The Key to Happiness is Positive Routines?

Not too long ago, I read that the Dalai Lama was asked what he thought the key to happiness is. He answered simply, routines. So I discussed this is great detail a few months ago with my friend, Will and I mistakenly thought he meant just any old routines. I equated routines as being in a rut. How can he say this is the key to happiness? What about adventure and expanding horizons? Will guided me to what I think the Dalai Lama really means, which is positive routines. This is in alignment with what Aristotle has been credited for saying. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

My BFF recently wrote a list of positive routines she had which reminded me that this topic has been in my draft folder for a while. I thought I’d share with you a list of some of my good habits.

Some of My Good Habits

I call my parents for a 2-10 minute conversation every day after work as I walk to my car. It’s enough time to hear how they are and tell them I love them.

I instantly take out money from every paycheck and stick it in a savings account which I rarely if ever withdraw from. I withdraw only for emergencies (when I was unemployed), to loan to loved ones, and a budgeted/planned trip.

I talk to my BFF every week day by way of GChat.

I journal at least 5 times a week in a few of my journals.

I read before bed.

I do all my laundry every weekend.

I try new things weekly.

I blog about 5 times a week between this blog and the food blog.

What I Want to Make Habit

Working out 3 times a week.

Eating fruits and veggies every day.

Writing letters weekly.

It’s your turn. What are some of your good habits? What would you like to make habit?