A while ago, I accidentally knocked down a book that had been sitting on the bookshelf for a long time called "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and then I gave it to a child who loves reading. This book is a frequent visitor on many investment-related book lists and is written for teenagers.
In this article, I want to share a method introduced in the book: how to break free from a vicious cycle and make good things happen.
🌟 This method is called the "Success Notebook".
This method is very simple.
Try it for a while, and you will see wonderful changes.
Before we begin,
I would like you to take a moment and think about:
What is the most important thing to you?
Do you want to achieve success,
or do you want to make your life happier?
.
.
.
Now, let's continue...
Method Introduction#
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Prepare a notebook, or you can also use your phone or computer.
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Write "Success Notebook" on the cover.
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Before going to bed, write down 1-3 things that made you feel successful today, with no limit on the number of words.
- Feeling terrible today and can't think of anything? At least you successfully remembered to open the notebook, taking a step towards developing a good habit.
- If you are troubled by emotions or even depressed, but you are willing to make an effort to climb out of the bad mood, you are great.
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Even small successes are okay, compare them with yourself.
It's okay to forget one day, but try to find a way to develop this habit, such as setting a reminder on your phone.
Method Transfer: You can also replace it with any goal you want to achieve. For example, if you care more about happiness than success, you can replace it with a "Happiness Notebook" and record the things that made you the happiest during the day.
Waiting for Miracles#
Persist for a while, and you will find that life has undergone wonderful changes.
You become more confident, happier, and even luckier!
Things that you used to worry about not being able to do seem within reach after accumulating small successes.
When you feel occasional frustration or low spirits, try flipping through the notebook. It seems to have a magical power that makes you believe in yourself.
My Feelings and Practice#
At the beginning of the year, I experienced some physical discomfort. I tried various methods but couldn't determine the exact cause (later I found that the symptoms were similar to anxiety). After ruling out the possibility of physical illness and having two unhelpful sessions with a counselor, I tried to explore the psychological aspect in my own way.
For the past six months, I have learned a lot about psychology, cared about my body and emotional feelings, faced my inner self, identified what is important, ignored unnecessary stress, and resolved various entanglements. Although I have gained some new insights and the symptoms of anxiety have disappeared, new problems keep arising, and many things still trouble my emotions. The things I want to achieve still seem out of reach, and I often fall into self-doubt.
So I shifted from studying anxiety to exploring some more practical things.
How can I find what I want to do, learn to handle emotions better, and even start learning how to communicate again... (It may be a bit late to start learning at almost 40 years old, but it's better than not starting at all.)
Some methods haven't been found yet, but some have already yielded results.
A Bridge Across the Gap#
When I saw the method of the "Success Notebook," I was truly enlightened.
Just like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), it is a simple and specific technique, not just "big theories."
There seems to be a gap between "big theories" and each person's actual situation, often making people lament: "Knowing many theories, but still unable to live a good life."
"Success Notebook," "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)," and so on are bridges that help us cross the gap.
If the path to success requires effort, plus some confidence and luck, the Success Notebook is the bridge forged by confidence and luck. What's even better is that everyone can create this bridge for themselves.
Give it a Try#
On the evening I finished reading this book, I couldn't wait to create a new page on Notion and start recording my success notes for the day. It has been almost a month now, and I have recorded 24 entries. Every day, when I open my phone to prepare for recording, recalling the events of the day fills me with joy.
At this moment, I still have many problems to solve, but I am no longer in a hurry. Maybe in the eyes of others, I am still a failure. But I have given myself a much higher score in the course of success than in previous years.
The most important thing is that I no longer doubt the significance of what I am doing (which has troubled me for many years). I have become more patient, and I can trust and be intimate with my family. Using the newly learned methods to help others deal with their negative emotions also makes me feel good. I have also started to try expressing myself through writing, although I am not very good at it, I am gradually improving.
The mountain is still the same mountain, and I am still at the foot of the mountain, but my steps have become a little lighter.
Extra#
The reason I started writing this blog is because of a conversation I had with my parents this evening. It started with a bit of low pressure and ended with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making me both happy and satisfied. I thought this would be the most worthy entry to record as a "success note" for today.
"Well, since it's so wonderful, why not write an article to share this simple and amazing method?"
(Another entry added)
Here is my mom's first entry in her "Happiness Notebook":
Translation:
Recently, my parents have been enjoying riding bicycles together. Today, on a wide road with no vehicles or pedestrians, my dad deliberately rode at varying speeds, quickly catching up to my mom and making her burst into laughter.
When my mom called me, she described my dad as "crazy" while laughing uncontrollably. I encouraged her to write this down, to start her own "Happiness Notebook," and I hope she gains more and more happiness.
"Your happiness makes me happy 🎶" (Can't embed Netease Cloud Music... just imagine it)