“New Year’s eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights”
Hamilton Wright Mabie
This year is coming to an end. Just a couple more days to go.
But before we step through that doorway I’d like to quickly share one last article with 3 of my favorite questions of all time that can help you shape 2017 into 365 days that will be simpler, happier and self-kinder.
Stay safe, enjoy your New Year’s celebration and see you next year!
1. Is this useful?
It’s very easy to spend a lot of time on things that do not really matter much. To spend hours, days or even weeks on being angry at someone, replaying a mistake or failure in one’s mind or to dwell on something negative and feeling more and more like a victim.
So I try to ask myself this question as often as I can to question and confront my own thoughts. To catch myself and to wake myself up when I get stuck in negative thought loops going round and round.
By doing so I:
- Suffer less.
- Waste less time on going round in circles.
- Spend more of my time on finding a practical solution.
2. What is one very small step I can take right now to get the ball rolling?
This is my favorite question for when I want to get started with something or if I want to get going again with something that have fallen to the side for some reason.
Because it makes things easier. Makes them feel lighter.
This question prevents me from trying to escape into procrastination and helps me to avoid the side-effects of that such as sinking self-esteem and simply a lot of time being wasted on trying to hide.
3. Will this matter in 5 years? Or even 5 weeks?
This one helps me to simplify.
To let go.
To not make a mountain out of a molehill.
To find the healthier and happier perspective.
To not lose my focus and energy to crippling worries.
To find a lightness in life where I do not have to carry around 5 tons of unnecessary mental baggage.
It is a truly wonderful question.
Henrik Edberg is the creator of the Positivity Blog and has written weekly articles here since 2006. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Gothenburg and has been featured on Lifehacker, HuffPost and Paulo Coelho’s blog.
Comments on this entry are closed.
Gud
Love the simplicity of these common sense “gotchas”.
Nice
Thank you very much for your timely advice, as always. I wish you and your family a wonderful New Year!
Good stuff. Just flip the switch in your mind.
I find this post to be so true and really hit the nail on the head. I often find that we get wrapped up in things that ultimately won’t be life changers. It is essential to keep things in perspective and to stay the course. The 3 questions you list are great ways of doing just that. Love it
Just what I needed to read! This pretty well sums it all up! Now if I can just follow it!
Actually, more of a question.
I am newly separated and going through a difficult divorce, that was unexpected. I’m having a very hard time dealing with this and was wondering if you could sugest some tips?
Thanks
5 tons of unnecessary mental baggage. Baggage is exponential. The more baggage one carries, the more baggage one tends to acquire. During a traumatic life event some years ago I learned an important lesson. Baggage is voluntary. We either pick it up and carry it, or put it down and walk away from it. I really like your term, “lightness in life”. That could have several positive interpretations. Thank you for the Positives today.
Thank for the positive idea the really help me with my life.
Very true indeed. These questions are quite effective and have tremendous results when applied consistently.
Keep up the great work.
I really needed this . I am finding myself thinking only negative thoughts. Trying to be happy, I think these tip will help me alot. Thank you so much
Wow!!! This is what I need.. Thanks a lot for sharing…Simple but precise!!! Looking forward for a brighter 2017 then!?
Really useful. Thanks Henrik and have a wonderful 2017!
Good questions to end 2016. Simple and happier times are always there, we need to enjoy those moments every time. Choose your attitude, Play, Make the day and Be present. You will be always beginning a new year, month, week, day and hour. New Year’s eve is like every other night. Great quote and thanks.
When was the last time you have done something for the first time? Let you time starts with ever discovering experiences.
Thanks
Thank you for sharing wonderful advice and life tactics. At any given time, we are all in similar life experiences so they are received with gratefulness.