One of the most valuable notes that I keep on my phone is a running account of the things that help me to have a good day.

I've titled it, "My theory of a good day."

And like any good theory, I am constantly testing and updating it.

Whenever I discover something new that makes me feel better—or something that I want to try—I add it to the list. And I version and date the list each time I change it, so I can keep track of the seasons in my life.

For a while, I would eat a bagel when I first woke up. These days I prefer a bowl of oatmeal later in the morning.

In one version, I would write before starting work. In another version, I wrote in the evening.

The goal isn't to timebox every minute of my day. That would be impossible anyway. Instead, I try to capture the sequence. First this, then that, then this. It's how our days are naturally built, whether we're aware of it or not. I simply document it, then update it when it changes.

And in doing so, I learn a little bit more about what makes me happy, so that I can spend more time doing what I enjoy.