#51 - The Sandwich
May 21, 2024
I had a great experience with a sandwich and a workout today so here’s an episode about the importance of finding the little things in your day that make you happy and proud.
Enjoy every sandwich.
The Little Things: How to Find Joy in Daily Life When Everything Feels Overwhelming
From Guyset Podcast - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About
In a world of big goals and major milestones, it's easy to overlook the small moments that actually make life worth living. What if I told you that a turkey sandwich could completely turn around your day? That lifting a slightly heavier weight could boost your mood more than any major achievement?
Here's how embracing "the little things" can transform your daily experience and help you find happiness even during the toughest days.
The Power of the Perfect Sandwich (And Why It Matters)
Today, stressed from work and feeling anxious, I made myself a simple sandwich: sourdough bread, turkey, mayo, tomato, and avocado. It was exactly what I needed. That sandwich didn't just satisfy my hunger—it sparked genuine joy.
Why such a small thing mattered:
It fully satisfied a craving
I was present in the moment
I acknowledged the gratitude I felt
It reminded me that good things can be simple
This might sound trivial, but here's the thing: when life feels overwhelming, these tiny moments of satisfaction can anchor your entire day.
What Are "The Little Things"?
The little things are those small, everyday moments that spark joy, pride, or happiness:
The perfect cup of coffee that hits just right
Lifting a weight you weren't sure you could handle
A text from a friend that makes you laugh
Sunlight hitting the street in just the right way
Rediscovering a song you haven't heard in ages
Getting out of bed without immediately checking your phone
These moments pass by quickly in our daily routine, but they're actually the building blocks of happiness.
Why Guys in Their 20s Need This Practice
Your 20s are full of pressure to achieve big things: land the dream job, find "the one," make major life decisions. But focusing only on major milestones can lead to:
Constant feelings of inadequacy
Waiting for happiness instead of finding it now
Missing the joy that's already present in your life
Anxiety and stress from always looking ahead
Appreciating the little things breaks this cycle and helps you find contentment in the present moment.
The "Three Little Things" Practice
Here's the simple exercise that changed how I experience my days:
How It Works
At the end of each day, write down three little things that brought you joy.
Examples from today:
Picking up a heavier weight at the gym (feeling proud)
The perfect turkey sandwich (pure satisfaction)
Rediscovering a favorite song (instant mood boost)
Why It's Called "Little Things" Not "Gratitude"
While gratitude practice is powerful, "little things" is more specific:
You might not feel "grateful" for lifting weights
But you can acknowledge it brought you joy
It's less pressure than finding things to be grateful for
It focuses on moments, not just circumstances
How to Make This Practice Stick
1. Capture Moments in Real-Time
Don't wait until bedtime to remember:
Take photos of things that spark joy (I photographed my sandwich)
Make quick notes in your phone when something feels good
Text yourself reminders throughout the day
2. Start Small and Be Specific
Good examples:
"The barista remembered my usual order"
"Didn't check my phone for the first 30 minutes awake"
"Hit 10,000 steps without trying"
Avoid general statements:
"Work was okay"
"Good day overall"
3. Make It a Daily Habit
Start with just Monday through Thursday, plus Sunday. This gives you structure without overwhelming yourself.
4. Look Back When You're Down
On tough days, read through previous "little things." You'll be amazed how these small moments can lift your mood and remind you that life has good parts, even during difficult times.
What This Practice Actually Does
Rewires Your Brain
Shifts focus from what's wrong to what's right
Builds awareness of positive moments you usually miss
Creates anticipation for daily joy instead of just major events
Improves Mental Health
Reduces anxiety by grounding you in the present
Combats depression by highlighting daily positives
Builds resilience for handling tough days
Enhances Overall Happiness
Makes ordinary days feel good instead of just surviving until weekends
Creates a stockpile of positive memories to draw from
Helps you enjoy life instead of waiting for it to begin
The Deeper Wisdom: "Enjoy Every Sandwich"
This practice reminds me of Warren Zevon's final words on David Letterman after being diagnosed with terminal cancer: "I've learned to enjoy every sandwich."
When facing mortality, he didn't talk about achievements or accolades. He talked about appreciating simple, everyday moments—like eating a sandwich.
Common Resistance and How to Overcome It
"This seems too simple": Simple doesn't mean ineffective. The most powerful changes often come from basic practices.
"I don't have time": This takes 2-3 minutes per day. You have time to scroll social media for hours, but not 3 minutes to improve your mental state?
"Nothing good happened today": Look harder. Did you drink water when thirsty? See a funny meme? Complete a small task? These count.
"It feels forced": Like any new habit, it takes 2-3 weeks to feel natural. Push through the initial awkwardness.
Getting Started: Your Challenge
For the next week, try this:
Set a phone reminder for 9 PM each night
Open your notes app and write "Three Little Things"
List three small moments from your day that sparked any positive feeling
Be specific about what made each moment special
Don't judge whether they're "significant enough"
The Compound Effect
After doing this for weeks or months, you'll notice:
Increased awareness of good moments as they happen
Better mood throughout your days
More optimism about ordinary life
Resilience during tough times
Genuine appreciation for simple pleasures
Final Thoughts
Life isn't just about the big moments—promotions, relationships, major achievements. The space between those moments is filled with hundreds of small experiences that, when acknowledged, can transform your entire experience of being alive.
Your happiness doesn't have to wait for the next big thing. It can start today with something as simple as the perfect sandwich, a good workout, or a song that makes you smile.
Start noticing. Start appreciating. Start with the little things.
For more practical advice on improving your daily life and mental health, listen to Guyset - A Guy's Guide to What Should Be Talked About. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Send your own "little things" to josh@guyset.com
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See you next Tuesday!
