Hiya Gorgeous!
How you mentally start your day is as important as what you eat, your self-care practices and how you show up in the world.
In fact, when you start your day feeling stressed out and scattered, you’re more likely to attract unwanted chaos in your life. Before you know it, you’re anxious about the news, you’ve argued with your spouse, cut someone off in traffic and sent a regrettable email to a coworker—all before 9 a.m.!
…Or is that just me?
But when you ground your day in a positive and powerful way, everything flows with ease. You feel happier and are a heck of a lot more productive, without creating any energetic shrapnel!
The more I live this way, the better I feel—and I want that for you, too. So, today I’m sharing the system I designed to create a joyful life you love.
This method was born out of my own journaling practice, one that I’ve fine-tuned over decades. It’s called the Success Mindset Practice and I believe it’s been my key to success (and happiness)—both personally and professionally.
As you know, your beliefs and emotions have the power to transform your life. When you’re in a positive state of mind, elevating your energy and directing it towards your highest potential, you’re more likely to achieve your desires (success!).
You proactively shape your days to align with how you want to feel and who you want to be. From this space, your intuition flows freely, decisions are easier to make and healthy relationships are more likely to flourish. But it doesn’t stop there, the better you feel, the more joy and abundance you attract and create in your life. It’s a powerful energetic cycle.
The Practice That’s Been My Key to Success in Life, Business, Love and Everything in Between!
In order to experience this positive flow that shapes your life, I’ve found that it’s essential to focus on four areas every day: your feelings, gratitude, intention and affirmations. These areas make up the Success Mindset Practice.
First, let’s step through each of them so you understand their importance on a deeper level. Then, we’ll dive into how you can implement this practice and turn it into your own key to success in life.
1. Touch base with your true feelings.
While I’m often excited to dig into the day, I’m a much better leader, wife, friend, patient, speaker, teacher, etc. when I connect with myself first. By simply taking a few minutes to journal about how I’m honestly feeling, I tap into my heart. I also clear any negative air, if needed. From that space, I can direct my energy wherever it needs to go.
When I don’t take time to connect, I’m often scattered, irritated and just off-center… which means I’m more likely to overextend myself and lose touch with my inner joy and wisdom. Once that happens, I’m already in an energy deficit and struggling in recovery mode. Sound familiar?
Connecting with your feelings first not only allows you to find refuge in your own company, it helps you tend to your inner life so you can polish your energy and in turn, lead with confidence. You’re less likely to second guess yourself and more likely to trust your gut wisdom. You’re also better equipped to delegate or help someone troubleshoot their own issues, rather than taking them on yourself. If you’re a people pleaser like me (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), that means that you can stop being the manager of the universe and start putting your own oxygen mask on first!
2. Practice gratitude for what’s already amazing in your precious life.
There are so many things I want to do in my life—experiences I want to have, successes I want to celebrate with fine organic champagne, love I want to share and worries I want to release. But when I just focus on my wants, without acknowledging the abundance I’m already so graced with, my cup looks pretty dinky rather than full—aka deficit mode.
Gratitude offers a life-altering (and sobering!) perspective. It helps you relish in what’s already so good and delicious in your life. Plus, the more you count your blessings (small, big and everything in-between), the more blessings you receive. And let’s not forget the many health benefits associated with stress and anxiety reduction, which often come along with appreciation! Your doctor will be very pleased.
3. Channel your intentions and see yourself leading from your power source.
Thank you, Oprah, for teaching us about the power of intention many moons ago. I remember how empowering it felt to realize that I don’t have to get tossed around on the sea of life (and neither do you!).
Whether we’re aware of it or not, intentions are the conscious and unconscious motivations behind your every action (and the outcomes they create—good and stinky).
Each and every day, you have the ability to channel your energy towards the joyful life you desire.
As one of my favorite spiritual teachers, Gary Zukav says, “You create your reality with intentions.” That means that your intentions shape the energy that flows from and to you. With that in mind, it’s important to set intentions that reflect the results you want to experience and serve the highest good for all.
4. Affirm the magic you want to make.
In the most basic sense, affirmations are statements about who you want to be and what you want to manifest in your life. But it goes deeper than that. One of my cherished mentors, Louise Hay, taught that affirmations are everything you say and think. Because you’re an active participant in creating your reality, your words are more powerful than you think.
Affirm the magic you want to make! Decide what you want to affirm and what you don’t.
Here are some examples: I love and accept myself. It’s safe to stand out. I am prosperous. And one of Louise’s favorites: All is well. Think of your affirmation practice like planting seeds for your future success. Write them in the present tense (as if they’re already true) and repeat them as often as you like.
So now that you know the core components of the practice, let’s put it all together so you can get started. It’s really simple. You just fill out four prompts each morning. Take your time, tap into your heart and let your imagination rip! Ready?
The Success Mindset Practice: A Daily Exercise to Help You Create a Happy Life You Love
Write the following questions in your journal and allow your soul to guide the answers.
- How are you feeling today?
- What are three things you’re grateful for?
- What is your intention for today?
- What is your affirmation for today?
There you have it! Try the Success Mindset Practice for the next 30 days. Take 10-15 minutes each morning to honestly answer these prompts without censoring yourself. Allow the practice to help you align with your joyful nature so you can feel better, do better and co-create magic—day after day!
Starting my day with this practice truly is the secret to my success. It’s my joy compass. Whenever I feel lost, I find my way home to it. Whenever I want to feel even better, I lean on it more. My guess is that it will help you feel as connected, grounded and happy as I often do.
At the end of our lives, all we have are our memories. The goal is to string as many magnificent days together as possible. Are you with me? Fantastic! You’re about to discover your own key to success—body, mind, spirit (and even your bank account, ka-ching!).
Amplify your joy even more with The Results Journal!
I designed The Results Journal to help you supercharge your health, amplify your joy, and rock your dreams. It’ll help you consistently apply the Success Mindset Practice I just told you about—and then some! You can get all the deets here, but let’s start with some tantalizing tidbits to whet your appetite. Through daily exercises and guidance from me, The Results Journal will help you…
- Make wellness a priority and integrate it into your everyday life.
- Cultivate a mindset of positivity and possibility so you become a magnet for more peace, joy, and fulfillment.
- Clarify your goals and dreams—so you can start making them a reality, one action at a time.
- And SO much more!
Order your Results Journal now!
Your turn: Will you try out the Success Mindset Practice (hint: say YES!). Let me know in the comments below so we can cheer each other on!
Peace & stepping into your power,
I’ve never experienced your ways of being
thank you
Hi,Kris….after reading everything on your blog,I have to tell you that I have alot of the same feelings you have about my life.I have to do things right…I feel good about myself,I exercise…..it’s not always easy,believe me.Every day is not always good.,but I am n optimist by nature……I am thankful for you and your wonderful inspirations……have a great day,kris
A big thank you from our Optimism Queen Kris and her team, Larry! No one has perfect days every day, but being optimistic by nature really helps. Good for you! Thank you for being an inspiration for us as well, Larry. Xo from the whole team!
So what do you do when you wake up exhausted and the reality of your life is so not what is in your heart and head. I bought your journal with full intentions and so far I can’t get through the first part without crying. My partner had a stroke in December and between work, doctor appointments, and helping him feels like once again my hopes and dreams are put aside. I do spend time in prayer and I do try to Meditate in the evening. I am going back to your 21 sexy diet cleanse. That has helped me feel better with my own health but now need to get back to it. Thank you for sharing your trials into triumphs. Your positivity and outlook is inspiring even when I am too tired to feel it myself. ?
Hi Nanette, this is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. It sounds like you’re already doing what you know will help you feel better — getting back to the 21-day cleanse and reaching out about how you’re feeling. It’s a lot of work to care for someone who is sick, so please be very gentle and kind to your beautiful self. Would it be helpful to talk to a professional? That can make a big difference. If so, we often recommend people start at the “Find a Therapist” section of the Psychology Today website. Life is hard, it’s not meant to be easy every day. I wonder if working through those tears as you journal will help uncover some feelings and allow for space to work through them. I hate to add to your list of to-dos, but the following blogs might be helpful for you. The team is sending you and your partner so much love and healing energy. You will get through this, Nanette, and we will be rooting for you every step of the way.
6 Self-Care Tips for the Gentle Soul
What Is Tapping: Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping during journaling could be a big help)
5 Mental Health Apps to Reduce Anxiety & Boost Happiness
11 Affirmations to Lift Your Spirits and Elevate Your Energy
Lastly, the pep talk meditation is so incredible and could help you feel better as well. It’s on this page:
Free downloads
From one people-pleaser to another ;):
LOVE THIS!! I finally understand the big deal about affirmations! The way you said “Think of your affirmation practice like planting seeds for your future success” and “Write them in the present tense (as if they’re already true)” – that made me realise affirmations aren’t about blithely affirming things in the present (often I’d think, “But I can’t feel this” or “This isn’t true of me!”) – they are about setting a positive direction for the future, to change your life, starting now. It instantly made them seem more powerful, and saying “All is well” really helped me today with a depressive slump. I felt more relaxed and gently more positive. THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I’m bookmarking your articles to return to when I need to. You’re such a joyous, genuine, kind spirit in the world! God bless you richly, Kris! – Mary xx
You got it, Mary! And, you’ve made our day here at Team Crazy Sexy (especially Kris’s!), thank you so much. We’re so happy to hear about your beautiful “aha” moment and love the idea of you bookmarking Kris’s blogs. What a brilliant idea! You are 100% correct, all is well… Oh, it feels so grounding just to say it. All is well… Xo.
Thank you Kris Carr! Yes!
You are so welcome, Leslie. Xo.
This is what I love about you, Kris! Since I started using your journal, things seem to be moving forward and I feel much better. Finding who I am first and moving forward.
Mary, what wonderful news! You’ve made my day. Thank you so much. Keep moving toward that beautiful Big Sky Goal. Xo.
I love your journal. It is beautiful and easy to use. Thank you for sharing all that you have learned.
That means so much, I am so happy you love it as much as I do. Thank you! Xo.
I ordered your Journal awhile ago and was waiting for the promised video that would “walk me through” how to use it. I did not receive notice about the “walk through” SO I still have my journal from months ago-unused . I sent an email to you, asking about the “instructional walk through,” but I never received a response
Hi Melanie, this is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. I am so sorry you have been waiting for that email. I actually did some research and found that we replied right after you wrote it (about a week ago). I just resent the email so please check for it. I actually think I sent it twice to be honest. 🙂 If you’re still having troubles, will you please contact info@kriscarr.com and they can be sure to help out? Thank you!
I love this. Thank you so much for sharing! I can’t wait to try it. I do have a question though… You said to journal how you are feeling in the morning, without a filter. So if you wake up and something is bothering you from yesterday and you feel crappy about it, does being honest that you feel crappy help to move that energy out faster?
Hey Audrey! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. Absolutely always journal without a filter. Think of your journal as your trusted friend who is there to listen and help you sort out what’s bothering you. If you feel crappy, write about it. If you feel amazing, write about that too. Kris mentioned recently that writing can help get these bad feelings moving and sometimes helps sort out why we’re feeling how we’re feeling. No need to lie to your journal and shove those feelings deep inside. Be honest and get it out. I’m guessing it’ll feel great. 🙂
When you’re in a positive state of mind, elevating your energy and directing it towards your highest potential, you’re more likely to achieve your desires (success!).
Very Powerful way to start the day. Thank you for sharing a positive approach to being in control of your life.
I watched your wellness Wednesday video on this as well. The part about not believing the affirmations really resonated with me. I find that is where I struggle the most. I’m in a rough patch right now and I feel like when I say some positive affirmations I’m just lying to myself. You really helped me with the reframing part – making it into a statement I can believe “Ie I am open to….”. I also find that mornings and getting my day started in the right mindset are my biggest struggle. So thank you.
Hey Sue! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. I just wanted to let you know I’ve passed this along to Kris and can assure you’ll she’ll send a big “you’re welcome” right back. Reframing is key since really believing in the affirmations is what makes them stick. Keep up the amazing work! Xo from the whole team. 🙂
Hi Kris
Thank you so much for this guide!! I meditate and journal every morning but I love having a purposeful journal practice! Thank you for sharing!!
Can I please get an example of some “intentions”? I feel stuck on this one.
Thank you for your guidance and help!
Hey Karie! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. We’re so happy to hear you liked Kris’s blog. Journaling is so amazing, to hear you have a practice in place is terrific! Here is blog Kris wrote on intention-setting that will get you started. Why Setting Intentions Sets You Up for Success (video) Good luck and happy journaling!
I have had a shoulder injury for three years. The tendons aren’t working in it.l tell myself that my aging switch is turned off and utterly destroyed my youth switch is turned on for the rest of my long life. The first time I said this the next day I had no whiskers to shave.When you say this your age goes back to your youth.
Thank you so much for all your help Kris Carr.
Xo from the whole Crazy Sexy team and especially our chief unicorn, Brigit!
Hi Kris,
This is a great practice that you use. I use something similar, I ask what am I feeling?, three times, with the idea that each time, I go a little deeper. Then I ask what do I need? three times, asking from a place of my deepest desires. I definitely see the wisdom in finding 3 things I’m grateful for, so I’m going to add that.
When I check in with myself and witness my feelings and needs, then the day goes so much better, and I’m able to be more present to myself and others throughout the day. I’ve been doing this for about 7 years now, and it’s made all the difference! Early on, I was full of anger, but once I became regular enough to trust myself, the anger gave way to joy and the touchstone of wisdom and innocence if that makes sense? The innocence I think was tapping into my true essence.
Hey there! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. Your comment is absolutely beautiful, Carol! What a great practice. Isn’t journaling just the best?
Hi. Chris. I’m keen to start this fitness tracker but with the first question, How are you feeling today, most days I wake up feeling not that happy, not wanting to go to work, pretty miserable all up. I just put on a happy face even though that’s not how I feel. Do I write how I really feel because I just think reading that every day will just make me miserable. But if I write something not true it might perk me up but it’s not true. Hope you get what I’m saying. Thanks Hazel
Hey Hazel! This is Jennifer from Team Crazy Sexy. Your time with your journal is sacred and you want to be honest about how you’re feeling. Stuffing those emotions down won’t help, but if you give yourself some time to feel them and dig deep, it might be easier to see the good in life and move through the pain. Once you get to the intention and affirmation part of the exercise, you can find what affirmation truly feels right to you. This isn’t a “fake it until you make it” things. Here are some affirmations Kris loves (11 Affirmations to Lift Your Spirits and Elevate Your Energy), and here is a guide to intention-setting that will get you started (Why Setting Intentions Sets You Up for Success). Good luck and lots of love from the whole team!
This is great Kris!! Thank you so much for sharing, can’t wait to start tomorrow morning!!
I do a version of this every day as well and it is incredibly powerful.
Creating the energy for your day really does set the stage for all kinds of miracles and just plain fun to show up in our lives. Sometimes my intention is just “I want something really cool to show up in my life today” and then let the universe decide what that is. And then when it does show up, I usually end up in a big ol belly laugh! What I have not tried is writing it down. So this will be a fun new adventure! Thanks Kris, as always you are inspiring!