A few months ago, I read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I was really inspired by her approach to being happier in her everyday life. Rather than suggesting that you leave your job for a year of world travel, she focused on identifying behavior patterns, getting to know yourself and striving for personal growth. Since I read her book I’ve started to slowly chip away at my own happiness project – the first step of which is to identify my personal commandments (the core values by which I try to live my life).
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Make time for fun
- Sweat it out
- Reach out
- Live deliberately
- Express gratitude
- Embrace necessary conflict
- Focus on what matters
Some of these core values are easier for me than others. “Sweat it out” is so ingrained in my personality, while “embracing necessary conflict” is a challenge. I hope that by keeping these values visible, they continue to guide me in my daily life.
What books have inspired you? What are your personal commandments?