Perfect Happiness and Continual Improvement - Day 3

I want to keep it brief today to make sure my point comes across loud and clear.

To be perfectly clear, my aspiration in this “76 days to Selfless Success” experiment is:

Happiness

Sure I want to master marketing so I can increase income and profits. But this is only because I see financial independence as one of many important steps to happiness.

Money does not cause happiness but not having money is no fun at all.

Abundance is what's real; the limited "Pie of Lack" is the lie.  So I aim for money mastery, but only because it’s a component of overall happiness, and because I think many others will benefit from this shared journey.

Next, I aim to systematically take down each negative component of the Self. That means you, fear… you’re going down!

• No more worrying about how I look to others (The word vanity comes from the Latin for “emptiness”).
• No more holding back.
• No more self-depreciation or self-criticism. Silence, Critic!
• No more self-pity or living at Effect rather than Cause.
• No more looking to others and externals for validation and recognition.
• No more ingratitude or feeling like I don’t have enough.

To those who have not, even what they have is taken away. To those who have, even more is given.

Which leads us to our next step on this journey: The Gratitude Journal.

Get a nice journal and, each day, write down 10+ things you appreciate. And don’t just mention the things you’re glad you don’t lack (health, food, safety). Put some thought into this daily task and creatively uncover what delights you… what makes you glad to be alive. For example, I appreciate:

1. My wonderful team of amazing, self-managing, talented people on Team BetterPhoto.
2. My friends and partners; I am my community.
3. My fans – supporting me and trusting my vision.
4. Betsy’s beautiful solo singing.
5. The gorgeous fall colors – in glowing light yesterday; in moody fog today.
6. This awesome planet!
7. God’s loving direction and protection.
8. Living a beautiful life!
9. The unbelievably selfless and everpresent support and love of my darling wife.
10. My skill and confidence in writing and public speaking. (Yes, it’s okay to appreciate yourself too!)

These are my favorites from the past few days. Tomorrow will consist of new items.

Make writing this list a habit. I have done this by incorporating it into my morning routine. After praying / meditating, after walking / reading, after my Wii workout, I write down the ten new things I appreciate.

What you appreciate, appreciates.

Believe me: this simple action – done daily – pays off big time. I invite you to join me with the Journal. It's fun and one of those things that multiplies benefits in life.

I appreciate being on this journey toward self-actualization…

Again, my goal is nothing less than perfect happiness in the moment while enjoying continual improvement and progress toward my envisioned next achievements.

Did I say this entry would be brief? I apologize for writing a long letter... if I had more time, it would be shorter. :)

Comments

[Melissa Heinemann]

I love this new habit....started to say...hoping to incorporate it...but am going to change those words....I will be incorporating this into my life. :)

[Jim Miotke]

I love that, Melissa... I WILL be incorporating this too. Thanks for commenting!

[Jendra]

Great post!

I've been reflecting on gratitude every day as part of my morning prayers/meditation, and listing things in my head. Because you keep insisting on the power of writing it down, I'm going to add that to my morning routine too. Your insistence is paying off!