Section 1.1: Daily Reflection

Steve Jobs once shared a valuable practice: “For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself, ‘If today were my last day, would I want to do what I’m about to do?’ If the answer is no for too many days, I know it's time to make a change.”

Jobs understood that to attain genuine happiness, one must live mindfully rather than on autopilot.

To cultivate joyful days, consider maintaining a daily journal to track your activities. Rate your satisfaction on a scale from one to ten. After a month, review your entries and observe patterns in your happiest and least satisfying days.

For instance, I realized that inadequate sleep, lack of exercise, excessive drinking, and binge-watching television drastically increased my anxiety. In contrast, getting more than seven hours of sleep, going for walks, and reading consistently improved my daily satisfaction, even amidst setbacks.

This habit may seem tedious, but it proves effective: to experience more joyful days, you need to identify what contributes to your happiness and replicate those experiences.

Subsection 1.1.1: Exploring Your Island

Before embarking on your journey of self-discovery, you must first explore your “island” — your aspirations and desires. Remember this piece of advice: “When you encounter a stone on your path, don’t carry it in your backpack.”

We often mistakenly carry emotional burdens from our past mistakes, believing it will benefit those who follow us, but it does not. To live a joyful life, travel light.

After understanding your island (what you wish to achieve), it’s time to take action. Many people start by seeking relationships or friends, but this approach can hinder their ability to create a fulfilling life.

Instead, envision your ideal life first, then fill it with the right people. Don’t fret about time; an island rich in experiences will naturally attract others.

Additionally, if you already find yourself surrounded by people, focus on building your island; those unwilling to adapt can choose to leave.

Section 1.2: The Art of Emotional Minimalism

Adopting minimalism in your emotional and social life can simplify your existence. Organize and declutter your life to promote flow.

Here are eight straightforward principles of minimalism you can apply:

1. Focus on what truly matters to you.
2. Embrace the idea that less is more; prioritize quality over quantity in friendships and commitments.
3. Place yourself at the forefront; you are your top priority.
4. Stay connected to nature; avoid isolating yourself indoors.
5. Minimize distractions: adopt a diet low in dopamine by avoiding excessive stimuli to rediscover your natural joy.
6. Practice gratitude; acknowledging what you’re thankful for can provide solace in tough times.
7. Spend time in silence, meditate, or take walks to connect with your inner self.
8. Stay organized; procrastination can lead to increased anxiety.

By incorporating these three seemingly tedious habits into your life, you will rediscover your smile. As Kurt Vonnegut wisely noted, “In the face of fear and misfortune, one can laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh because then you don’t have to mop.”