Optimistic October 2021

The Optimistic October 2021 calendar from the folks at Action for Happiness has daily actions we can take to focus on what really matters, based on the key of Direction: Have goals to look forward to, as we help create a happier and kinder world.  (Click on the calendar to enlarge it.)

Especially when things are feeling a bit tough, it can help to set some goals.  Making goals achievable and ensuring that you have a few short term as well as longer term, more ambitious goals helps us feel we're making progress.  It doesn't matter if your goal for the day is something really small, the important thing is to give yourself the opportunity to feel like you've achieved something and to celebrate that!  This month's calendar is full of ideas to help you think about how you can put this into practice.

October 1 ~ Write down three things you can look forward to this month.
October 2 ~ Find something to be optimistic about (even if it's a difficult time).
October 3 ~ Take a small step towards a goal that really matters to you.
October 4 ~ Start your day with the most important thing on your to-do-list.
October 5 ~ Be a realistic optimist.  See life as it is, but focus on what's good.
October 6 ~ Remind yourself that things can change for the better.
October 7 ~ Look for the good in people around you today.
October 8 ~ Make some progress on a project or task you have been avoiding.
October 9 ~ Share an important goal with someone you trust.
October 10 ~ Take time to reflect on what you have accomplished this week.
October 11 ~ Avoid blaming yourself or others.  Find a helpful way forward.

October 12 ~ Look out for positive news and reasons to be cheerful today.
October 13 ~ Ask for help to overcome an obstacle you are facing.
October 14 ~ Do something constructive to improve a difficult situation.
October 15 ~ Thank yourself for achieving the things you often take for granted.
October 16 ~ Put down your to-do list and do something fun or uplifting.
October 17 ~ Take a small step towards a positive change you want to see in society.
October 18 ~ Set hopeful but realistic goals for the week ahead.
October 19 ~ Identify one of your positive qualities that will be helpful in the future.
October 20 ~ Find joy in tackling a task you've put off for some time.
October 21 ~ Let go of the expectations of others, and focus on what matters to you.
October 22 ~ Share a hopeful quote, picture, or video with a friend or colleague.
October 23 ~ Recognize that you have a choice about what prioritize.
October 24 ~ Write down three specific things that have gone well recently.
October 25 ~ You can't do everything!  What are your three priorities this week?
October 26 ~ Find a new perspective on a problem you face.
October 27 ~ Be kind to yourself today.  Remember, progress takes time.
October 28 ~ Ask yourself, will this still matter a year from now?
October 29 ~ Plan a fun or exciting activity to look forward to.
October 30 ~ Identify three things that give you hope for the future.
October 31 ~ Set a goal that brings a sense of purpose for the coming month.