We all know the drill: you wake up, and before your feet even hit the floor, you’re already thinking about how your day is going to go. Maybe you’re tired, maybe you’re stressed, or maybe you’re already thinking about the long list of things you have to do. But what if, instead of going through the same old routine, you tried something different? What if you asked yourself, “How do I want to feel today?” This small change can make a huge difference in how you experience your day.

Let’s be real – life can throw a lot at us. Instead of letting things like bad traffic, a grumpy coworker, or even the weather decide your mood, you’re choosing how you want to experience the day. It might sound simple, but it’s a way to remind yourself that you’re in charge of your feelings, not the other way around.

Most of us spend our days reacting to whatever happens around us. If something annoying happens, we feel annoyed. If something stressful comes up, we feel stressed. But when you decide how you want to feel, you’re no longer just reacting – you’re creating your experience. For example, if you want to feel calm, you might take a few deep breaths or listen to relaxing music. If you want to feel happy, you might think about something you’re grateful for or do something you enjoy. This way, you’re actively choosing the kind of day you want to have.

1. **Set Your Intention in the Morning**: Before you even set a foot on the floor, ask yourself, “How do I want to feel today?” Don’t just think it – feel it. Visualize yourself moving through the day with this chosen emotion. Picture the energy, confidence, or joy radiating from you. It might sound cheesy, but this visualization sets the tone for the entire day.

2. **Remind Yourself During the Day**: It’s easy to forget about your intention once the day gets going, so try to set a few reminders. Set an alarm on your phone with a message like, “Remember: Today is about feeling confident!” or leave sticky notes around your workspace with words like “Joy,” “Calm,” or “Gratitude.”

3. **Choose Actions That Support Your Feeling**: Want to feel more energetic? Maybe go for a walk or listen to some upbeat music. Want to feel more relaxed? Take a few minutes to breathe deeply or do something that makes you smile. These small actions can help you stay on track with how you want to feel.

4. **Don’t Be Hard on Yourself**: You won’t always stick to your intention, and that’s okay. Life can be unpredictable. When you notice yourself drifting away from how you want to feel, gently bring yourself back. Remember, every moment is a chance to start again.  And you have the power to choose again – and again, and again.

Here’s the thing: when you intentionally choose how you want to feel, it doesn’t just change you – it changes everything around you. Have you ever noticed how one person’s mood can shift an entire room? By consciously choosing positivity, calm, or confidence, you influence the people you interact with. This ripple effect can transform your relationships, work environment, and even the energy you bring to a crowded subway or busy grocery store. Your choice to feel a certain way can inspire others to do the same, creating a collective wave of positive change.

This isn’t just self-help fluff – there’s real science behind it. Our brains have something called “neuroplasticity,” which means they’re constantly rewiring based on our thoughts and actions. By regularly asking yourself, “How do I want to feel?” you’re training your brain to default to more positive, empowering emotions. Over time, this practice can lead to reduced stress, increased happiness, and improved mental health. You’re essentially creating new pathways that make it easier for you to feel the way you want to feel.

Think of it this way, asking yourself “How do I want to feel?” gives you a choice. It reminds you that no matter what’s going on around you, you can always choose your response. It doesn’t mean you’ll never feel stressed, angry, or sad – that’s part of life. But it does mean you have a say in how much control those feelings have over you. It’s about being the hero of your own story, rather than just a supporting character.

Try this…tomorrow morning, when you wake up, ask yourself, “How do I want to feel?” It’s a simple question, but it can help you start your day with purpose and take control of your emotions. Maybe try it out for just one week and see what happens. See if you notice the difference in your mood, your energy, and even the way others respond to you. Imagine the possibilities when you choose how you want to feel instead of letting the world decide for you. Give it a shot, and you might be surprised by how much better your day goes.

Your emotions, your life, your choice. Now, how do you want to feel?