Do a surprise favor for someone today.
One of the best ways to improve your life is to help improve the day for someone else.
After all, you can’t feel bad when you’re doing good.
Spend an Entire Day in Gratitude
Although this is very simple, it’s not as easy as it seems.
Go 24 hours without complaining about anything; not only to others, but to yourself.
Do not complain about politics, the weather, bad drivers, inconsiderate people, high prices, or traffic. Do not disparage customers, clerks, or those with opposing views. Do not think negative thoughts about co-workers, friends, or family.
Most importantly, do not berate yourself for where you are in life or where have you yet to go. Do not put yourself down for your mistakes, your accomplishment, or your appearance.
If you really want to “push” yourself, each time you feel the urge to be negative, find a way to be grateful instead.
Try it for one day.
What’s odd is how the rest of the world seems to change when you do.
Find Fun Ways To Move More
If you’re able to walk, find excuses to do so.
Don’t worry about how far nor how long; just find a way to move your body a little further.
If you can’t walk, stand up for a few minutes each hour. If you can’t stand, move your arms and hold in your stomach.
Not only does getting out of your chair help you stay (or get) fit, but it burns a few calories, it reduces bone loss, and it holds back a myriad of diseases.
And remember it’s virtually impossible to feel sad or angry when walking briskly.
(Try it the next time you’re upset. You’ll see that’s correct.)
Remember What Matters
Make sure your priorities stay top-of-mind.
Not everything is equally important.
One of the main reasons we don’t move forward is we forget that we cannot do everything all the time. We stress ourselves out thinking of how much we have to do. We then get overloaded and shut down.
Take time to remember what really matters by using the “Five Year Rule.”
As yourself if anyone will really know or care about this event five years from now.
- If the answer is “No,” let it go. Get to it when you can – if you want to.
- If the answer is “Yes,” it’s important. Take care of it as soon as you can. Then take a moment for yourself.
Do not mistake activity for accomplishment.
Look Backwards for Motivation
If you wish to be inspired, it makes more sense to look backwards, rather than forwards.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, the road ahead looks daunting and intimidating; it seems to go on forever.
However, if you change your view and look at how far you’ve come, you’ll notice the changes you’ve already made, inspiring you to stay the course.
Give yourself credit for the road already traveled, take a deep breath, congratulate yourself for your accomplishments, and then – and only then – face forward and take one more step boldly towards your goal.