Self Improvement 101

10 Ways to Start Living Better Today!

I have been substituting my office chair for an exercise ball to sit on lately – in an effort to improve my posture.  Changing your posture can change how you feel and ultimately how you think.  It’s true that good posture can lead to more engaged attitude and even improved self esteem.

It got me to thinking, what other small steps can I (and you) take – today to improve our lives?

Below is a list of 10 simple yet powerful ways that I’m improving my life, and so can you!

1) Give up being perfect, for being authentic.  There is no perfect so why consider the notion of perfection.  It does not exist.  Being yourself gives you freedom to expand your life in more ways than you can imagine.  If you’re living an authentic life you’ll see your life grow in ways you can not yet imagine.  You can non be the best (fill in a name here) but you can be the BEST YOU!! Don’t emulate, re-create (yourself) and take steps to live a life you dream of!  What others think of you is none of your business.  Be yourself and be free!!

“Your level of success will seldom exceed to your level of personal development” — Jim Rohn

2) Drink more water.  For many years I started my day with a hazelnut latte and a scone. It totaled over 400 calories (nearly a quarter of my days allotment) and really did not give me the results I was looking for.  I’m still drinking caffeine in the morning, though I typically opt for tea with a bit of honey.  Coffee and scone is such a calorie rich way to start your day.  Try a cup of tea or even better a glass of water.  If you’re drinking soda throughout your day, switch to water.  Too bland?  Spice it up with lemon juice.  I really enjoy drinking water since adding lemon juice!  Save the calories for real sustenance.

3) Walk More.  When I used to work in an office there was a wonderful woman that used to go out on morning and afternoon breaks wearing something that looked like a pager on her waist.  I asked her about it one day and she told me it was a pedometer and that her goal was to take 10,000 steps a day – equivalent to approximately 5 miles, depending on your stride.  (it’s important to wear comfortable sneakers and always consult a physician before beginning any exercise routine). She was a thin woman and the advice is excellent.  You can begin to get 10,000 steps in everyday activities – like parking further away from the store and leaving the car at home for short errands.  Pedometers can be found for as little as $25 – $40.

4) Get a good nights sleep.  Sleep is the foundation for a healthy and prosperous life. Without a proper nights sleep you’re likely to consume more fatty foods throughout your day as you look for energy.  Get a good nights sleep and keep your mental edge.

5) Stay Connected.   People that have a support system lead fuller, healthier lives.  It’s important we have friends (community) that we can talk to and discuss life issues/challenges.   A sense of belonging (connection) is vital to every human being.

6) Laugh More.  Laughter really is good medicine.  Next time you’re feeling down try putting a smile on your face and hold it there until your mood lifts.  Moods may come, but it’s your job to dismiss them and not get caught in a negative loop that can be all consuming and self-perpetuation.  Turn that frown upside down and flip the (happiness) switch – It really is a choice!

7) Be grateful.  This really ties into happiness as without gratitude it’s very difficult to experience happiness.  Think about (and feel the feelings of) the wonderful gifts in your life, and all you have to be thankful for!  Think about your friends and family, all those that love you and cherish your presence and feel the gratitude in your heart.

Forgive.  You can not move into happiness if you’re holding grudges.  We recently wrote about Nine Steps to Forgiveness, by Dr. Luskin of Stanford University.  It’s vital information to living freely.   Forgive and move on and open yourself up to all the wonderful opportunities life has in store for you.

9) Say I Love You – to yourself!  Try this exercise for 30 days and watch your life change.  Every night before bed, look deeply into your eyes (in the mirror) and say “I Love You” and mean it, and feel it!  This can create a life changing shift that will produce amazing results in your life and your interactions with the world.  It starts with 30 I Love Yous!  Do it!

10) Carpe Diem.  Seize the day.  If you had only a month left to live, what would you do?  Who would you be sure to say ‘I Love You’ to?  The fact is we don’t know when our time on this earth is up, so take some time and say the ‘I Love You’s because … you never know.  Take action today and create better tomorrows!!

Find the time to make personal development  part of your daily life and watch your achievements grow.   Thanks for taking time to read, please leave your comments below.