A trick for when I feel worthless.

1 min 5 secs

We often make a bigger impact than we realize, but we forget because our brains are wired to focus on the negatives or the tasks we haven't yet completed.

This mindset was vital for survival in the savannah. If we focused too much on the beautiful scenery, we might have missed a nearby hungry lion and… Chomp!

But in our modern, comfortable world, this tendency can work against us.

So here's a little trick I use for the days when I feel worthless.

Whenever someone sends me a kind message, email, comment, or even gives me a compliment in person, I save it in a folder called "Positive."

On those gloomy days, I revisit this folder and it gives me significant a boost! I recommend trying it, especially if you create and share things on the internet.

To keep this from becoming too narcissistic, I also have a separate folder called "Helpful" where I note down moments when I've helped someone or done the right thing. No matter how small the act, I write it down.

For example, the last thing I noted was helping an old lady with her huge suitcase—getting it off the train and carrying it to her taxi.

The beauty of this system is that it works. It keeps you accountable, and it makes you want to continue adding to your "chain" of helpful actions.

Just like in video games, where you collect trophies and medals as you progress through levels, it's fun and fulfilling to collect these special moments in life. You never know when they might come in handy.

Sincerely,

Ash Lamb

(261 of 500 words)

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Feel free to reply—I respond to everyone.