The Habit of Happiness

Let me write something brief today as my schedule is a bit tight. Usually the small everyday things suck up all your time: WhatsApp messages, unexpected technical problems from production, an urgent request from a friend. It is year-end but I'm still struggling to complete a lot of work. I think I made some progress today, despite only spending half-a-day in the office.

My goal is to make progress everyday, no matter how small. That's how work gets done. I make it a point to go to office everyday, even though I don't really have to. There's value in routines and habits. They are like railway tracks that force us to move in a specific direction everyday, unconsciously. By going to office, I end up working and making progress. And by driving to work, I get to listen to my favourite audiobooks--something which I look forward to everyday.

I read, or at least try to scan through two dead-tree newspapers a day. I'm old school: breakfast with papers is a must. Before breakfast, I usually listen to CNN while doing my daily routine in the bathroom. There are some good sites that stream CNN live--the US edition, which I prefer.

In the office, while working--depending on what tasks I'm doing--I also listen to podcasts, which are lighter and easier to listen to compared to audiobooks. I skip lunch on most days, as I find it very disruptive to work. Throughout the day, I would take short breaks to browse at news sites and to answer messages on my phone. I try not to respond immediately to text messages--they could suck up your entire day.

If I need to socialize, I prefer doing it on weekdays, after work. Occasionally, I would have a dinner appointment. I enjoy catching up with friends, at a cafe or quiet drinking joint. If I'm not with someone, I would be eating alone at the mamak stall or at a cafe like this (today it's O'Brien's).

Back home after a long day outside, I would start winding down with some relaxing music--usually some Baroque or Classical music (I love Spotify). I'd probably log in to Facebook (which I don't install on my phone), to checkout the latest on the social media scene. I would also try to write longhand in my journal. I'd do some reading on specific topics that interest me, making notes in another one of my many notebook. The last thing for the day is usually a session of meditation. After which, my sleep would be heavenly.

That is my typical weekday routine. I am a creature of habit. And being on the auto-pilot of habit, something I've come to realize and appreciate over the years, make me immensely happy. And that happiness itself is ultimately another habit, which can be cultivated.