The Donut Philosophy 🍩

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Focus on the donut, not the hole.

Gratitude grows when you notice what’s there - not what’s missing.

Joy isn’t found in having it all - it’s found in recognising what you already have.

Embrace The Donut Philosophy.

Here’s today’s visualised version of wisdom:

Let’s take this metaphor a step further:

Don’t let your donut go stale whilst counting someone else’s sprinkles.

Don’t engage in unhealthy comparison, but enjoy what you have.

This is a quote for all seasons of life:

I first hear Sahil Bloom share this quote with Ali Abdaal on his podcast and it shook me to the core.

When you focus on the good already in front of you, you stop chasing happiness and start living it.

The Donut Philosophy is a sweet reminder that your experience of life is shaped in part by what you focus on.

You can stare at the missing piece, or savour the goodness already in front of you.

In a world constantly pushing you to want more, be more, and fix what’s wrong, this philosophy brings you back to what’s right.

It’s not about denial, instead it’s about choosing joy, even when things aren’t perfect.

Think that you could benefit from The Donut Philosophy?

Here are 3 ways to practice it today:

1. Express gratitude daily. 

   This could be a few quick scribbles in the journal, starting a photo album on your smartphone or even something you share publicly on social media.
   Small acts of thankfulness add up overtime, helping you to recognise all that you have to be grateful for.

2. Catch your “hole thinking.”

   Notice when you’re obsessing over what’s missing, pause, then gently shift your focus to what’s already there.

3. Celebrate small wins. 

   Blessings shouldn’t be counted just when they reach round numbers.

   Don’t wait for everything to be perfect - cheer for the sprinkles, not just the whole donut.

Before we dive into this week’s journal prompts, consider expressing gratitude today.

Join me in sharing something that you’re grateful for on social media today (and please tag me when you do!).

Now let’s dive deeper into today’s wisdom with these 3 journal prompts:

• Where in my life have I been fixating on the hole instead of the donut?

• What “sprinkles” am I overlooking in my day-to-day life?

• What gratitude practice could I implement this week?

Want to learn more about journaling? Join Journal Wiser today!

Today’s resource is The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

This book expands on the idea behind the Donut Philosophy: when we measure progress by how far we’ve come (the gain), rather than what’s still missing (the gap), we become happier, more grateful, and more resilient.

Consider supporting your friendly local bookstore or learn where you can purchase a copy here:

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Catch you in the next issue!

Thanks,
Michael