Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind where you just feel off. You’re not sure why. You can’t think of a particular reason, but you’re just not feeling yourself.

How can you pull out of that quickly and not let it drag on? Is there a way that could change your mood even when you’re not sure what’s wrong?

I’ve got two words for you–Happy Triggers.

What are Happy Triggers you ask?

A trigger is something that sets off an action or response.

So, Happy Triggers create a happy response.

How do you create Happy Triggers?

Just think of some things in your life that makes you smile when you think of them.

So, what triggers a happy response when you think of it?

My happy triggers are movie quotes with my husband. One of our favorites is, “never give up, never surrender.” Another happy trigger for me is pictures of my family. So, they’re hung up everywhere in my cubicle. And, then there’s Disney World. Remembering all the fun times we’ve had there always brings me joy.

So, what are you’re Happy Triggers?

Come up with 5 triggers that you can think of. Then pull them out when you’re feeling down for a quick pick me up.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

Does your dog do something cute when you give her a treat and you smile every time you think of it?
How about your kids? Do they do anything that make you smile?
Maybe there’s a movie you always makes you laugh.
Or, that “dad joke” your husband always pulls out to make your kids cringe.

You might be thinking, “This is too simple! How could Happy Triggers possibly work?”

Happy Triggers work because we can’t think a negative thought and a positive thought at the same time. Your dominate thought will push the other thought out of your head.

Our mind is so powerful. We’re designed to feel what we’re thinking. So when we choose thoughts that make us smile and bring joy to our lives, we will begin to feel happier as well.

God made us this way on purpose. We’re not victims of our thoughts–we’re the designers of it.

So, let’s choose to use that power and bring more joy into our lives.

“First we make choices and then our choices make us.” - Andy Andrews in the 7 Decisions

Discussion

What’s one of your Happy Triggers?

Resources

Blog Posts:

How to Live a Life of Victory Using These Quick & Dirty Tips part 1

How to Live a Life of Victory Using These Quick & Dirty Tips part 2

How to Live a Life of Victory Using These Quick & Dirty Tips part 3

Book:

The Seven Decisions: Understanding the Keys to Personal Success by Andy Andrews

Podcast-Blog

How To Instantly Lift Your Mood With Two Simple Words