Greetings! I read this article where Neil Pasricha wrote about finding 'win circles' in life to create positive habits. It prompted me to think about the ripple effect and to take stock of my own win circles.
I looked around for a picture of water circles, which I thought I had in my photo collection, but couldn't find it. So I used a Canva ocean water template for my header picture in this post. It came with the words carpe diem in the centre, just perfect!
Neil defined win circles as 'any series of small habits that positively impact each other in a circular and never-ending fashion'. I came up with three examples of my own.
My three win circle examples:
1. I added a 5K morning walk to my day, in addition to my regular exercise routine. I enjoy observing nature during my walk, I get the extra exercise, and I sleep better. After a good night's sleep, I'm more likely to go for another 5K walk the next day.
2. I set a goal to look for humour and smile or laugh every day. As I find humour, I share it with my family or friends, and we all smile or laugh. Smiling or laughing relaxes me. The fun moments strengthen my familial or social relationships. When I'm relaxed, I'm more likely to look for humour, or to book another meet-up, or to think about the fun time we had, which makes me smile.
3. Each morning I set three small goals to achieve that day. They're usually one for my health (e.g. walk 5K), one for my family or friends (e.g. make dinner tonight), and one for fun (e.g. watch a movie). It's easy to come up with three, to remember just three things, and to complete three. I feel satisfied at the end of the day. I sleep better. After having a satisfying day and a good night's sleep, I'm more likely to set another three small goals the next morning.
I'm thinking about what other tiny positive habits that I have or can do to create more win circles in my life. I'm keeping my eyes out for them.
How about you? What are your win circle examples?
Not heard of win circles...need to think about it. I do lots of fun things, but not sure if it constitutes a 'circle'
ReplyDeleteThe article did make me think about my habits, and what are better to keep or develop. Thanks, Lydia, for dropping by.
DeleteLove this Natalie and I've saved the article for future use. I have been thinking about incorporating a morning walk (not run) just to appreciate and welcome the day so thanks for prompting me to do it. I love your 3 Win Circles! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Hi Sue, A morning walk is a wonderful habit to get into. I'm glad you're thinking about adding it to your day. Have a great week!
DeleteHi Natalie yes this week has been very disruptive but I fully intend to include a morning walk thanks to you! Thanks for sharing at Midlife Share the Love Party I always enjoy your posts. #MLSTL
DeleteThank you, Sue, for hosting the link up. My pleasure to share.
DeleteThanks for introducing me to the concept of win circles - I like the sound of that and the way it helps perpetuate the positivity in each and every day.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kirsty. Thank you for your comment. I like that we can create 'win circles' with tiny positive habits.
DeleteThis is such a great idea. Glad it's working for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ness, for your visit and comment. I'll visit Nessville shortly.
DeleteGreat idea, the win circles! I'm also a believer of seeing the positivity in each day and in each thing that happens to us.
ReplyDeleteSSG xxx
It's something to think about for life improvement. Thanks, SSG, for dropping by.
DeleteHi, Natalie - Like many of your other readers, I too have never heard of 'win circles' before. I am off to read more about them now. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteNeil's term 'win circles' may catch on or not. He's a Canadian author and public speaker and seems to be quite successful with his books. Thanks, Donna, for your comment even during your travel. I truly appreciate your support.
DeleteI haven't heard the term win circles either, but based on your description and examples, I'll give it a go. I start each day with meditation, which centers me and leads to mindfulness, which makes me more present throughout the day, which leads to intentional thoughts and actions, which strengthens my relationships and makes me more joyful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christie, for sharing your excellent example. Meditation seems to make wide win circles.
DeleteI read your blog this morning, before getting up. I like the concept of win circles. It had me thinking about it all day, how it could be or is part of my life. The fact that I’m at a loss about that doesn’t mean anything good!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I can come up with now, is that my attempts to remain positive during tough times might have a positive effect on my husband. Or, how eating healthy every day gets me in a cycle of my body getting used to that and craving it, meaning eating healthy again the next day and so on. Not sure whether all that constitutes as win circles, though.
Ah, Liesbet, such an honour to have you read my blog before getting up. I want to give you a virtual hug :)
DeleteYour positive attitude has a positive effect on your husband and together you're in a better frame of mind to overcome challenges, which in turn makes you feel positive. The daily healthy eating habit may help you stay positive during tough times. There is a saying "we are what we eat". Thanks for sharing your examples of win circles.
Win circles make sense given that positive habits do indeed ripple out and affect many parts of our lives. What's an expression? A rising tide lifts all boats. You've got some great win circles going there, Natalie.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen, for your encouragement. I like the expression you gave. It has a visual that I'll remember.
DeleteI do love this idea. Walking is something I have to make a habit once again, as I do enjoy it and it does make me feel good.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an enjoyable walk today, Alicia. Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteGood to learn something every day as I have reading this. When I started the new year I made a commitment to myself to post on IG (then to FB and Twitter) 3 photos a day. One for my emotional health - Outfit of the Day, one for my observations of the world around me - Notice Nature Daily and one for my inner creative - an art/creative photo of what I have done or seen. It's keeping me on my toes - in a good way! Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek 9/52. Next week's optional prompt is Share Your Snaps 2.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denyse, for sharing your wonderful win circles, and the link up.
DeleteThis is so good to read Natalie! Easy and achievable goals to add to each day. I'm going to join you on picking three things to do each day! I already walk each day and love noticing the world around me. I try to smile every day today - I have a smile named after me when all's said and done so I must practice the 'Debbie Smile' :) smiles to you and I've shared this on twitter for #mlstl
ReplyDeleteYou do have a beautiful smile, Deb, so yes to smile every day, and yes, to pick three easy things to do each day. Thank you for stopping by and sharing this on twitter.
DeleteThis is a great idea. I usually do an afternoon walk to meet my husband up in the next town. I take time to bake homemade bread almost daily. I am trying to get back into daily yoga....Still working on making that a daily routine. Thanks for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteYou have great win circles going, Cherie. Thank you for dropping by and commenting.
DeleteI've never heard of this before Natalie but I really like the idea of positive choices and their ripple effects. I'm sending a link to the original article to my husband - he is a family counsellor and I think he'd find it an interesting tool for his clients. Thanks for linking with us at #MLSTL - I've shared this on my SM.
ReplyDeleteThat's super, Leanne. I hope your husband finds it useful for his clients. Thank you for hosting the link up.
DeleteThis is a great idea. Three small goals a day should be achievable.
ReplyDeleteYes, keep it simple and straightforward. Thanks, Victoria, for your visit and comment.
DeleteI love this idea. For me, wins mean a good writing day, good blog post or a few pages of my book. I also count exercising a win too! #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteMichele@ liferedesign101
Sharing your knowledge through writing makes fantastic win circles, Michele. Thanks for sharing your examples.
DeleteInteresting concept. I especially like your three small goals for the day in the areas of fitness, family and fun. That is something I will need to try on!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia, for your comment. Please let me know if the three small goals per day works for you.
DeleteI love this concept more than I can say. It's the little things rather than the big. I have my 5km morning walk, 10mins French on duolingo, and morning pages.
ReplyDeleteYou have excellent win circles going, Jo, and they all align to your goals this year. Thank you for sharing your examples.
DeleteI love this Natalie! I haven't heard of win circles before but I do love the whole concept. I do pilates three mornings a week. I need to get back into my walking too. Need more fun in my life. You've got me thinking! #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI love to get people thinking, Min :) You've got great win circles with pilates 3x a week. With the seasons changing, it's an excellent time to resume your walking, and yes, add small fun things. They make a difference.
DeleteThat is so cool. I love the idea of win circles. I think I will be using this. Thanks. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Glad you'll be using it.
DeleteI started a morning walk habit in August last year and have now built up to about 4km most days. It's good for my health, I listen to podcasts, and it also allows my brain to roam and creative ideas spring forth, so even though I sometimes have to force myself, it's definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for keeping your healthy morning walk habit, Janet. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your win circle example.
DeleteI was going to say I love your first point, Then I decided I like your second point better. Then I saw your third point and decided I love all three!!! #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteYou made my day! Thank you, Leanne, for your comment. Have a great weekend!
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