February 9, 2025 | #26 | read on The Happier Studio | Free Version
Welcome to The Happier Newsletter, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.
What’s On Today
- 32 Life Lessons I've Learned
- 3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week
32 Life Lessons I've Learned
Today’s newsletter is a special one.
As you read this, I’ll be celebrating 32 trips around the sun. Birthdays are a natural time to reflect, and this year, I’ve decided to share something close to my heart: 32 lessons I’ve learned in 32 years. Some are small, others are life-changing—but all of them have shaped me into the person I am today.
Let’s get into it.
1. Small steps beat big intentions.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight, and you don’t need a perfect plan to begin. Just start small, even if it feels insignificant. The smallest step in the right direction creates momentum, and that momentum carries you further than you’d ever thought possible.
2. Happiness isn’t a destination.
It’s easy to think, "I’ll be happy when..." But happiness isn’t waiting for you in a distant place or future achievement. It’s found in the small, ordinary moments of daily life: a quiet cup of coffee, a shared laugh, or the warmth of the sun on your face. If you slow down and notice these moments, you’ll realise happiness is already here. It’s not something you need to chase or earn—it’s something you can create every day by appreciating what you already have. It’s a choice.
3. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Grand efforts are exciting, but they can burn you out quickly. True progress comes from showing up consistently, even when your efforts feel small. Whether it’s building habits, learning a skill, or making changes in your life, doing a little bit every day will always outperform short bursts of effort followed by long periods of inactivity.
4. Your environment shapes you.
We often underestimate how much our environment influences our behaviour. The people you spend time with, the spaces you live in, and the habits you surround yourself with all play a role in shaping who you become. Take time to intentionally design your environment—fill it with people, tools, and reminders that make your goals easier to reach.
5. Sleep is a superpower.
It’s easy to sacrifice sleep when life gets busy, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your well-being. Sleep is when your brain processes, your body heals, and your energy resets. Without it, even simple tasks feel overwhelming, and your best intentions feel out of reach.
6. Comparison steals joy.
We all have different journeys, yet it’s so easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re falling behind. But the truth is, you’re only in competition with yourself. Focus on your own growth, and measure your success by how far you’ve come; not how far others have come.
7. Discipline creates freedom.
Many people see discipline as restrictive, but it’s the opposite. Discipline frees you from the chaos of procrastination and indecision. When you develop discipline, you create habits and systems that help you reach your goals. This freedom—to do what matters, without distractions holding you back—is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Without discipline, you’re at the mercy of your impulses and distractions. With it, you gain the freedom to live intentionally, pursue what matters, and feel proud of the life you’re building.
8. Read books. Lots of them.
Books are like mentors you can access anytime, anywhere. Each one introduces you to new ideas, perspectives, and tools to help you grow. A single sentence from a book can change how you think about life. Make reading a habit, and over time, you’ll build a mental library of wisdom you can turn to whenever you need it.
9. Time is your most valuable resource.
You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. How you spend your time reflects what you value most, so use it intentionally. Don’t let distractions or obligations steal the time you could be using to build the life you want. Invest your time in what matters most—you won’t regret it.
10. You don’t have to do everything.
It’s okay to say no. Life gets overwhelming when you try to do everything and be everything to everyone. When you learn to say no to things that drain you, you make space for the things that light you up. You don’t need to earn anyone’s approval, and you don’t need to meet every expectation.
11. Gratitude changes everything.
Gratitude shifts your perspective. Instead of seeing what’s missing, you begin to notice what’s abundant in your life. It can be as simple as appreciating a meal, a smile from a stranger, or a roof over your head. When you build the habit of gratitude, you start to realise that joy isn’t found in having more—it’s found in appreciating what’s already here.
12. Take care of your body.
Your body is your lifelong home. Treat it with respect by feeding it nourishing foods, staying active, and listening to its signals. A strong body supports a strong mind, and when you prioritise your health, you’ll have the energy and strength to show up for the life you want to live.
13. Life is better with a good playlist.
Music is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to shift your mood. Whether you need to focus, find energy, or process emotions, the right playlist can help. Take the time to curate playlists that reflect different moments and moods in your life—they will become the soundtrack to your story.
14. The people around you matter.
Who you surround yourself with shapes your mindset, your beliefs, and your behaviour. Spend time with people who inspire, challenge, and uplift you—people who remind you of what’s possible. If someone consistently drains your energy or pulls you away from your goals, it’s okay to let that relationship go. The right people will help you become the best version of yourself.
15. Simplicity creates clarity.
The more complex you make something, the harder it is to follow through. Simplify your goals, your routines, and even your thoughts. When life feels overwhelming, strip it back to the essentials, and you’ll find clarity and peace.
16. Fear is often a sign you’re growing.
Fear shows up when you step into something new, unknown, or challenging. It’s not always a signal to stop; sometimes, it’s a sign you’re heading in the right direction. Embrace fear as a natural part of growth. The things that scare you the most are often the things that will shape you the most.
17. Let go of what you can’t control.
Trying to control the uncontrollable only creates stress and frustration. Focus instead on what’s within your power: your thoughts, your actions, and how you respond to challenges.
18. Mistakes are lessons in disguise.
Every mistake has something to teach you, as long as you’re willing to learn. Instead of beating yourself up, ask: What can I take away from this? Mistakes show you where to grow and remind you that you’re human. At the end of the day, growth requires trial and error, so give yourself the grace to stumble.
19. Growth starts where comfort ends.
True growth happens when you step into discomfort—when you challenge yourself to try, fail, and learn. Growth isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. The more you stretch yourself, the more capable you become. Seek challenges, embrace discomfort, and trust that each step outside your comfort zone is building a stronger, braver version of you.
20. Rest is productive.
Hustle culture glorifies busyness, but constant productivity leads to burnout. Rest is not a luxury; it’s essential. When you rest, you recharge your body, refocus your mind, and create space for creativity and clarity. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to rest—schedule it into your life.
21. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you give all your energy to others without replenishing yourself, you’ll run dry. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Prioritise your needs so you can show up as your best self for the people and projects that rely on you. When you take care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, you have more to give.
22. Your thoughts shape your reality.
The stories you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re capable of become your truth. If you think you’re stuck, you’ll stay stuck. If you believe you can grow, you will. Choose thoughts that empower you, not limit you. Replace self-doubt with self-compassion, and challenge the narratives holding you back. A small shift in mindset can transform your life.
23. Action cures overthinking.
Overthinking creates problems that don’t exist. The best way to break free is to take action—no matter how small. When you act, you interrupt the cycle of worry and build momentum. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to take the next step. Progress is made by doing, not by thinking yourself into a corner.
24. Set boundaries, and keep them.
Boundaries are how you protect your time, energy, and well-being. When you set clear limits, you teach others how to treat you—and you teach yourself what you value. Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away; they’re about prioritising your needs. Say no when you need to, and honour the limits you set.
25. Celebrate small wins.
Big achievements are exciting, but life is built on small victories. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Recognising progress keeps you motivated and reminds you how far you’ve come. Acknowledge your effort, and let yourself feel proud—you’re doing better than you think.
26. Learn to let go of perfection.
Perfectionism holds you back. It makes you procrastinate, doubt yourself, and avoid trying at all. The truth is, “perfect” doesn’t exist. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Start messy, learn as you go, and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Done is better than perfect.
27. Your past doesn’t define you.
Who you’ve been isn’t who you have to be. Your past mistakes, struggles, or circumstances don’t dictate your future. Every day is a chance to become the person you want to be. Let go of the past, and step into the possibilities of now.
28. Life happens in seasons.
There are seasons for growth, seasons for rest, and seasons for change. Not every season will feel productive or exciting—and that’s okay. Trust the timing of your life. Use slow seasons to reflect and recharge, and use busy seasons to move forward. Life is always shifting, so embrace each season for what it brings.
20. Kindness matters more than you think.
A kind word, a small gesture, or a helping hand can change someone’s day—or their life. Kindness costs you nothing but means everything to the person receiving it. The world doesn’t need more criticism or judgement; it needs more compassion. Be the person who chooses kindness, even when it’s hard.
30. Everything is temporary.
The highs and lows, the good and bad—it all passes. When life feels heavy, remind yourself that this moment won’t last forever. And when life feels beautiful, pause to appreciate it fully. Knowing that everything is temporary helps you endure hard times and savour the good ones.
31. Joy is found in the process, not just the result.
We often tie our happiness to achieving a goal, but true joy comes from the journey itself—the learning, the growth, and the experience of showing up every day. If you only celebrate the end result, you miss the moments that make life meaningful.
32. You’re the author of your life.
At any moment, you can decide to turn the page and start a new chapter. You don’t have to wait for permission, and you don’t have to follow someone else’s script. Your life is yours to create—one decision, one action, and one step at a time. Own your story, and write a life that feels meaningful to you.
3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week
- Turning 32 🎉
- Being able to have celebrated my birthday with my family and friends back home
- Having celebrated our friend's beautiful wedding
What are you grateful for this week?
