Everyone is faced with hundreds of decisions throughout the day that need to be made in a split second. If left to making a decision simply based on how we feel in the moment, we could respond in selfish and unhelpful ways.

How can we quickly assess that we’re in the right mindest to make the best of even the smallest decisions throughout the day?

Our mindset informs the decision we make. It’s been beneficial for me to have a statement or mantra in place to help frame the way I think or respond in the moment.

About a year ago, I wrote down a daily commitment and intention that I started saying to myself repeatedly throughout the day.

“Do the right thing, at the right time, with joy.”

I’ve held onto this and committed to it every day. Some days I’m really good at sticking with it. Other days, not so much. But establishing this practice has helped me think through three important categories when making big decisions and split second responses.

Do the right thing… This helps me quickly assess whether what I'm doing is actually the best place to invest my attention. I makes me ask whether there are another more appropriate actions I could be taking. Maybe my action is motivated by frusration, anger, selfishness, or from running on autopilot.

At the right time… Even if I determine that I'm doing the right thing, it’s possible that it may not be the right time to take action. Life is more than what is important to me. My decisions and actions affect others around me. I want to think highly of others and looks for way to serve.

With joy… Whatever I do, I want it to be marked with joy. Whether I'm doing something that naturally brings me joy (like gardening, being outdoors or reading a book), or picking up lego bits after stepping on them for the 1,298,538th time.

One of the best unexpected benefits of implementing this practice has been the deep sense of contentment at the end of the day. Not contentment in the sense that I'm settling or accepting things for the way they are, but contentment in that that I know that I did the best that I could with what I had. And in the moments when I failed to do the right thing, my timing was off, or I had a bad attitude, I can quickly ask for grace and forgiveness.

Now it’s time to hear from you! What statements do you mediate on throughout the day? Share what has been helpful for you with me. If you're one of the first 3 to respond, we'll design a printable with your statement on it so you can keep it in a prominent place in your home.

| Credits: Author - Jacintha Payne, Graphic Design - Marketeering |