5 Ways To Improve Your Life

5 Ways To Improve Your Life

As I pondered whether to write about ways to improve your life, I was hesitant, because of course, the subject is huge! So big in fact, that if you google it, you’ll returns billions of results!!

That’s a lot of people out there trying to find ways to improve their lives.

The chances are, that like me, you are one of them. And why wouldn’t you be? Who doesn’t want more fun and fulfilment in their lives?

But that still left me with the question of what exactly to write about, so in the end I plumped for 5 things that, if I were asked, would be things I’d like to improve in my life. Frankly, it was an easy place to start.

I haven’t written these things in any particular order, because there is no particular order as to how they apply to you or me. I’m also mindful of the fact that as you improve one area of your life, it will spill over into other areas and you will be drawn to make further improvements in other aspects of your life.

So, as you read through the list, just pick out the one that appeals to you the most and get to work. Don’t overthink it, don’t analyse or reflect for too long. Just pick an action and get moving…that’s how things change.

Improve your work-life balance

Lots of people struggle with this on an almost permanent basis. However, I think it’s important to keep it in context.

Depending on the stage of your life, you might be working really hard to build a career and so your work-life balance will look different to someone who is happy in their role and doesn’t want to climb the career ladder further.

Sometimes, just accepting this is all you need to realise that even though you might spend a lot of your time in working mode, this is your balance.

I think the more important view to take is that when you need to rest, you rest, without guilt, worry or self-reproach.

On the flip side, if you’re wanting to reduce the amount of time you spend in work, but feel unable to do so, what are the reasons for that? Most people will say their finances won’t allow them to do that. If that’s the case, then you need to start by looking at your finances and coming up with a plan that will allow you to reach your desired outcome at some point in the future.

But don’t delay in doing this. Time passes quickly, even though in the moment it feels like it’s too long to wait. What if you were to reach that point in the future, but you’ve done nothing to plan for the change? Make your plans now and then work towards them.

Improve Your Finances

Do you want more financial freedom in your life? Do you want (more) money left at the end of the month? Do you want to be done with the feelings of anxiety and stress wondering how you’ll pay all your bills?

Then take control of your finances.

There are some basics that need to be in place for you to be able to do that. You need…

• To know your income
• To know your expenses
• To set up a budget
• To live within your means (which should be reflected in your budget).

I know that might seem simplistic, but that’s how you take control of your finances.

If you’re currently in a situation where the financial ends don’t meet, then you’ll need to reduce your expenses or increase your income. For most people, the quickest route to achieve this is to cut their expenses.

I can already feel the resistance to those of your reading this who believe it’s not doable. That’s your brain shuddering at the thought of facing your fears and making the changes needed.

Be brave and do it anyway.

Improve your love-life

What’s missing from your love life? A partner? Or maybe you have a partner, but the relationship has become a bit same-y or stale and you want to change things up a little. Or maybe it’s time to move on?

Only you know what you need, and if it’s time to put yourself out there by addressing those needs, then it’s time to step up.

Start by actually defining what it is you think is missing from you love-life. Write it down, journal or even draw or doodle it. Allow your mind to wander a little. It’s important to get your needs out of your head so that you can see them clearly.

Now what can you do?

Like everything else in life, you can’t leave the results of your love-life up to others. You must seek to make the changes you need. That could mean difficult conversations, going out and meeting people, offering up your feelings at the risk of being rebuffed or just being a more loving partner yourself.

The old phrase of what we put out comes back to us is true when it comes to loving relationships. You can’t expect to be loved if you don’t offer love yourself.

Improving your diet

Oh this subject is so vast and emotive! Whatever you choose as ‘good’ food, someone else will tell you that it’s not because of some science-based study that says it’s now bad for you!

It’s frustrating and confusing to say the least.

In spite of that, there are some basics that we are all well-aware of, and, they are easy to implement too (so no excuses!)…

• Drink more water
• Eat more fresh fruit and veggies
• Cut down on sugar and fat

That’s it! I’m not a nutritionist and I know some people will already disagree with some or all of what I’ve said above, but my main piece of advice on this subject would be to make the best choices you can, see how they work for you and then stick with it for the long term.

I’d also add that what works for you in your 20s and 30s, will probably not work once you get to your 40s and 50s. As you get older, you’ll probably need to kick your ‘good’ eating habits up another notch or two even to just stay the same!

Improve your self-esteem

Here’s another broad subject, and something that a lot of people struggle with. Your self-esteem and self-worth can be affected negatively for so many reasons and frankly I’m neither qualified nor have enough space in this blog to do the subject justice.

However, I’m going to refer to the phrase that I often see used which is “love yourself”. That had no meaning for me until I extended it a little to “love yourself enough to…” and started working towards what that meant for me. Here are a few personal examples:

Love yourself enough to…

• Follow through on your promises to yourself and others, especially when it’s hard to do so
• Buy the clothes you want rather than the clothes that are cheapest
• Look after yourself by attending your medical appointments, eating well and getting enough sleep
• Set yourself some goals. Goals that are important to you, not just those that appease others.
• Learn to let go of what other people might think of you…because it doesn’t matter
• Read lots to learn about yourself and other subjects that interest you

Doing each of these has given my self-esteem a boost. I’ve grown as a person and my life has changed and developed in good ways.

Over to you…

If you’re feeling brave and you’ve decided that enough is enough and you’re going to put one or more of these actions into place, here’s a little word of warning and encouragement.

Change is hard, and because it’s hard, your head is going to do everything to stop you in your tracks! That’s just how our brains are wired. The moment you step out of your comfort zone, it’ll get all fired up and worried and will want to pull you back.

What does it feel like? Here’s a little list…

• You’ll feel anxious
• You’ll have a sudden need to check Facebook, Twitter or Insta
• You’ll feel stupid for not knowing or doing something sooner
• You’ll feel overwhelmed
• You’ll think that’s it’s not worth it, it’s too late
• You’ll think that it’s such a small change it’s not worth doing anyway
• You’ll get a headache, a cold, backache, toothache, stub your toe, upset stomach (your brain will pick your weakest link)
• Someone else will tell you it’s not worth it…and you’ll agree with them
• You’ll feel frustrated
• The car will break down and you’ll think it’s a sign to stop
• You’ll feel resentful
• You’ll feel tired
• You’ll burn the toast and not feel like doing anything else today
• You’ll be in a bad mood, but not know why
• You’ll miss the train and feel like you haven’t got time to do that thing today
• Everyone will get on your nerves; noises will be too loud and suddenly you’ll need to eat something you shouldn’t…

Are you beginning to get the picture?!

All these things and much, much more will turn up when you’re trying to make changes…as if making the change itself wasn’t hard enough!

So be prepared, know that they are coming and choose to keep going anyway, because once you’ve expanded your comfort zone, all those feelings will go away!

What to do next…

> Read another post – How To Make Yourself Do Something Even When You Don’t Want To
> Join my free private FB Group – Click now to join my closed (private) Facebook Group
> Catch up with me on social media – Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Pinterest
> Sign up below 👇 for my weekly newsletter, keep up-to-date and get special offers!