Daily Declarations: Building a Grounded Life with Grit and Grace

What follows are declarations from a book that changed my life, attitude, and peace of mind way back in mid-1995. I’ve remembered them ever since. They’ve helped to remind me to laugh when I can, to push through when I must, and to see every setback as part of the climb.

Whilst life has thrown a few curveballs lately, I’ve recently come to realise that resilience isn’t built by sitting on the sidelines – it’s forged by walking through the fire. Through this mess (yes, one I contributed to, but never wanted to end like it did), I’ve come to know myself better. With that knowledge, I choose to keep a steady mind, and hold a more positive outlook. I’ve come to realise that I can now keep my head in the right place, using these statements:

Attitude and Mindset

1. I know that laughter ranks next to sleep and food as a restorative, so I am always on the lookout for an opportunity to laugh a little.
2. I believe that my attitude determines my altitude, so I maintain a positive outlook no matter what.
3. I realise that every challenge holds an opportunity, so I welcome obstacles as a chance to grow stronger and smarter.
4. I know that success begins with self-belief, so I cultivate confidence in my abilities and dreams.
5. I trust that persistence is more important than talent, so I keep pushing forward even when the going gets tough.
6. I see obstacles as opportunities to grow stronger, wiser, and more resourceful.
7. I trust that setbacks are temporary and that persistence always pays off.
8. I approach each day as a fresh opportunity to succeed, leaving past mistakes behind me.
9. I view setbacks as temporary and persistence as the key to success.
10. I choose to be proactive, taking initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to come to me.
11. I understand that my thoughts create my reality, so I focus on what I want to create, not what I fear.
12. I embrace change, understanding that growth often comes through discomfort and new challenges.
13. I commit to excellence in everything I do, even in the small, unnoticed tasks.
14. I remind myself daily that I am capable, deserving, and resilient.
15. I view my life as a work of art, shaping it with intention, creativity, and care.

Gratitude and Generosity

Gratitude saved me more times than I can count. It’s how I shift from what’s missing to what matters. I start and end each day giving thanks – not for perfection, but for progress.

When I give, whether it’s time, tools, or a few kind words, I feel richer for it. I’ve found that generosity is not about having a lot – it’s about giving from what you’ve got, even when that’s not much.

16. I understand that gratitude is the foundation of happiness, so I start and end each day with thanks.
17. I appreciate that small acts of giving enrich my life, so I share freely and anonymously.
18. I am generous with my praise, recognising the effort and achievements of others.
19. I believe that generosity is the key to abundance, so I give freely of my time, energy, and resources.
20. I start each day with gratitude and intention, setting the tone for success.
21. I know that giving is the key to receiving, so I freely share my knowledge, time, and energy.

Relationships and Communication

I’ve learnt that people don’t remember all that you’ve said, yet they do remember how you made them feel. So I do my best to show up with presence, listen more than I talk, and leave people better than I found them.

I’ve made my share of mistakes, but I know now it’s the little things – eye contact, honesty, giving credit – that build connection. This part of my life is about mending what matters and letting go of what doesn’t.

22. I take time to nurture my relationships with time, attention, and genuine care, knowing they are my greatest asset.
23. I make an effort to truly listen to others, understanding that listening builds trust.
24. I smile more often, knowing now that it creates happiness for me and others. <– My version of original statement.
25. I avoid gossip and negativity, choosing instead to uplift others with my words.
26. I recognise the value of forgiveness, so I let go of grudges and practice compassion.
27. I give credit and take responsibility, knowing that integrity strengthens relationships.
28. I see every person I meet as someone I can learn from or positively influence.

Health and Self-Care

There was a time I burnt the candle at both ends. Now I get it: no fuel, no fire. These reminders keep me accountable – to eat well, rest deeply, and move my body so my mind can follow.

I still find joy in simple things – beach walks, good food, laughter. And I honour my inner kid too. He needs time to dream, draw, and breathe. Without health, everything else frays.

29. I take care of my health, knowing it is the foundation of my productivity and joy.
30. I prioritise sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition as essential to my well-being.
31. I practice self-care, knowing I can only give my best to others when I am at my best.
32. I avoid overexposure to the sun, understanding that small health precautions matter.
33. I nurture my inner child, allowing myself time to play and dream.
34. I know that physical health supports mental strength, so I make regular exercise, proper nutrition, and rest a priority.

Productivity and Growth

I’ve never been a fan of hustle for hustle’s sake. What I want is meaningful progress. These thoughts keep me focused on what counts – learning something new each day, setting priorities, cutting the fluff – yet also earning enough to survive happily.

Curiosity is my compass. I stay flexible, but I don’t lose sight of the goal. One step at a time, one task done well – that’s how I build a life worth living.

35. I commit to lifelong learning, so I read, listen, and seek knowledge daily.
36. I invest my time wisely, saying no to distractions and yes to what truly matters.
37. I focus on solutions instead of problems, knowing that every challenge has a way forward.
38. I maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity, never losing my desire to learn and explore.
39. I set clear priorities and tackle the most important tasks before anything else.
40. I remain flexible in my plans, adapting to circumstances without losing sight of my goals.
41. I trust that preparation builds confidence, so I plan ahead and stay ready for opportunities.
42. I celebrate progress, no matter how small, because every step forward matters.
43. I see every day as a chance to move closer to my goals and dreams.

Integrity and Discipline

This one is personal. I’ve had to rebuild trust – with others, sure, but mostly with myself. So I own my choices, even the rough ones.

I value discipline not as punishment, but as structure – it’s how I make space for what really matters. Integrity, for me, means showing up honest and consistent, whether anyone’s watching or not. And if I stuff up? I will own it, will learn from it, yet move on and forward in the best way possible for me.

44. I take full responsibility for my life and choices, knowing I shape my future.
45. I act with integrity, aligning my actions with my values and commitments.
46. I practice self-discipline, knowing it is the foundation of all great achievements.
47. I am not afraid to say, “I don’t know,” or admit when I’m wrong.
48. I respect the value of time – mine and others – by being punctual and reliable.

Happiness and Joy

I find joy in the tiny moments – my son’s smile, a good song on the radio, the smell of rain on Kangaroo Island nature. These declarations remind me that joy is in the choices I make, have made, and choose to continue making, plus those I have given up.

Life isn’t as filled with sunshine as it once was for me, yet I still find thing, moments and people worth smiling about, particularly when I stay open to all options.

49. I understand that happiness is a choice, so I seek joy in the small moments of life.
50. I don’t postpone joy, celebrating every step forward and finding pleasure in the journey.
51. I know that creativity flourishes when I allow time for rest and play.
52. I take time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like laughter, music, and nature.
53. I smile often – it costs nothing but creates priceless value.

And that’s it.

I now utilize these statements from Tom Hopkins’ book “The Official Guide to Success” to help improve my life again – some thirty years later.