“The most important decision you make is to be in a good mood.” — Voltaire
Some words are simple, but they hit like truth thunder. Voltaire, a man known for his wit and clarity, reminds us that the mindset we choose may be the most influential decision of our day. Not what job we apply for, not what plans we make—just our mood.
And here’s the surprising part: mood isn’t something that just happens to us. It’s something we participate in.
Mood as a Daily Decision
It’s tempting to believe our mood is purely reactive—a response to what happens around us. A rude email? Instant anger. A canceled plan? Sadness. But what if, instead, we were co-creators of how we feel?
Neuroscience backs this idea. Our brains are wired with something called neuroplasticity—the ability to change based on our thoughts and habits. Every time we choose calm over chaos or gratitude over complaint, we strengthen those mental pathways. Over time, that becomes our default mode.
So yes, bad moments will still come. But whether they ruin your day or simply pass through it—that part is up to you.
The Ripple Effect of a Good Mood
When you intentionally choose a good mood, you don’t just benefit yourself. You ripple that energy outward. Think about how your presence changes a room when you’re light, kind, and grounded. That’s not small—it’s leadership in disguise.
Choosing to be in a good mood doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hard. It means choosing to meet life with a resilient heart. It means saying, “Yes, this is hard—but I can still move through it with grace.”
3 Ways to Decide Your Mood Each Morning
- Start with Gratitude.
Before grabbing your phone, take 30 seconds to list 3 things you’re grateful for. Your brain can’t focus on lack and gratitude at the same time. - Move Your Body.
Even a 5-minute stretch or walk can reset your nervous system and shift your emotional state. - Practice Stillness.
A few minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness brings awareness to the present, making space between reaction and response.
Final Thoughts: You Hold the Power
You may not control every event in your life—but you control your response to it. That response is shaped by your mood. And your mood? That’s a decision you get to make, again and again.
So today, choose to be in a good mood—not because everything is perfect, but because you’ve realized your peace is worth protecting.
