I think the big myth about habits, and happiness too, is that there's somehow a magic "one size fits all" solution. That, "If it works for you it's going to work for me," and it's just a matter of figuring out what that habit would be, whether that's do it first thing in the morning, or start small, or do it for thirty days, or give yourself a cheat day.

The things that go wrong often make the best memories.

Writing makes me happy.

Getting paperwork under control makes me feel more in control of my life generally.

The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided. It's more selfless to act happy. It takes energy, generosity, and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted, yet everyone takes the happy person for granted. No one is careful of his feelings or tries to keep his spirits high. He seems self-sufficient; he becomes a cushion for others. And because happiness seems unforced, that person usually gets no credit.

The thing that inspires me most is reading and just observing the people around me. I think those are the two things that make me want to write.

Knowing what you admire in others is a wonderful mirror into your deepest, as yet unborn, self.