from mind to reality

If you want to achieve anything, you have to put in the work.

You know that… and of course you want to achieve so much.

But soon the reality sets in that dreams are still hard work, and you’re spending your time forcing yourself to tick off taks that don’t always feel so fun…

Even though you’re working towards a vision you want, it’s stealing away the freedom and joy of spending your time on what you feel like doing.

You might have already read my 3 best tips on consolidating your future vision with having joy in the now.

Today, I will share some specific examples. These are small but powerful ways to make a “must-do” into something that gives me joy. They have kept me on track with all my habits for 26 days already. (While I juggle full time work, a Master’s degree, a relationship, family/friends, and hobbies, and having absolutely no time whatsoever).

Hope you will find good inspiration here!

Let’s get into it.

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How I use little joys to sustain my habits for 30+ days

Habit: Being disciplined with work, study, or admin tasks (doing homework, going through finances, writing, sorting emails, etc.)

Little joys:

• A super cute portable keyboard that feels and sounds really satisfying to type on
• A cute mousepad and wrist rest
• A mouse that feels great (material, click sound)
• A kitchen table with a beautiful color of wood
• Super comfortable and aesthetic chairs
• A vase with a beautiful paper bouquet
• Fuzzy slippers
• Soft comfy clothes that still look professional enough for calls
• Playing calming “focus” work music — here’s one of my favorite playlists
• Filling my workspace with plants
• Arranging my workspace so I face the window rather than the wall
• A cheerful snowman shaped mug I drink from all year round (don’t judge)

Habit: Planning my week, keeping up with to-dos and habits

Little joys:

• A notebook with a layout I love
• Beautiful colors of markers and pens to make things pretty
• Taking the time to write with neat handwriting
• Learning how to organize a planner beautifully
• Lighting a candle while planning

Habit: Exercising every day

Little joys:

• A gym with huge windows and greenery outside for lots of daylight and a light, calming atmosphere
• Giving compliments to women at the gym (usually “I like your leggings”) — lights tired people up like you wouldn’t believe
• Listening to my favorite music
• Gym clothes I feel great and motivated in
• A yummy protein shake after every workout
• A stylish gym bag

Habit: Learning Hungarian

Little joys:

• Using Duolingo and making a game out of collecting all the awards each day (gamification works!)
• Listening to a free podcast featuring 2 characters and their story — fun to follow along
• Reviewing always on the bus — making use of otherwise “killed time”, and easy to keep up the habit as I commute often and am reminded to practice every time I get on the bus
• Using words I learned with my Hungarian friends and hearing their compliments or laughs

Little joys that help with all my habits:

• A new haircut (somehow because it makes me feel great I feel much more motivated and productive)
• Taking the time for self-care before getting started (warm shower, change into comfy clothes, etc.)
• Turning off all notifications and staying mindfully present with whatever I’m doing — whether it’s time with friends, scrolling, or working

Recap & action steps

• Any achievement takes effort and time — and doing things that don’t always feel fun. You need to put this commitment above laziness or comfort and put in the work.
• At the same time, you don’t want to only live for the future. You should also enjoy your time in the present moment and the life you’re living now.
• To consolidate these two things, find ways to inject joy into the daily steps and habits that you do to take you towards your goals.

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I’d love to hear from you too — what are ways you inject more joy into your goals and daily life?

Tell me in the comments below!