i created the 21-day happiness project to not only focus on joy, but to forget my pain. at the time, i was healing from major surgery and needed a healthy place to channel my energy. if you’ve been around these parts for some time, then you remember my very first post about it.
since then, it’s grown into something bigger. today, women around the country are using the 21-day happiness project to invest in their joy and self-care. i could never have imagined that my journey to heal myself would help to heal others. it’s a guide to doing what we tend to forget — focus on our happiness.
WATCH: 21 Day Transformation: The Happiness Project on NBC News 4
while the concept is simple, there are some things to keep in mind when undergoing your project. keep reading for three important tips to having a successful 21-day happiness project.
plan ahead
the number one thing killing your joy is a failure to plan. our brains love the path of least resistance, which makes it hard to develop new habits. start your project by brainstorming 21 things that bring you joy. if you can’t develop a long list — no worries. feel free to repeat tasks during the three weeks.
READ: My Favorite Happiness Project Tasks
next, schedule your happiness tasks every week. you can use a paper planner, digital calendar, to-do list or daily alarm. the goal is to disrupt your day with an intentional focus on joy.
the 21-day happiness project toolkit is the perfect place to start with making a plan. the practical guide offers a roadmap to greater joy. download it on etsy.
focus on free, low-cost and low-barrier tasks
i’d love to take a trip to tahiti during my 21-day happiness project. however, it’s not gonna happen. see the way my bank account is setup…
the 21-day happiness project focuses on happiness tasks that can be easily woven into your daily life. it shouldn’t take a grand vacation, shopping spree or home renovation to bring us joy. something simple as lighting a candle, going for a walk or reconnecting with an old friend can feel just as good.
we create new habits by developing the path of least resistance to the habit. for example, if you want to floss more, keep your floss visible on your sink and carry an extra container in your purse. if you want to exercise more, choose a gym near your home. if you want to be happier, invest in low-barrier tasks that bring you joy.
celebrate your wins
the 21-day happiness project isn’t about being perfect. it’s about setting an intention and giving it your attention. celebrate the fact that you’re getting started on this journey towards greater joy.
every single task on your list may not be completed at the end of the three weeks. there may be days when you struggle to focus on joy. that’s okay because this isn’t a competition. if you fall off, get back up and keep going.
even as the creator, i’ve never had a perfect 21-day happiness project. life happens, and i don’t allow myself to feel guilty. instead, i celebrate the ways that i intend to show myself love even if my journey isn’t perfect.
i hope these three tips are helpful as you embark on your 21-day happiness project. this is my fourth one, and i’m still learning each day. that’s because the project is a practice in self-discovery just as much as an exercise in joy.
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