The last time I recorded an episode was early 2020. Nothing about my life today looks like it did six years ago. Some of that was my own choosing, and some of it was life happening whether I wanted it to or not. This year in particular has been a season of grief and loss. It has also changed me in ways I’m grateful for.

So for my first episode back, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about creating a good life, setbacks included.

The 6 principles:

The setbacks were written in. Expect them. Don’t curse them. They’re part of the path, not a detour from it.
No effort is wasted. The skills, savings and habits you put on the shelf are still there when you come back to them.
Consistency beats intensity. Set a goal small enough that you can hit it most days, and build trust in yourself.
Think things through in quiet. Before you call a friend or ask an app, give yourself space to think.
Write to purge. When your mind is spinning, write it out. You can tear it up afterward.
Gratitude is woven into a good life. Get specific, and even a little silly, about what you’re grateful for.

Resources mentioned:

Huberman Lab: A Science-Supported Journaling Protocol to Improve Mental & Physical Health. It covers Dr. James Pennebaker’s research: write about your hardest experience for 15–30 minutes a day, four days in a row.

Your life tomorrow is shaped by the choices you make right now. Choose one better thought, one better habit, one better decision, and repeat.

If this episode gave you something, I’d love a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen.