
A happiness plan serves as a commitment, an official declaration, a promise to yourself, to make your life rich and full by design. The plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be a master’s degree thesis; in fact, it doesn’t even have to be written out, although I would recommend that you do so. Just start simple. List the things that make you feel good: Walking the dog through the woods on a fall afternoon. Going on a date night with your sweetheart. Having a few laughs with your best friend. A picnic at the park with your grandchildren. Listening to your favorite music. A special bakery confection with your afternoon cup of tea.
Your list could be endless. You don’t have to write it out all at once; just add a new item to it whenever you catch yourself feeling happy.