How do you start your morning? How about ending your day? It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity and pessimism of the world. I’ve always considered myself a “realist” vs. a “possibility” thinker.

However, Freddy read something years back that changed my perspective and majorly increased my optimism in life by implementing a habit every morning and every night. It’s simple and it not only helps to stay focused on the positive, but also on your goals, while increasing gratitude no matter where you are in life or how your day went.

Ask yourself every morning (or tell yourself, actually): what are three positives I’m going to make happen today? Or, what are three things I’m really looking forward to today? It could be small things or big things! Some days, it might go something like this: I’m going to spend some quality time with my mom/grandma etc; I’m going to finish the chapter I’ve been struggling with; I’m going to fit in (fill in the blank).

We ask our kids this as we drop them off at school and when they can’t think of anything, many times it ends up being : who are you going to befriend today? Who are you going to compliment today? What are you looking forward to (usually the same: Sterling is recess or gym and the girls are art or music).

It’s amazing where this will lead your day! You are in control and you are making great things happen, while making the world a little bit better place. Who knows the ripple effect it’ll have.

Before sleep, the last thing you lay on your heart are three positives that happened that day. Believe me, a lot of times it won’t be the same things you listed in the morning. And some days are tough. Really tough. It might end up being : I’m grateful I’m breathing or I’m blessed my kids are healthy. I live in a safe neighborhood. It could be something you accomplished: I’m grateful I started running again! I’m satisfied I finished the book! Etc. Etc.

I’ve found the more I practice this habit (I admit, there’s days I forget), it puts me in control of my day and my goals. It reminds me of all the things I’m grateful for. I remember that whatever I’m going through for a problem, there’s someone in the world who would LOVE to have this problem/be in my position and I try to remember the time when I wanted just where I am right now.