Try describing your ideal self and life on a piece of paper. You can make different columns, such as one for relationships, one for finances, one for your ideal mindset (i. e. , the way you want think or what you want your general attitude to be). [3] X Research source
That said, don’t give into life’s circumstances too easily. Improving your life for the better will likely not be an easy task.
For example, perhaps you mentioned that you wanted both more meaning and money from your work, and you didn’t have much on your list about relationship improvement.
For example, you might decide to start taking night classes to become a lawyer or a physiotherapist.
Specific goals are concrete. Rather than saying, “I’ll become a lawyer one day,” which is not specific, you might say “I’ll become a lawyer in 4 years,” which is specific. A measurable goal is a goal where you can track your progress over time. You might measure your progress in law school by counting the number of classes you need to take to graduate, and check off each class that you complete. An attainable goal is a realistic goal. It isn’t about being the best lawyer in the world. Something more attainable would be: finish law school and get a job that pays the average salary for a lawyer or slightly higher. A relevant goal is something that is consistent with the values you have determined will lead to a better life. If you placed a high value on finding meaning (e. g. , via helping people with the law) and increasing your income, then becoming a lawyer is a relevant goal. A time-bound goal is a goal with a deadline. It can also include deadlines for sub goals, such as a specific date to take the LSAT (a test required to get into law school).
Keep in mind that it is OK to change directions. It doesn’t mean that you are a failure to divert your energy to other aspects of your life, it just means that you have changed your priorities and values.
During your day, pause a few moments. Take 5 deep breaths in and out and notice all your sensations. Try not to judge your sensations but rather just experience them freely.
If you are stuck figuring out what activities to engage in, try the website: http://www. meetup. com/
That said, depending on how you define “a better life,” income may continue to be associated with greater life satisfaction the more money people make, even above $75,000. It is important to think about your particular circumstances and definition of a better life and to decide how important money is to you. [8] X Research source
If you don’t feel like generating humor yourself, try watching some stand-up comedy or a funny TV show.
If it is a friend, let him get the hint by responding to his messages less and less and with longer and longer delays or just stop all contact immediately. If it is a family member or someone you live with, try to avoid this person by being out of the house when he is around, or by staying in your room when he is out in the living room.
When you exercise, put on some tunes that motivate you to workout harder. That said, be sure to listen to your body and don’t overdo it!
Eat things like lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables for the best effect and remember to have a balanced diet (i. e. , all things in moderation). [13] X Research source
If you are having trouble falling asleep, try making your room darker. Also try getting rid of sources of noise and/or wear earplugs. Do your best to stick to a sleep routine every night. Take note of how many hours of sleep you need per night to feel rested upon waking; try to get that many hours each night. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Keep in mind the trade-offs. If you notice that you are more productive on a certain amount of caffeine and value your productivity more than some feelings of anxiousness, then perhaps cutting back on caffeine isn’t the best option for you. Experiment with different amounts and get a sense of how doing so changes how happy you feel about your life.
To find a psychotherapist or counsellor, visit: http://locator. apa. org/
Ways to get out of your comfort zone include trying a new hobby, making new friends, or setting slightly tougher to achieve goals for yourself than normal. Keep in mind your values and your personality here though. If your definition of a better life involves primarily having time to yourself to self-reflect and you find yourself to be quite introverted, then perhaps getting out of your comfort zone isn’t as important for you. That said, you may not know until you give it a try!
Volunteer in a food kitchen for the homeless. Call up any cause you care about and ask them if you can volunteer your time to help. Get in touch with your local library and ask if they need tutors in an area in which you are skilled. Get in touch with your local political representative and ask about helping with campaign work for causes you care about.
Instead of making harsh judgments based on single instances of behavior, instead look for patterns that may better reflect the kind of person the individual is.
When you treat a friend well, she will be more likely to return the favor. This will help the relationship thrive and help you to have a better life. [22] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
One way to increase your changes is to take more time before you speak, so as to communicate more effectively. If your thoughts aren’t worked out yet, sort them out in your head before you say them out loud. [23] X Research source
Do your best to remove distractions from your mind. You can do this in part by watching the speaker’s mouth. Studies show that visual information from the lips facilitates language processing. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Examples of random acts of kindness include paying for the people behind you in line at the movies, buying a warm meal or blanket for a homeless person, or cleaning your parents’ house.
