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How to Have a Good Day

summary ofHow to Have a Good DayBook by Caroline Webb

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • How to talk to everyone
  • The time-saving batching method
  • Simple tips that greatly improve creativity
  • About eight boosters of positivity

first KEY POINT

Defensive vs. discovery mode

We’ve all had good and bad days for various reasons. The behavioral sciences have made landmark achievements that can help us improve our quality of life. Three major benefits stand out:• How we perceive the world is heavily influenced by our underlying beliefs.
• Our effectiveness and sense of fulfillment increase when we pursue well-defined objectives.
• The power of visualization is significant, as the images we hold in our minds can mold our experiences in the tangible world.

When we select our priorities carefully, we can control how we see the world.

Moreover, behavioral sciences revealed that we exist in one of two daily modes — defensive or discovery. In discovery mode, we have clarity and seek opportunities to advance our goals. In defensive mode, we live in reactions to other people’s demands and feel overwhelmed. We have a choice each day to allow events and circumstances to dictate our lives or to be intentional and proactive in how we spend the day.

When a situation feels out of our control, our brain and adrenal glands react by pushing much higher levels of adrenaline into our system. This flood of chemicals puts us in an excited state, rendering us unable to think clearly. Thus, we make poor decisions. To return to calm, we need to break the day into three components — waking time, daytime, and nighttime — and track them.If we simply let the day happen, we miss huge opportunities. We need to be intentional in the way we spend our waking time. The brain constantly sifts through information, giving us a subjective reality . By investing just a few minutes in mental groundwork and rapidly reassessing our underlying beliefs, we can train our brains to seek and appreciate the more rewarding aspects of our daily lives. Ready to learn how to do it? Let's get started.

second KEY POINT

Three steps for an effective day

An effective system for setting intentions involves aims, attitude, and attention. First, aim to identify the most important activities of the day. Decide what actions you want to take, the interactions you want to have, and the work you want to do. Then, identify what matters most to make the day successful and what these activities will help you achieve. Take these outcomes and set aside an uninterrupted block of time to devote to them.Second, adjust your attitude. Most people approach the day wearing rose-colored glasses. However, using the mental contrasting method to change your perspective to make your day enjoyable is more practical.US Navy Admiral James Stockdale spent eight years in a Vietnamese POW Camp. While reflecting on the prisoners who cracked under pressure, he realized that the faith you have in eventual victory should not prevent you from exercising the discipline necessary for surviving the moment. With a When-Then Plan, you can prepare for possible obstacles to your day while holding the outcome you seek in mind.

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first KEY POINT

Less means more

second KEY POINT

Guide to fulfilling interactions

third KEY POINT

Tips to become your own muse

fourth KEY POINT

Turn public speaking into your superpower

fifth KEY POINT

Self-care during challenging times

sixth KEY POINT

How to catch a positive wave

seventh KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Caroline Webb is an economist, executive coach, and former McKinsey partner with 25 years of experience advising top executives.

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Frequently asked questions

What is How to Have a Good Day: Get Better Working Life, Feel Better, Live Better about?

How to Have a Good Day by Ben Angel focuses on practical strategies for improving your daily life, work performance, and overall wellbeing. The book combines personal development techniques with actionable insights to transform how you approach each day.

What are the key takeaways from How to Have a Good Day: Get Better Working Life, Feel Better, Live Better?

Key takeaways include the importance of establishing positive habits, managing stress effectively, and setting clear goals to enhance both productivity and happiness. Ben Angel emphasizes the connection between mindset and daily success, offering tools to foster a more fulfilling life.

Is How to Have a Good Day: Get Better Working Life, Feel Better, Live Better worth reading?

Yes, How to Have a Good Day is definitely worth reading if you're seeking practical advice on improving your daily routine and mental health. The author's engaging approach and relatable insights make it an ideal resource for anyone wanting to elevate their work and personal life.

How many pages is How to Have a Good Day: Get Better Working Life, Feel Better, Live Better and when was it published?

How to Have a Good Day runs approximately 256 pages and was published on September 17, 2020. This length allows for a thorough exploration of the concepts while remaining accessible for busy readers.

Who is the author of How to Have a Good Day: Get Better Working Life, Feel Better, Live Better?

The author of How to Have a Good Day is Ben Angel, a recognized expert in personal development and productivity. His insights are backed by extensive research and practical experience, making his recommendations both credible and actionable.