I’ve never created a bucket list because it seems like a means to an end. A rather negative end, in fact. In my opinion, it would be difficult to enjoy accomplishing things on a “bucket list” because the “kick the bucket” cloud would be hovering over me the entire time I climbed that mountain, ran that marathon or performed with my favorite band. However, the concept of mapping out things you want to do in your life isn’t so negative. So, I proceeded to make what I call a “Happy List” consisting of things I’ve always wanted to do from visiting certain places around the world to learning to play the piano. Two of the main factors in achieving happiness are perceived progress and perceived control. Personally, I prefer to write things down but evidentially your happy list can reside in your head too.

What would be on your happy list? I won’t bore you with my entire list but in effort to be responsible for a few items by stating them publically, here we go:

1. Practice balance. (Not in a ballerina way, in a life-style way.) Exercise is the number one ingredient in my “balance” formula. It jives with the science of happiness because I feel more in control when I exercise and perceived progress is easy to identify. There’s no doubt that I’m a better person when I make time for some sort of physical fitness and it’s crucial to me having a good day. A way for me to reset.
Recently, a group of friends and I started running more organized races. (I’ve done one (1) whole marathon in my lifetime and that was plenty. The training required doesn’t fit with my schedule.) There’s something about the camaraderie and competitiveness that I crave and 13 miles with thousands of other people does the trick. Hiking and snowboarding are other physical fitness activities I adore.

2. Learn to play the piano. So far so good, because I got a digital piano for Christmas. Now, I need to learn how to play something beyond Heart and Soul and Chopsticks. A good singing voice is definitely out of my perceived control so I figure this is the next best thing. Secretly, I also want to be able to walk into a piano bar and rock out.

3. Give up Emoticons: Two months ago, I gave up using emoticons in all forms of communication. (Emoticons are smiley faces, frown faces, etc.). It’s become a lazy way for people to communicate and in my opinion people need to “use their words” like we learned in kindergarten. After daily practice over the past several months, I’ve made it a habit to refrain from communicating via emoticons.

I always debate the concept of natural born skill that maybe isn’t always applied to capacity vs. developed skill and intense work ethic. Which type of athletes are more successful? The latter tend have more perceived control and progress.

Regardless, it takes repeating an act many times before making it a habit and way of life. The goal shouldn’t be to lose 10 pounds. The goal should be to do what it takes to lost those 10 pounds (in a healthy way) over and over until it becomes a natural habit. Or, practice something that you know will help your professional career daily until it becomes part of your business regimen. That’s my tip.

Do you have a happy list? Please do share if you dare. And, who can teach me how to play the piano?

-Amy Jo Martin