Small Changes, Big Impact

Many people often believe that meaningful life changes need to be grand. Although significant changes are important, small adjustments can accumulate and help facilitate larger transformations.

Your toleration list may include work-related concerns as well. A friend of mine had a squeaky office chair that creaked loudly during calls. One day, she brought a can of WD-40 to work and applied it to the chair. Although this wasn't a life-altering solution, it effectively removed a source of annoyance.

It's important to recognize that not all tolerations will manifest as minor inconveniences like a broken laundry basket or a squeaky chair. Sometimes, they can involve relationships, such as a friend who insists on splitting the bill despite ordering the more expensive items or a family member who offers constant criticism about your choices. In these cases, rather than eliminating the toleration, you may need to confront the issue. Sometimes, it may even be necessary to distance yourself from certain individuals, depending on the level of tolerance required.

The Ongoing Journey of Self-Discovery

The most challenging aspect of maintaining a 25 Tolerations List is that it’s an ongoing process. While creating your initial list may be straightforward, subsequent additions tend to become more challenging as you identify and eliminate things that detract from your happiness. This ongoing examination of your life helps you understand what genuinely brings you joy.

Removing friction in your life opens up space for positive experiences. However, I'm not suggesting that you become overly critical or intolerant; there are certain things we all need to accept. For example, I grew up in a household where turning off lights when leaving a room was the norm, while my wife sometimes leaves lights on. I’ve chosen to tolerate this behavior, as it’s not worth causing stress over something trivial.

To assist you in this process, I’ve provided a link to download your own 25 Tolerations Template. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you find yourself stuck.

Remember, no toleration is too large or too small. However, larger issues like "I need a career change" can be more complex. By writing them down, you bring these thoughts into your conscious awareness, allowing you to address them.

During the COVID pandemic, I dealt with my eyeglasses fogging up while wearing a mask. Although it was a minor annoyance, it was still friction. Now, I use an anti-fog spray on my glasses, which, while not perfect, reduces the issue. Less friction equates to greater happiness.