We all have days that are spot on perfect. Maybe, though, your perfect days are far, and few in-between. A note of encouragement, at the right time, could be just what you need to get your second wind. Consider posting a few notes of encouragement in strategic places, at peak times, just for you.

Start by making note of how your day normally goes. Ask yourself questions that provide an accurate road map to your daily emotional states. Based upon your responses, create notes that will zap you with a jolt of happy, perspective, or balance at just the right time.

If you are the type of person that begins to feel defeated after a few hours, formulate notes that encourage. If you are a Debbie-downer, always sprinkling too much reality into your happier moments, concoct sweet nothings that help make you feel syrupy and sweet. If you are worrywart, author a few perfect-reminders that assure you that everything is okay and in divine order.

Notes of encouragement should be strategically placed in spots where you will actually get the messages on time. For instance, place a note at the front door that makes you excited to face the day. A note on the dashboard of your car is something you cannot miss if you drive daily. Make sure that the message is appropriate for getting you through your commute. If you work on your computer at home, a note on your screen could offer a daily goal or reminder that what you do is of value. A note in your mailbox could greet your return home with a message of welcome and a reminder to unwind with meditation or easy exercise. A note on the fridge could remind you of the benefits of a healthier meal.

Be creative. Your messages should not be limited to small yellow post-its. Choose artful stationery for your messages and put them in picture frames on your desk, wall, or car dashboard. Write thank you notes that you mail to yourself every Thursday or Friday. Getting a thank you from you on Friday for the hard work you do to make your fun possible is awesome. An emailed thank you on Monday, for relaxing before the workweek, or saving for the next vacation, inspires you to keep at it. Change your screen saver or computer background picture to a note of encouragement. In fact, you can use a picture slide show of multiple notes to keep things fresh. Create alerts on your smartphone. Make sure they buzz before and during normal emotional peaks within your day to help you regroup and move forward.

Like this idea, but uncertain of where to start? Here are a few suggestions: Think of how you begin your morning. If you start with a close-eyed walk to the coffee maker, you might need a note of encouragement on the kitchen cabinet or the bathroom mirror that reminds you to smile. Do you start your day with a workout? If you prefer a morning workout, but are inconsistent, you might appreciate a message, on your alarm clock that reminds you of why that workout is so important. If you loose steam at 3pm everyday, set up a smartphone alert at 2:45p, that offers suggestions of quick boosts (i.e., take a walk, meditate, get a head/neck/shoulder massage, eat fruit, just a few hours to go).

Messages should encourage, inspire, and remind you to be balanced, focused, appreciative, and respectful of the person you are. Try messages like these:

“It’s a new day, there’s nothing to fear.”

“Every driver thinks they need to get there. Be conscious, courteous and safe.”

“Each person you encounter is a blessing.”

“Appreciate this moment.”

“Take a moment to re-energize.”

“Every challenge is a lesson.”

“Show yourself a little compassion and a lot of unconditional love.”

“Say ‘Thank you’ to someone that just helped you (even if it was you).”

“You can do it.”

“I love you.”

“Perk up Sparky!”

A little encouragement goes a long way. So, encourage yourself daily, and often.