The happiness of your life greatly depends on the quality of your daily actions.

As we move through the final quarter of the year, remind yourself that it takes roughly 66 days to form a habit on average. So for the next nine weeks, consciously leverage the actionable reminders below to look at the bright side of your life, and you will gradually rewire your brain as we transition from this year into the next…

1. Start steadying yourself with simple rituals.

When life feels like an emotional roller coaster, steady yourself with simple rituals. Make the bed. Water the plants. Rinse off your own bowl and spoon. Simplicity attracts calmness and wisdom.

Start choosing differently for your own well-being.

A big part of your life is a result of the little choices you make every day. If you don’t like some part of your life, it’s time to start tweaking things and making better choices in the days and weeks ahead.

Start being a little more productive than you are busy.

There’s a big difference between being busy and being productive. If you’re going to put in the work through the end of the year, don’t confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but never makes any forward progress.

Start dedicating time every day to meaningful progress.

If you only have fifteen minutes to spare, no problem — make those fifteen minutes meaningful. Focus on small daily steps as you get deeper into the year. And even when the struggle is real, remind yourself that it always feels better to be exhausted from taking a small step forward, than it does to be tired of doing absolutely nothing.

 Start doing what’s right, even if it’s not the easiest option.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Just because it’s easy, doesn’t mean it’s worth your while. Do what’s right, not what’s easiest right now. It’s a less stressful way to live in the long run.

Start comparing yourself to yourself (and no one else).

Forget what others have and where they are. You’re not walking in their shoes, and you’ll never comfortably walk in your own if you keep comparing yourself to them. So focus on what’s best for YOU and your unique circumstances. What do you need to do next for your own priorities and objectives? Do it! You won’t be distracted by comparison if you’re captivated with purpose.

Start focusing (only) on what you can control.

Don’t force things as the year winds down. Give things your best shot and then let them be. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Don’t hold yourself down with things you can’t control. Remember, no book is just one chapter. No chapter tells the whole story. No mistake defines who we are. Keep turning the pages that need to be turned as we bring this year to a close.