I have been studying motivation and happiness for thirty years now—attending seminars, reading countless books, going to counselling, listening to podcasts, and watching videos and Ted Talks. I understand that continual learning is essential if I want to be happy. Another thing I have found to be true, is that the happiest people I meet usually have had a 10% experience in their life that made them evaluate their thoughts, beliefs, and choices. The “Miracle Question” was something that has helped many in their journey.

I was introduced to a 1980s idea called “The Miracle Question.” I am paraphrasing but the concept is: “If a miracle graced your life tonight and this miracle was able to solve your biggest 10% problem right now, how would you feel when you woke up?” Take a moment to consider the possibilities.

What if…

The addiction was gone?

The job was better?

The weight was off?

The ex was kinder?

The anxiety was gone?

How would you feel?

Next, imagine that you just woke up and the miracle has occurred. Put your 90% magnifying glass out in front of you and ask, “What would be the first indication that a miracle has occurred? Would it be in how you treat yourself; how you treat the people in your home, your friends, your coworkers, or strangers? What would your morning look like? What would your afternoon look like? How would you feel at the end of the day?”

The key is that when you imagine how much better you would feel, you will set out on a path to seeing the 90%s.

I have used this exercise to help me detach from owning everyone else’s problems because—even if the miracle didn’t occur—it taught me how to treat myself and others as if it did. What if the people I love didn’t get better, could I be happy anyway if I acted as if they were? The Miracle Question helps me to see my life through a 90% lens.

What would your miracle be?

Live miraculously,