I keep overthinking this prompt and go blank—how can I get an honest first answer without second‑guessing it?

Try a 90‑second free write. Start the sentence and finish it fast: “I know I’ll feel most happy if I…” then write the first verb that appears (call, walk, create, rest, say, learn). Don’t stop to judge. After, circle the verb and ask “Why this now?” once or twice. If you still feel stuck, write three endings: one tiny (today), one medium (this month), one bold (this year). Pick the one that feels most alive in your body (ease, curiosity, relief) rather than most impressive. In Stoic, open today’s prompt and jot a few honest lines—brief is better than perfect. You can always revisit it later to add the why.

How do I tell if happiness is the goal or a byproduct of my answer?

Run these quick checks: 1) Swap the outcome for the process: “I’ll feel happy if I get promoted” becomes “I’ll feel happy if I practice leadership daily.” If the process still feels right, happiness is likely a byproduct. 2) The “no-feel” test: If I couldn’t feel happy today, would I still do this because it fits my values (growth, kindness, courage)? If yes, it’s value‑driven. 3) Rephrase into a virtue: turn “have” into “do” (have success → do consistent, thoughtful work). In your Stoic entry, add one line: “The aim is _____; the feeling is a bonus.” That keeps attention on what you control (actions, character) and lets happiness emerge naturally.

My sentence ends with something small, like “take a quiet walk.” It feels trivial. How does that fit ‘positive meaninglessness’?

Positive meaninglessness invites you to release pressure to make every act profound and instead choose simple, controllable moves that reliably lift your day. A quiet walk might not change the universe, but it can change your nervous system, attention, and mood—enough to ripple into work, relationships, and focus. Keep it light: write your sentence, add one why (“because my mind slows down”), and one micro‑plan (“10 minutes after lunch, no phone”). After you do it, log a two‑line reflection in Stoic: what shifted, even slightly? Let small, repeatable actions carry the meaning, rather than forcing big outcomes.

Journaling Idea - On Positive Meaninglessness.

Finish this sentence: “I know I’ll feel most happy if I…”

Capture the very first thing that comes to mind. Why does it make you happy? Was happiness the goal all along, or was it a byproduct?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Jul 6, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

Finish this sentence: “I know I’ll feel most happy if I…”

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