Practice These Small Steps to Create Positive Change

“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine." - John C. Maxwell
 
For many of us, change can be hard. 

​Even when you know that the change you want to make is going to lead to bigger and better things, it can still be difficult to push through your fears and limiting beliefs. Especially with all the BS your inner critic seems to be whispering in your ear!

---

Unfortunately, if we have changes we want to make in our life, it will require us to step outside of our comfort zone. And we all REALLY like being in our comfort zone, right? We would much rather stay cozy in what we know (even when it's making us miserable), then to take the tiniest step out into the unknown and unfamiliar.
 
The truth is, staying comfortable is what stops you from creating the life you really want to live. But working through those fears and limiting beliefs that are keeping you in your comfort zones can be easier than you think...it all starts with a few simple baby steps.
 
Here are five things you can practice every day that will help you move forward and make positive changes in your life:
 
1.    Make Your Wellbeing Your Number One Priority
How you treat your body, mind, and spirit will determine what you do or don't do in life. Eating the right kinds of food, staying hydrated, and getting physical activity every day (even a 10-minute walk will make a difference). Practice journaling, gratitude, and acknowledging your daily accomplishments. Remember, taking care of yourself first will give you the energy needed to better take care of the people and things in your life. Need more tips for getting your wellbeing on?
 
2.    Take Time to Create and Connect with Your Vision
There is a saying that, "if you don't know where you're going, you'll likely end up somewhere else." A powerful vision is made up of your BIG goals and the WHY behind each one of them that makes it so juicy it pulls at your heartstrings and motivates your actions. Every area of our life is integrated, so it's important to take the time to create goals not only for our careers and businesses but also for our personal life.  Your vision will serve as a roadmap for creating the life you REALLY want to live. Not sure where to start? Spend time journaling about what you want your life to look like in 5 or 10 years, starting with the areas you have the most clarity on. Explore your passions, hobbies, and core values...you can even use the people you admire for inspiration. Check out my blog on Finding Your Balance for more inspiration.
 
3.    Be Intentional and Present with Your Day
Life gets busy, and it can be easy to get caught up in our to-do list and lose sight of our BIG goals. Research shows that being able to focus on the here and now, truly living in the present and not stuck in the past or worrying about the future plays a big role in our overall happiness. 
 
A few things that will help you: Plan your day the night before. Create a morning routine that supports your vision...even something as simple as making your bed in the morning will set the tone for your day. Gratitude and journaling are also great ways to stay present. It's amazing what happens when we acknowledge all the good things in our life and when we can get out thoughts out of our heads and onto paper (or talk about them with a trusted person in your life). 
 
4.   Have FUN!
Play is an essential part of a child's development and happiness, but it is also incredibly important for adults. Make time during each day to do things that make your heart smile. Laughter, music, sunshine, singing...what lights you up? Whatever it is, be intentional about getting more of it in your life and find ways to incorporating into everything you do. Create a fun playlist to listen to while on your way to work, sign up for an art class on the weekend, take singing lessons (I started doing this a couple of months ago), or make a point to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. We are meant to enjoy life...so practice integrating fun in everything you do!
 
5. Don't Do It Alone
It's easier to achieve your BIG goals when you have someone that will encourage you, support you, and hold you accountable. Practice vulnerability by confiding in people you trust and asking for the help and support you need. Tell people about the life you want to create…the more you talk about it, the more clear you’ll get on what you really want, need, and desire. Find an accountability partner or hire a coach (I know a great one!) that can keep you on track and keep you moving forward toward your BIG goals!
 
Change can be hard, but it's not impossible. Making these small changes a part of your daily routine will keep you connected to your vision, allow you to take actions outside of your comfort zone, and will help you achieve your BIG goals…bringing you closer to and creating the life you really want to live.