Want To Know How To Be Happy?

On average, about 90% of what happens to people from day to
day is good. Only 10% is considered bad. In order to be
happy, just focus on the 90%.

Does life get any simpler than this?

First of all, note that we are talking 'average'. Sure,
some days are more challenging than others, just as there
may be periods of time lasting weeks and sometimes even
months where things seem set on full resistance.

Even if you are stuck in a losing streak, you can still use
the 90%/10% rule in your favor. Allow yourself 10% of the
day (10% of 24 hours = 2 hours and 24 minutes) to rant and
rave - and I mean really let it all out for the full 2 hours
and 24 minutes, non-stop!

Too much?

Let's say you only rant and rave 10% of your 16 waking
hours; that's still a healthy 1 hour and 36 minutes to
scream, cry, punch walls or whatever else it is you do when
you blow off steam.

WHAT? You say it's not THAT bad?

How about trying this approach the next time you feel like
losing it. Make a list of 9 things for which you can truly
feel happy and grateful to counter-act that one bad moment
(90%-10%). Here is my list:

1. I'm breathing and I still have a pulse.

2. My stomach isn't growling.

3. I've wearing decent clothes and shoes.

4. I had a shower today. (at least my wife is happy!)

5. I've got a place to sleep tonight... (and it's NOT the couch).

6. I can phone at least 5 people right now who would
welcome the sound of my voice.

7. My cat purrs when she sees me... (and not just when the
can opener is running).

8. I'm still in control here.

9. I'm smart enough to figure this out; and if I can't do
it myself, I have a smart brother-in-law... so THERE!

You see, I have some choices. If my problem is a real
stinker, I've got at least an hour and 36 minutes to blow
up.

If the challenge is trivial, then I can break out my 'list'.

And if you really want to feel happy, expand your list to 99
items. By the time you finish reading that list, I
guarantee you'll have totally forgotten whatever it was that
was bothering you. Then you can go on with being happy
nearly 100% of the time!

Cheers from Toronto,
Russ

Posted by russhamel