The Greatest Skill You Can Have

Summary

• The best skill I’ve learned is staying in a good mood even when there’s nothing to be happy about.
• If I notice I’m in a bad mood for no real reason, I remind myself that I can flip it—so I might as well choose to be in a good mood for no reason, too.
• Being able to control my mood regardless of what’s happening helps me make better decisions and handle stress.
• I don’t wait for something good to happen to feel good. I treat my mood like a choice, not just a reaction.
• Practicing this mindset lets me keep pushing forward, no matter what’s going on in my business or life.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing a “good mood by choice” habit every day. Instead of waiting for something positive to happen before you feel good, practice flipping your mood even when there’s no clear reason. Here’s how you do it: whenever you catch yourself in a bad mood, pause and ask, “Is there a real reason for this, or am I just choosing to be grumpy?” If there’s no real reason, simply decide to choose a better mood. It sounds simple, but having that self-awareness changes everything.

A good way of making this stick is to use quick triggers—a short walk, a couple of deep breaths, or even smiling at yourself in the mirror. These cost nothing and take almost no time, but they remind you that your mood is in your control.

Another key point: make “good mood as default” a rule in your work and daily life. This helps you handle stress better and make clearer decisions, especially when you run a small business or work alone. When problems come up, don’t let your mood depend on them. Instead, show up in a strong, positive state—no matter what.

If you’re pushing for personal growth, practice this even more. Think of your mood like a muscle. The more you work it—choosing a good attitude for no reason—the stronger and more reliable it gets. This one skill can give you more productivity, better relationships, and a mental edge, all without spending a dime.