Happiness is the result of a myriad of little decisions made every day. To be happy in the New Year—and each and every day thereafter—REFLECT BEFORE you make those little decisions. Two questions to ask yourself are, “What’s my goal in doing this?” and “How will I feel if I achieve it?”
For example, if our daughter did something that was irresponsible, I could ask myself, “Is my goal to punish her?” “And, if I do, how will I feel?” (And how would she feel?)
Or, I could ask myself, “Is my goal is to help her make more responsible decisions?” “And if I achieve this goal, how will I feel?” (And how would she feel?)
It’s decisions like these that so impact our lives. They can bring us frustration and grief—or satisfaction and joy. The latter brings happiness, which makes us more effective.