Everyone at one time or another wishes they could start over. If not completely, at least go back and change a few things. It’s easy to forget about the infamous New Year’s resolutions that find little longevity . However, what if we really could change? What would happen if you adopted principles that many have used to bring phenomenal change to their lives? The end results would lead to being more fulfilled in life, more happiness and living your life with intentional purpose. Let’s stop living in the “what-if” world and let’s make a change.
1. Change Your Attitude
It all starts with attitude. Success and failure can always be linked to attitude. The age old statement that, “Attitude determines your altitude” could never be more true. Start by believing that you have what it takes to change and no matter what you will accomplish your life long goals and dreams.
2. Take a Break
Before you can start a new thing you have to stop what you’ve been doing that hasn’t been working. Schedule a weekend or longer if at all possible to get away. Change your attitude, be refreshed physically and emotionally, and envision your dreams and ambitions.
3. Make Time to Play
You have to schedule time to relax and be recreated. What you do for fun that refreshes you, go for it! Make it a habit that you schedule on a weekly basis. You have to have this time. It’s a personal investment in yourself.
4. Start a Journal
If you don’t journal this is a perfect time to start. It’s a record for your thoughts, ideas, dreams, concerns etc. It’s your life map. Make it a habit to journal on a daily basis. It doesn’t have to been pages of your thoughts (even though it could be) just start even if it’s a quote or a sentence.
5. Get Rid of All the Clutter
During any point of change there has to be a time to get rid of the clutter. It’s a known fact that productivity increases in a clutter free environment. To start begin with the areas where you spend the most time at. Your car, your office, lounge, kitchen and then expand to other areas. Also a good place to begin is your wallet or purse even your briefcase. How about your closet, the clothes and shoes you’ll never wear again. You will be amazed how you feel in a clutter free environment.
6. Change What You Listen to
No you don’t have to stop listening to your favorite band, but what about that person that spews negativity? Some of the biggest demons of change are people that refuse to stand as pillars of support. Be determined to silence the influence of the doubters and dream thieves.
7. Change What You Read
If your not reading things that feed your dreams, ignite your passions or stretch you to new ways of thinking, your not reading the right stuff. Read biographies of people and companies that overcame obstacles. Read those that have the same interests. Read blogs from individuals that inspire you. If you see it, you can do it.
8. Change Your Diet
Alright, did you think we didn’t have to go here? The bottom line is our diet effects how we think, how we act not to mention how we feel. Increase you intake of fruits, vegetables and fresh fish. Make healthy eating a part of your lifestyle.
9. Exercise
Along with a healthy diet comes exercise. If your not currently exercising make walking a party of your daily routine. Then move up to running. How about swimming, biking, weight training. Not only is exercise good for your body, but it’s always great for you brain.
10. Be Intentional About Stress Elimination
I am a firm believer that stress management is a last resort. I’m all for stress elimination. Identifying those areas and things that bring great stress and eliminating them can start the process of elimination. While I know that some say that some stress is good for you, I’m not talking about anxiety, I want to go after those that things that paralysis and keep you from your dreams, purpose and passion.
11. Make Laughter a Part of Your Day
One ancient text says that “laughter is like medicine, it’s good the soul.” When was the last time you laughed? How about laughed uncontrollably? Wet your pant? OK, you get my point. Look at those around you that are always happy, I guarantee that laughter is a part of their day. Lighten up! Don’t always be so serious! Learn to laugh… It’s the best drug on the planet.
12. Find a Hobby
What do you enjoy doing? What takes you away from your “normal” life? If you don’t have a hobby find one. Take cooking classes, join a car club, make something. In other words, have something that you can DO that gets you away from the rat race.
13. Reconnect With an Old Friend
Recently, I had an opportunity to talk with an old friend. It was awesome! Being able to catch up, share stories, exchange photos is a magical moment. Find an old friend you haven’t talked in a while and give them a call, better yet me for lunch. Reconnect and remember.
14. Have More Sex
Yeah, that’s right, more sex. Not only is it great for your relationship, it’s good for your body, it reduces stress, and it does wonders for your mind.
15. Update Your Look
Let’s face it, you may not have fallen of the fashion train, but it does wonders to your attitude with a new look. Change your hair style, update your wardrobe. How you feel about yourself is just as important as eating a healthy diet.
16. Embrace Culture
Be open to everyone. Don’t limit yourself. Be open to new foods, those of different ethnicity then your own. There’s a whole new world right around the corner. Embrace it and learn. Some of my greatest memorable moments have been spent around the table with people from all over the world.
17. Commit to Community Involvement
Nothing anchors you in a community like community involvement. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something bigger than you. Volunteer at the local school or a religious group. Get involved in local charity organizations, make a difference for others.
18. Network, Network, Network
It’s a fact, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Better yet knowing others who know what you know. Be intentional about networking. Be committed to meeting others and adding value to them. Eventually what goes around will come back to you.
19. Make Travel a Part of Your Life
Travel is the door to a whole new world. A door to new ideas and fresh perspectives on life. Make a point to schedule time to travel. While traveling can be a little overwhelming if it’s not a part of your life routine a little practice and you’ll be a pro. Personally, travel is the key for me that unlocks the door for ultimate creativity.
20. Be Committed to Living Debt-Free
Let’s face it debt can kill. For many it’s like a time delayed drug that keeps people from their dreams and passions. Start one bill at a time and be aggressive at eliminating your debt. There are so many ways to accelerate this process all you have to do is think creative and outside the box.
21. Take a Risk and Do What Your Passionate About
Nothing can be more frustrating then working a job you can’t stand. However, nothing can be more rewarding than doing what your passionate about. If you’ve reduced debt what could be the worst thing that could happen… Fail?? Possibly, but what is best thing that could happen… You live doing what your passionate about. At the least, I’m sure if wouldn’t be no problem finding another “job” that you wouldn’t like.
22. Make Your Money Work For You
The difference between those that have and those that don’t is that those that have know how to make their money work for them. Study people that are making their money work for them and do what they do. Invest, invest and invest. Think about multiple streams of income.
23. Be More Spiritual
Whatever this means to you do it. Meditate, contemplate, pray, chant are just a few things that many do to be more spiritual. Historically spirituality has been a solid foundation for happy individuals to world explorers and history makers.
24. Give Back
Something magical takes place when you open your mind, hand and life and give back to others. It’s so easy to consume and want more, but their is a reward that can’t be described when you give back to others. I’m sure it wouldn’t take long for you to find someone or organization that you could give your time, abilities and finances to.
25. Embrace the Moment
Don’t always be in a hurry, be IN every moment. It’s so easy to think about everything than what your doing at the time. By being in the moment, it slows you down and brings great appreciation to life.
Do you think you could implement one, maybe two what about more? What can you do with these seeds that could generate great returns? Life can go by so fast! Let’s live it happy, fulfilled and with passion about our world and the world around us.
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