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title: How 5 Post-It Notes Can Make You Happy, Confident and Successful
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# How 5 Post-It Notes Can Make You Happy, Confident and Successful

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by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


May 28, 2014 4:01 AM UTC

by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


May 28, 2014 4:01 AM UTC

## Little Reminders Create Big Changes

You know why older people are happier?

Research shows as we age we [remember the good and forget the bad](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/01/why-are-older-people-happier/):

Yeah, that’s all it takes. So if you could just regularly get reminders of the good things in your life, well, you’d be halfway there…

And it’s not speculation — research shows [thinking about the good things actually _does_ make you happier](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/09/how-to-live-a-happy-life/).

**Reminders, something as simple as a post-it note,** [**are very powerful**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/07/whats-the-trick-to-self-control-better-habits/) **– and for more than just remembering to buy milk.**

**Studies show simple reminders help people** [**act more ethically**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/03/can-teddy-bears-make-you-more-ethical/)**,** [**quit smoking, and save more money**](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/08/can-text-messages-make-you-healthier-and-rich/)**.**

**And a couple well placed post-it notes can have a major impact foryou too.**

A while back I posted about how just [sending 5 simple emails a day can improve your life](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/make-your-life-better/).

Here are five little reminders that can help you create big changes:

## 1) HAPPINESS

**Make note of three things you’re thankful for.**

**We think of happiness as something deep and profound but it’s often as simple as keeping the good things “top of mind.”**

This technique has been proven [again](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/was-grandmom-right-about-counting-your-blessi) and [again](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/what-are-quick-little-things-you-can-do-to-in) and [again](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/does-any-of-this-make-yourself-happier-stuff). Here it is, explained by its originator, University of Pennsylvania professor Martin Seligman.

Via [Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439190763/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=spacforrent-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1439190763):

Here’s what’s really fascinating: **the opposite works too. Keep a record of bad things and you’ll make yourself increasingly miserable.**

Patients with chronic pain were told to keep track of all the awful symptoms they experienced. They did — [and felt dramatically worse](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/08/whats-something-that-can-make-you-absolutely/):


**Stop thinking you need more good stuff to happen to be happier — and just remind yourself of the good that’s already here.**

(More on how to be happy [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/08/here-are-the-things-that-are-proven-to-make-y/).)

## 2) CONFIDENCE

**Make a note of a couple accomplishments you’re most proud of.**

What does University of Chicago psychology professor [Sian Beilock](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416596178/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=spacforrent-20) recommend when you’re not feeling so great about yourself?

**Look at your resume.**

Reviewing your credentials can remind you how talented you are and boost confidence levels.

Via [Choke: What the Secrets of the Brain Reveal About Getting It Right When You Have To](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416596178/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=spacforrent-20):

**Your resume is designed to make you sound impressive to others — and it can have the same effect on you.**

(More ways to be more confident [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/how-to-be-more-confident/).)

## 3) OPTIMISM

**Scribble down something you’re looking forward to.**

Looking forward to something is powerful. It makes us hopeful, happier and optimistic.

Anticipation can actually be more pleasurable [than getting the thing you’re anticipating](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/8-ways-that-money-can-buy-happiness?):


**Got nothing you’re looking forward to? No problem. Make some fun plans — and then write** **_those_** **down.**

(More on how to feel satisfied with life [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/03/satisfied-with-your-life/).)

## 4) MEANING IN LIFE

**Write down a favorite memory that makes you feel good.**

Research shows we can add a feeling of meaning to our lives by [being nostalgic](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2011/12/how-can-you-increase-your-sense-of-meaning-in/):

**When life doesn’t make sense, get lost in that memory for a little while. Nostalgia restores a sense of purpose when times are hard.**

(More on how to add meaning to your life [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/03/4-steps-meaningful-life/).)

## 5) SUCCESS

**Write down the name of a hero you admire.**

[Dan Coyle](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/02/most-successful-people/), author of [The Talent Code](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026OR1UK/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0026OR1UK&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20), says that one of the best things we can do is [think more about the people we want to be like](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/02/most-successful-people/):

The hero doesn’t even have to be a _real person_. Batman? Wolverine? They’ll do just fine. Even fictional characters we admire [motivate us to be like them](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/do-we-become-more-like-the-fictional-characte/):

Did you have a superhero poster on your bedroom wall when you were a kid? You were on to something. ;)


(More things research says can make you successful [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/02/most-successful-people/).)

## SUM UP

Five post-it notes. Five reminders.

That’s all it takes to add a bit more happiness, confidence, optimism, meaning and success to your life.

**Sometimes you need something to make you feel lucky.**

**Sometimes you just need to be reminded that you already are.**

**Join 45K+ readers.** Get a free weekly update via email [here](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD).

Related posts:

[4 Lifehacks From Ancient Philosophers That Will Make You Happier](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2014/01/ancient-philosophers/)

[What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/what-10-things-should-you-do-every-day-to-imp/)

[How To Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple Emails](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/make-your-life-better/)

_This piece originally appeared on_ [_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/)_._

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