Revel in your accomplishments.

www.happiness-project.com Congratulations on finishing the Happiness Challenge for 2010! Whether or not you officially joined in 2010.

Yes, it's that time again: time for New Year's resolutions. Whether you make lots of resolutions, or none, try this exercise. Make one little resolution -- something you know you can do. Like what? Jump every day. Sing in the morning. Make your bed.

When I started my happiness project, I asked myself, "What do I want less of in my life?" Among other things, I decided I wanted less yelling at my children in the morning, less nagging my husband, less feeling guilty about eating fake food. I also asked myself, "What do I want more of in my life?" I decided I wanted more being silly, more time imitating a spiritual master, more hugging and kissing in my family.

I made resolutions aimed at all these goals. I liked trying lots of resolutions at once, but for many people, it's more effective to pick just one thing. And start small! One very small change can be enough to launch your happiness project.

Maybe you've resolved to quit smoking. That's a fantastic resolution, and very important -- and big. Also try doing something small. Think of one aspect of your life that could be working better. Figure out a concrete, small way to take a step toward a solution. Then keep that resolution.

If the idea of making resolutions appeals to you, consider signing up for the 2011 Happiness Challenge, to make 2011 a happier year. Each week, I'll propose a specific, manageable, concrete resolution aimed at that month's theme. Or you can come up with your own resolution, of course.

There's something about the accountability of being part of a group (even an invisible group), and the enthusiasm that's generated, that makes it easier to keep up the resolution-keeping momentum.

I've started a video series to accompany the 2011 Happiness Challenge. (Initially, I was very reluctant to have videos: didn't want to deal with it, didn't want to figure out how to post them, didn't want to have to worry about my appearance, didn't want to have to figure out what to say, didn't want to worry about having one each week, etc. Novelty and challenge bring happiness but, alas, are often paired initially with feelings of insecurity and frustration.)

Take time to celebrate what you've achieved, and to share your accomplishments with other people.

Now gear up for the Happiness Challenge 2011.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• happiness
• happiness challenge
• 2010
• 2011
• resolutions
• change

[GretchenRubinNY]

Yes, right, that is a French word -- "frisson," which means a sudden thrill, a moment of intense emotion.

[cookingwithlittles]

Love the quote!! So true... Often we are in a

Race pursuing happiness and miss

The fact that we could already be happy right now!!!!

[kingkingkalle]

you look smart^^

[ModestNModern]

Thanx! great vid :))))

[heynickle]

what was the word she said at 1:20 the "fisant (sp) of happiness" sounds french. how do you spell that? :)

[KillerIsFriendly]

@wekosky lol

[JohnFoxHimself]

Gretchen - I really enjoy your videos. Have a great new year in 2011.

[inhuman216]

I like what you are doing, will you please make more of this next year? I just found out about this tonight.