Perform a self-assessment in order to pinpoint your personal values. Ask yourself: What kind of things get you fired up talking about? What would you be willing to sacrifice your life for? If your home was on fire, assuming all living beings had been rescued, what three items would you want to take with you? What aspects of your community or the world would you like to change?
Go someplace quiet where you can sit without distractions. Close your eyes. Picture in your mind’s eye yourself at a specific point in the future (e. g. 1 year or 5 years). Imagine that you are at the peak of success during this time. You have realized all your goals. What are you doing in this vision? What is your career? What kind of lifestyle do you have? Who are you surrounded by? What do you do for fun? Absorb this image fully. Then, grab some paper and write out some details about it. What skills or strengths do you need to make this vision a reality? How can you gain these skills?
For example, perhaps in the visualization exercise you saw yourself running your own business. Your ultimate goal may be to “Be an entrepreneur,” but that’s a lofty goal to take on all at once. Break your goals down. You might need to “Develop a business idea/plan,” “Secure investors,” or “Rent a location” to house your business. These steps may serve as starting places to move you closer to the larger goal.
Retreats can serve a general or specific purpose. For example, a retreat may be hosted especially for writers, married couples, fitness enthusiasts or those looking to improve their diets.
Sign up for an evening class to learn a new language, ballroom dancing, master French cuisine, or train in martial arts. Maybe you once enjoyed running or sewing, but stopped. Reflect on passions you used to enjoy and pick them back up. Whatever you do, find some way to challenge yourself and jazz up your routine.
Include some time each day for play. This may translate to throwing a ball to your dog, tickling your kids, playing a video or board game, or watching a comedy film. Take note of how you feel when you make more time for fun in your life. [3] X Research source
Cut out salty, sugary, and caffeinated foods for a plant-based diet. Make fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains the foundation of your diet. Also, drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day to properly hydrate your body.
Let the light in by opening blinds or hanging up sheer curtains. Organize clutter by researching creative storage solutions. Donate old clothes, books, records. Paint the walls if you can, and hang up artwork that inspires you.
Visit a library or bookstore and select a book in your favorite genre. Or, if you prefer, download a book on your tablet or ereader. Make a vow to read for at least 30 minutes each night before bed.
Take a few minutes each day—whether in the morning or at night—to compliment yourself. You might say things like “You are such a caring person” or “I love my smile. ” For extra points, do it in front of a mirror.
Volunteerism can equate to many different actions. It could mean starting a regular commitment with a non-profit organization, or it could simply be doing kind things for others when you have spare time. Read for children at the library. Offer to walk your neighbor’s dog. Help your disabled family member keep their home tidy. Think of ways you can help those around you.
Start by setting aside just 5 minutes each day to sit in silence. Close your eyes or focus on a neutral spot a few feet in front of you. Breathe in deeply through your nose. Hold the breath for a few seconds. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on your breath or the spot in front of you. If you notice your attention wandering, bring your focus back and continue breathing.
Pick out a habit that has been holding you back from reaching your goals or being the best version of yourself. Poor habits may include swearing, lying, cheating, smoking, watching too much TV, drinking too much alcohol, being late, or procrastinating. The best way to break a bad habit is to find a positive one to replace it. For instance, if you want to stop watching so much TV, you might find another activity you could do during this time like reading, coloring, or working on a puzzle. Create a reward system so that you reinforce you choosing the other activity over TV. [5] X Research source For more serious habits like drugs, alcohol, or binge-eating, you may need to seek professional assistance. [6] X Research source
Career counseling may help you narrow down a career path of interest. [7] X Research source You might also learn information about your career aspirations by reexamining your values and the best possible future self exercise.
On the other hand, an appearance change could also involve getting a haircut, losing weight, getting your teeth whitened, or wearing makeup. [9] X Research source
Think carefully about how each person in your life makes you feel. Cut out negative influences and expand your circle to include positive people. If you aren’t able to completely terminate certain relationships, get as much distance as you can. Meet new people by joining clubs or organizations, taking a class, or connecting with people at work.
