I worked with a woman who told me that every night when she tucked her boy into bed she’d ask him, “Did you do something today that was good for you? Did you do something nice for someone else? Did you do something today just because it’s fun?”

She said those were their rules for a successful day.

Every day do something that’s maybe hard to do but good for you.

• Get enough sleep
• Exercise
• Eat healthful foods
• Wear sunscreen
• Drink enough water
• Brush and floss your teeth
• Tackle a chore you’ve been putting off, the one that you’ve spent more psychic time and energy on than the actual task would take!

Every day do something nice for someone else

• Smile at a stranger and say good morning
• Bring someone a treat – a cup of coffee or tea, or a flower from your garden
• Help a neighbour or family member
• Give your time or money to charity
• Send a note just to say “hi”. Wow. Consider writing it on paper and sending it by real mail.
• Hug someone
• Pay a compliment. You know I’m a big fan of this one!

Every day do something just because it’s fun

• Enjoy a big laugh
• Play a game
• Listen to music
• Eat a decadent dessert
• Enjoy a good book
• Play with your children or pets
• Make some art or try a hobby
• Dance. Better yet dance naked. Oh, go on… dance naked in front of a mirror. I do this one every day. Some parts of me keep dancing long after I’ve stopped moving!

The beautiful thing about these every day rules of success is that each one will make you feel better. The hard stuff, even just attempted, will boost your sense of accomplishment. You cannot do for others without putting a gloss on yourself. And doing something just because it’s fun reminds you that you are lovable and life is a joy.

If you manage to dance naked in front of your pets while flossing your neighbour’s teeth you will be positively sublime.