We could seize good times more than simply enjoying them. Being in the moment and not worrying about the future is a desirable trait. But it could be costly not paying enough attention to why it feels so good.
Bad Times
Life is rarely a straight line. Everyone experiences ups and downs. Humans tend to worry about certain things only when the damage is already done. But it is more difficult to analyze problems and find solutions when your mind is preoccupied with worries.
One Simple Habit
It is amazingly straightforward: When you feel great take some notes. Write down what is going well and why you believe it does so. Think about the circumstances, the season, and the people around you. Simply, notice and note it down. You do not need to journal every day and record all details. Just find out what works for you and consider this as a tool.
Tools
Your personal tools can be diverse: A short motivational video triggers a warm feeling in your gut? Note the URL of that video. This „Watch motivational video“ could be tool number one. Did you enjoy the conversation with a friend the other day? Take a note and consider „socialising with a friend“ as tool number two. Do you experience an increased level of focus and energy when you forego alcohol for a couple of days? Write that down and use this tool during times when you need more concentration.
Process
It is entirely up to your personal preference which notetaking tool you use. A small Moleskine for handwritten notes works just as fine as a digital notetaking app like Roam Research. The process matters and has three steps:
- Define what good times mean to you.
- Take notes of your feelings and circumstances that lead to this situation and derive your personal tools.
- Be aware of your notes and have them ready.
I created a hashtag for this in my digital notes (#ChaosMonkey). I used to remind myself of my toolkit with a post-it beside my laptop. Over time you do not need any reminders. You know that you have your tools ready. Whenever things do not work out as planned, pick one or two items from the list and do them.
Examples
Over time you create an arsenal of valuable tools for many situations. Here are two examples:
Health. Do you have problems with your back? Take notes when it does not hurt or when the pain is less than yesterday. What did you do previously? Are you lacking anything important? Are you experiencing a stressful time at work?
Family. Has your last family trip been really relaxing? Write down the most important factors and use some of them in your next planning.
Last Tip
One more tip when your mood is not as expected. Nutrition and sleep quality are always good starting points. Think through what you ate for the last couple of days. Did you consume a bunch of healthy foods or was it more on the unhealthy side? Do not judge but notice and learn.
How did you sleep? Did you wake up relaxed and full of energy? Consider my articles on sleep and food for more information. And remember to take notes when all is well in these areas.
Have a wonderful time noticing and notetaking!
Blogpost photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash.
