As we head into the summer months, have you begun to think about how you want to spend your longer days? Will you plan some time for the things that are important to you? What will that look like? And what might hold you back from doing the things that have meaning for you?
Recently, I came across an informal advice column posted from one random stranger to another on an internet message board. The advice was priceless, and it seemed timely and relevant no matter what season we are beginning. In the spirit of a new season, I’ve summarized this “advice” here. Perhaps we can all benefit from no more “zero days” and four simple rules we can live by.
What is a zero day? Well, it’s when you don’t do a single thing towards whatever dream or goal you truly desire. So, Rule # 1 is simple. No more zero days. What does that mean? Well, it doesn’t mean you have to check off 45 things from your To-Do list every single day or write three chapters of a book. It does mean, however, that you are making a new promise to yourself. The promise is that you are choosing non-zero days. If you haven’t done a thing all day and it’s now 11:58 pm, you can still write one sentence. Do one pushup. Read one page of that chapter. One. Because one is non-zero. That’s rule number one.
Rule # 2—Be grateful to the three YOU’s—the past you, the present you, and the future you. According to this internet author, “If you want to love someone and have someone love you back, you’ve got to learn to love yourself, and the three you’s are the key. Be GRATEFUL to the past you for the positive things you’ve done. And do favors for the future you like you would for your best friend.” Having a lousy day today? Stop and think about a good decision you made yesterday. Salad instead of a burger? Thank the younger you. That’s right. And the second part of the three you’s is that you have to do your future self a favor. How does that work? Can’t stop binge watching TV? Can’t get out of bed in the morning? Do something for your best friend, the future you. And make it non-zero. Be sure to thank yourself for picking one thing that makes your life better. And here’s the clincher: “The cycle for doing something for someone else (future you) and thanking someone for the good in your life (past you) is key to building gratitude and productivity. Over time you should spread the gratitude to others who help you on your path.”
Rule # 3—FORGIVE YOURSELF. We all know this is important, but here’s the author’s (unfiltered) take on forgiveness. “I mean it. Maybe you got all the know-how, money, ability, strength and talent to do whatever you want to do. But, let’s say you still didn’t do it. Now you are giving yourself [a hard time] for not doing what you need to, to be who you want to be. Heads up champion, being disappointed in yourself causes you to be less productive. Tried your best to have a non-zero day yesterday and it failed? So, what. I forgive you previous self. I forgive you. But today? Today is a nonzero masterpiece to the best of my ability for my future self. This one is for your future. Forgiveness man, use it. I forgive you. Say it out loud.”
Rule # 4—last rule. It’s the easiest rule and it’s three words. Exercise and books. That’s it. We know this, right? When you exercise daily you actually become smarter, you generate endorphins, you clear your mind. When you exercise you are doing your future self a huge favor. And books? “Almost everything we’ve all ever thought of, or felt, or gone through, or wanted or wanted to know how to do, has been figured out by someone else. Get some books. Read. Read 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. Read about emotional intelligence. Read, Good to Great. Read, Thinking Fast and Slow. Read books that will help you understand.” Read.
There’s so much more when it comes to how to turn non-zero days into extraordinary non-zero days, but let’s take this one step at a time. According to this internet author, “Your mission is non-zero and forgiveness and favors.” And….
“Regardless of whether or not you are reading this for the first time, if it helps make your day better, or if you wake up tomorrow and you can’t remember the four rules, then please, please read this again.”
Here you go:
1. Non-zero days-- as much as you can.
2. The three You’s, gratitude and favors.
3. Forgiveness
4. Exercise and books (which is a sneaky way of saying self-improvement-- physical, emotional and mental well-being).
Here’s to a new season. To non-zero days. To focusing on whatever dream or goal you desire.
--Dawn