Find Your Three Things: A Simple Rule for a Happier Life

A fast daily practice anyone can start today

Let's be honest, does your day sometimes feel like a marathon you never signed up for? That constant rush from task to task can leave you running on fumes, with real happiness feeling permanently on hold. If this sounds familiar, please know you are not alone. We all deserve more than just survival mode; we deserve moments that refill our energy and remind us of who we are beyond our to-do lists.

I spent years trapped in that same grind, wondering why my energy and mood kept crashing. I felt like I was giving everything but losing myself in the process. Then, out of sheer exhaustion, I tried a small experiment: What if, every single day, I intentionally did three small things just for me—with no productivity points attached? The result? A lighter mind, a calmer body, and a life that finally felt like my own again.

Here are the three things I now commit to doing daily:

1. I Move to Music. Every day, I head to my Zumba class. As soon as the music starts, I can feel the stress begin to melt from my shoulders. It doesn't matter how the day is going; for that one hour, it’s just me and the rhythm. I always leave feeling lighter and more connected to my body.

2. I Create in the Kitchen. Whether I'm exploring a new Japanese recipe or just mindfully chopping vegetables for a simple soup, the kitchen is my creative escape. The simple, sensory act of creating something nourishing from scratch grounds me in the present moment and brings a quiet joy to my routine.

3. I Organize My Space. For me, a calm space helps create a calm mind. I simply set a ten-minute timer and tackle one small area that's been bothering me—a messy drawer, a pile of mail. That immediate, visible result gives me a feeling of accomplishment and makes my whole home feel more serene to live in.

How to Find Your Three Things

The goal here isn't to add more chores to your list—it's to rediscover pieces of yourself. Gently ask yourself these questions, and be curious about what comes up:

• What did I love doing as a child? (e.g., drawing, building things, being outside)

• What activity makes me lose track of time? (e.g., reading, playing an instrument, gardening)

• What small action makes me feel instantly calmer or more grounded? (e.g., sipping a hot tea, listening to a specific song, stretching)

Remember, these don't have to be set in stone. This is about listening to what you need. Some days, my joy comes from reading a book to my daughter or building an epic cardboard castle from our delivery boxes. Other times, it's a quiet walk with my partner or a spontaneous trip to the library. The only rule is that it has to be for you.

These small, intentional moments of joy are our anchors. They are the daily reminders that our lives are far more than a list of obligations; they are ours to be lived and felt.

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Your Turn to Feel Lighter

While we can’t erase every source of stress, we can guarantee ourselves pockets of genuine joy. So, what is one thing you can do today to feel good? Take a minute to think about it, and then, more importantly, go do it.

To inspire our community here (and get new ideas for yourself!), I’d be so grateful if you shared one of your "things" below. Your idea might be the exact spark someone else needs to see today.

Protect these moments. Champion them. Watch how the rest of your life begins to feel lighter when you do.

Yours in finding joy,

Sikieng

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P.S. The "Three Things" rule helps you reclaim your day. If you're ready to think bigger about reclaiming your life, the most powerful motivator is the fact that our time is limited. I explore exactly how to harness that feeling in my article,Your time is limited.