I’m becoming increasingly convinced that we first choose how many problems we want, and then we find them.

The specifics of our external circumstances have very impact on our satisfaction. If we’re of a mindset that looks for problems, we’ll find them, no matter what’s going on around us. And if we’re of a mindset that leans to gratitude, we’ll find the things to be grateful for.

For sure that’s easier said than done. But I think it’s the single most impactful place you can put effort into improving. There’s SO much more leverage there than there is in trying to change your external reality. (If you’re miserable and you win the lottery… you’ll end up miserable but in a bigger house).

And, not only will you end up subjectively happier than if you manipulate the external realities, I believe this will quickly have a knock-on effect on your objective external reality, too. Win-win-win.