“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
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— L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
This simple yet profound piece of wisdom comes from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved character, Anne Shirley. It captures a powerful truth about human experience. Our circumstances do not solely dictate our happiness. Instead, our mindset plays a crucial role. The quote suggests that joy is often a choice—an intentional act of will. By deciding to find enjoyment, we can transform our perception of almost any situation.
This idea is more than just wishful thinking. It is a practical strategy for living a more fulfilling life. Furthermore, it empowers us by placing the key to our own contentment directly into our hands. It challenges us to take an active role in our emotional well-being rather than being passive recipients of life’s events.
The Psychology of a Determined Mind
L.M. Montgomery’s insight aligns remarkably well with modern psychological principles. The core of the quote revolves around a concept known as cognitive reframing. This is the practice of changing your perspective on a situation to change how you feel about it. Essentially, you are not changing the event, but you are changing the meaning you assign to it.
For example, you might view a tedious work assignment as a burden. Alternatively, you could decide to see it as an opportunity to sharpen your skills or demonstrate your diligence. This intentional shift doesn’t make the task disappear. However, it can dramatically alter your emotional experience while completing it. Research in positive psychology consistently supports this connection. Experts have found that intentional mindset shifts can lead to significant increases in well-being and life satisfaction . Source
Putting Intentional Joy into Practice
Adopting this mindset requires conscious effort. It is a skill you can develop over time. You can start by applying this principle to small, everyday activities. For instance, consider your morning commute. Many people see it as a stressful and wasted part of the day. What if you firmly decided to enjoy it?
You could listen to an engaging podcast or an audiobook you love. You might practice mindfulness, noticing the world outside your window. Or, you could simply enjoy a few moments of quiet solitude before the busy day begins. The commute itself does not change. But your decision to find enjoyment in it transforms the entire experience. This same logic applies to household chores, difficult conversations, or even waiting in a long line. Each moment presents a new opportunity to choose your outlook.
Navigating the Limits of a Positive Outlook
It is important to acknowledge the phrase “nearly always.” Montgomery wisely includes this qualifier. This philosophy is not about toxic positivity or ignoring genuine pain and hardship. Some situations, like grief or trauma, are not meant to be simply “enjoyed.” In these moments, acknowledging and processing difficult emotions is essential for healthy healing. The quote is not a command to suppress sadness or anger.
Instead, it is a tool for the vast majority of our daily experiences that fall into a neutral or mildly negative category. It is about elevating the mundane, not dismissing the tragic. The power of this idea lies in its application to the everyday challenges and annoyances that can drain our energy and happiness. By choosing to find joy where we can, we build emotional resilience. This resilience, in turn, helps us better cope when we face truly difficult circumstances that are beyond our control.
Ultimately, this quote serves as a powerful reminder. While we cannot always control what happens to us, we can almost always control our response. By making a firm decision to seek out joy, we unlock a more vibrant and satisfying way of living. It is a simple choice that can have a profound impact on our daily lives.