as a clam.

Over the years, I’ve learned happiness can be hidden somewhere within the stuff that makes up our crazy life. When you get rid of your stuff - you get rid of something that makes you happy.

Is it possible that the things you love to complain about also make the happiest?

Here’s a simple rule.

If something in your life is making you happy, keep it. When it stops making you happy, drop it. If in doubt, don’t worry about it. You’ll figure it out.

Resist and It Will Persist

Is there something in your life that you are resisting?

The old saying, "What you resist will persist" is always at play. It is a potent force in both enhancing and debilitating ways.

In my life, I have learned the root cause of anything I resist is either fear of change or misdirected focus. Others say, "You haven't learned your lesson."

In any case, the solution has always been:

1) Identify the unwanted issue that is persisting.

2) Identify what you want instead of the problem issue.

3) Summon the courage to give up the fight. Accept that you have learned the lesson being taught. Close the door as soon as possible.

What you resist will persist. Sometimes the only way to win the fight is to give up the fight.

Resist and It Will Persist

Is there something in your life that you are resisting?

The old saying, "What you resist will persist" is always at play. It is a potent force in both enhancing and debilitating ways.

In my life, I have learned the root cause of anything I resist is either fear of change or misdirected focus. Others say, "You haven't learned your lesson."

In any case, the solution has always been:

1) Identify the unwanted issue that is persisting.

2) Identify what you want instead of the problem issue.

3) Summon the courage to give up the fight. Accept that you have learned the lesson being taught. Close the door as soon as possible.

What you resist will persist. Sometimes the only way to win the fight is to give up the fight.

How Happy People View The World

Did you know that happy people view the world differently?

They don't wear rose-colored glasses. They have a better way:

1) Happy people accept that life brings problems.   

2) Happy people recognize that problems are a privilege that comes with being alive.

3) Happy people get frustrated, but don't give up. Problems are normal.

4) Happy people accept responsibility for solving problems.

5) Happy people deal with anything life throws at them, get a good night's sleep, and do it all over again.

I wonder?

If you view problems with a positive attitude - was there ever a problem? That'll get you thinking.

How Happy People View The World

Did you know that happy people view the world differently?

They don't wear rose-colored glasses. They have a better way:

1) Happy people accept that life brings problems.   

2) Happy people recognize that problems are a privilege that comes with being alive.

3) Happy people get frustrated, but don't give up. Problems are normal.

4) Happy people accept responsibility for solving problems.

5) Happy people deal with anything life throws at them, get a good night's sleep, and do it all over again.

I wonder?

If you view problems with a positive attitude - was there ever a problem? That'll get you thinking.

What Kind of Motivation Do You Have?

Have you ever wondered why some things and not others motivate you? The evolving Science of Motivation has your answer.

In a nutshell, motivation is complicated and layered. If you didn’t already know that, you have felt it many times. But it all begins with 4 kinds of motivation:

1) Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of you. You do it because you are compelled to - usually by someone else.

2) Intrinsic motivation is done for internal and personal reasons. This can be called your WHY.

3) Introjected motivation is similar. The difference is that if something is not done, you feel guilty.

4) Identified motivation is when you know something needs to be done but have not decided to do it yet.

What kind do you have? 

All of them.

All types of motivation can be in play at any time. They can also overlap. However, when you discover your Intrinsic motivation - your WHY- you will find the momentum you are seeking.

What Kind of Motivation Do You Have?

Have you ever wondered why some things and not others motivate you? The evolving Science of Motivation has your answer.

In a nutshell, motivation is complicated and layered. If you didn’t already know that, you have felt it many times. But it all begins with 4 kinds of motivation:

1) Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of you. You do it because you are compelled to - usually by someone else.

2) Intrinsic motivation is done for internal and personal reasons. This can be called your WHY.

3) Introjected motivation is similar. The difference is that if something is not done, you feel guilty.

4) Identified motivation is when you know something needs to be done but have not decided to do it yet.

What kind do you have? 

All of them.

All types of motivation can be in play at any time. They can also overlap. However, when you discover your Intrinsic motivation - your WHY- you will find the momentum you are seeking.

Journal It and Burn It

Is there something bothering you and you need to let it go?

Do you need to forgive someone from your past or that time you put your foot in your mouth?

How about finding a way the eliminate negative thoughts?

There is a tried and true magical method of clearing your soul:

1) Scribble your thoughts on a piece of paper or fill an entire journal - it’s up to you. Getting your thoughts onto paper will make them real. You can deal with that.

2) Once you’ve dumped your worries, it’s time to burn them into oblivion. Light a match, light a fire and celebrate as they disappear.

I promise. This simple act will release the weight you feel and set you free to enjoy the best of every day.

Journal It and Burn It

Is there something bothering you and you need to let it go?

Do you need to forgive someone from your past or that time you put your foot in your mouth?

How about finding a way the eliminate negative thoughts?

There is a tried and true magical method of clearing your soul:

1) Scribble your thoughts on a piece of paper or fill an entire journal - it’s up to you. Getting your thoughts onto paper will make them real. You can deal with that.

2) Once you’ve dumped your worries, it’s time to burn them into oblivion. Light a match, light a fire and celebrate as they disappear.

I promise. This simple act will release the weight you feel and set you free to enjoy the best of every day.

Learn. Churn. Burn. Earn.

A few years ago, I was chatting with a friend about his business. He owned a struggling martial arts school and was crafting a master plan to grow in the coming year.

Since every goal requires, learning, churning, burning, and earning - I had four questions:

1) How long do you think it will take to LEARN what it takes to succeed?

2) How long can you CHURN away while you work toward your goal?

3) Do you have resources to BURN? How long will your money last while you move forward? 

4) When will you EARN your reward for your hard work? 

Be prepared before you begin. Consider those questions before you start. The journey may be longer than you think.