Super skill: Adding joy to full-catastrophe living
Why this matters today
Here’s the truth: Life’s never perfect.
And that’s not a sad truth; it is a meaningful truth.
One where failing carries the gift of learning.
Where randomness sparks creativity.
Where unmet expectations can fuel motivation.
The real win is accepting reality as it is, and still adding joy inside it.
Super skill
Today’s super skill is adding joy without needing life to be perfect.
Step 1. Meet reality, as it is, without resisting:
Pick one ordinary moment today. A meeting, the school run, cooking, commuting.
Put your attention on what is happening right in front of you.
Notice what’s there, and soften your body, especially jaw, shoulders, and belly.
Pay attention to what happens next.
Less resistance creates more space. More space lets joy coexist with challenge. This also trains your nervous system to stay present when things are messy.
Step 2. Train your mind to notice what’s good:
Each evening, write 3 good things from the day. Tiny ones count: A kind message. A warm tea. A problem solved.
For one of them, add one line: “What did I do that helped this happen?”
Then savour for 10 seconds. Feel it in the body. Do not rush past it.
You don’t need affirmations or daily motivational speeches (though, do that if you like). All you need is a reliable system the trains your mind to make space for what’s also positive.
Step 3. Make micro-progress on what matters:
Choose one super big goal, then ask: “What is the smallest action I can do this week?”
Make it specific and repeatable. 5-15 minutes: One message. One page. One walk.
Add one relationship micro-goal, too. Reach out, plan, or be fully present for those you love.
Progress creates momentum. Aristotle called us teleological beings (we get joy from setting targets and achieving them).
Becoming Super
Becoming Super is not about never feeling disappointed or stressed.
It is about staying close to life as it is, and finding joy inside the real texture of your days. When you can accept reality, spot the good, and take micro-steps toward what matters, you stop living with ‘conditional joy’.
You lead better, you parent with more presence, and you recover faster after setbacks.
Have a Super Sunday! 💪
With much joy,
Hashim
PS. Last chance to join the January Stress Mastery cohort. Click here for details.