I love this quote.
It’s also not something Lincoln said, though it is constantly attributed to him. It was likely first expressed in a newspaper article about New Year’s resolutions in 1914, which credited Lincoln for reasons we will never know.
Regardless of who said it, it’s an excellent idea, smartly stated and deeply nuanced.
First, “Not Lincoln” says, “Most folks…”
This represents an acknowledgment that life sometimes punches you too damn hard to allow you to be happy, at least at the moment and perhaps for a while.
But most of the time, for most people, happiness is within our reach.
“Not Lincoln” also says that people are as happy “as they make up their minds to be.”
In other words, happiness is not easy or automatic. It’s not simple or uncomplicated.
Making up your mind to do something means taking action to make it happen.
You must make up your mind to be happy.
You must seek perspective. Strive for positivity. Engage in strategies like positive self-talk and meditation.
Exercise.
Set goals.
Prioritize sleep.
Embrace optimism.
Engage in altruism.
Eat a healthier diet.
Avoid gossip and gossipers.
Practice forgiveness when deserved.
Find and pursue hobbies and passions.
Limit your interactions with social media.
Spend quality time with friends and family members who don’t suck.
“Not Lincoln” doesn’t claim that happiness is simply a matter of choosing to be happy, though sometimes that may be true.
I suspect that, in many cases, happiness is simply a choice to see things through a more expansive, more transparent lens.
But other times, you must do the things to secure and guarantee your happiness.
Make up your mind to be happy, and most of the time, you will be happy.
I think Abraham Lincoln would agree.
