Five habits that can lead to a happier life on the road (or anywhere else). Part 2

In Part 1 I talked about going on an Information Diet and Giving Back. In Part 2, I conclude with three more practices that can lead to a happier you. On the road or anywhere else.

Feed Your Mind

Learn about something new. “But I don't have time to read." You are wrong about that. The opportunities are virtually endless. There are literally thousands of audio books available. iTunes now has complete lecture series from major colleges and universities on virtually any topic. iTunes also has thousands of podcasts created by hobbyists, writers and professionals. These are free as well.

You may not realize it, but you are always learning. Most of us don't choose what we want to learn even though the information is probably available. So, we learn about how bad the economy is or about how dangerous it is to go out in our city because of the gangs. From that we learn lack and limitation and fear. We learn about how most things we really want are beyond our grasp.

Start deciding about what to feed your mind and you will discover that you live in an abundant universe and are limited only by your own thoughts.

All it takes is an iPod (or mp3 player), an Internet connection and deciding to choose what to learn. If you don't like the ear buds that come with the iPod, get a converter that will play through the radio or tape deck. 

Get a Portable Hobby

Another area where the possibilities are endless. A hobby can cost anywhere from free on up. A driver friend restores old airplanes. Impossible if you are driving a big truck? My friend can prove otherwise. When he isn't driving, he is locating rare parts or supplies online. Or restoring small parts in the sleeper. He does the big stuff when he is home.

I see many drivers complaining that they are bored. They might be sitting at their terminal or in their tractor at a delivery, pickup or at the truck stop. They are sitting and doing nothing. Folks do that in jail too. Gets boring fast.

Get on the Internet. Write a blog. If you are reading this, you already have everything you need. There are many blog sites like this one that will host your blog for free. 

Got a problem with a spare tire? I’ve seen drivers working out with dumbbells at truck stops. Or going for walks. Fold-up bicycles are available. Combine walking or cycling with photography. Put you photos on your blog. I do. If you get really good at your hobby, you could turn it into a business. 

Focus on What You Want

Ask 100 people, “What do you really want," and probably less than ten will be able to tell you. How would you answer that question?

If your answer was, "I don't know," or similar, this is for you. 

Next fuel stop or re-supply at Walmart, get a notebook. Yes, you can use Word, Notepad or TextEdit on your computer. But, writing it down on a piece of real paper is different. You can pick it up; hold it in your hand. It is “real" and not just an idea.

Then spend thirty minutes just brainstorming. Make a list of everything you can think of. If it pops in your mind, write it down. Nothing is too wild, outrageous or impossible to be on this first list.  Think back to when you were a kid. What did you daydream about? Put it on the list. Think of yourself as being in an imaginary store that has everything. You just got permission to pick anything you want and can have/do/be it if you can write it down.

After thirty minutes stop writing. Its time to do some editing.

Take a look down your list. All of the things on the list came out of your head. Pick five or ten things that are your favorites. After you pick these five to ten items, write them down on a blank page. Don't use word like can’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t, impossible, etc. while you are making your short list.

Slowly read your picks. Ask the question, “How could I ..." followed by each item. Is there one or two that sound or feel better than the rest? Close you eyes and create a mental movie of what it would be like doing, having or being each of your top two or three picks. Try and make each one like a Technicolor movie with sounds and even smells. Is there one that seems brighter, more vivid, more “you" than the others? There will be one that in some way stands out from the rest. Circle that one and write it down near the top of a new page.

Next, write out this sentence. “How could I (get/do/be) ___________. 

If some ideas come to mind, write them down underneath the question. Do this the same way as the first list. Don't rule anything out. Just write it down. 

Then, keep asking yourself that question. Get a dry erase marker and write it on your windshield. Write it on a piece of paper and tape it to the ceiling of your sleeper. Write it on a card and tape it to your alarm clock so you see it when you go to bed and get up.

If you can find a picture of someone doing/having/being what you want, make it your wallpaper on your computer. Print it out and tape it to the dash, on the paper over your bunk and the card on your alarm clock.

Keep asking the question and writing down the answers. Sooner or later you will discover something you can act on. Go ahead. Take the first step. Take that action. Keep repeating and don't stop until I tell you to.