When someone bumps into you on your morning work commute or you spill your coffee, that might set the tone for your day. John doesn’t let that bother him anymore. Welcome to John Murphy’s second life! After suffering a stroke 12 years ago, marathon runner John Murphy doesn’t let the little things get to him. One year after being told he wouldn’t be able to run again, he built up enough stamina to run a 5K. John shares his thoughts on navigating life’s mysteries and how to accept one’s successes and shortcomings as if they were “sunrises and sunsets.”
So, what does tomorrow look like? You get to say how it goes. Here are a few ways to create your day even when you feel like everything is going wrong.
1.Don’t Let the Little Things Bother You
We’ve all heard “don’t sweat the small stuff,” but how do we do that? Instead, focus on the big stuff. Look how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go. If you can’t see the big things, start by just being curious. Ask yourself: where do I want to be? What have I accomplished? What can I do right now to give myself a small victory while working toward my big goals?
2.Push Yourself Outside Your Comfort Zone
Explore the world. The more you see of it and how other people live, you will develop a greater appreciation for what you have. And you don’t have to go far! Visit a part of your own town you’ve never been. When was the last time you woke up an watched the sunrise out your own window? Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone doesn’t require going halfway around the world – see what you can discover right where you are.
3.What’s Your Morning Routine
Say hi to at least one other person a day that intersects with your daily routine. John gets up, watches the sunrise, and then goes for coffee right down the street just so he can say hi to everyone on their way to work. Having someone acknowledge you, even with a simple hello, can be the best thing that happens to another person. You could be the best thing happens in someone else’s day! Another great morning routine is waking up and writing down 3 things you are grateful for. It’s even better if you share those three things with one other person.