(DailyProsper.com) – you guilty of trying to improve yourself too much? I know it seems like that couldn’t really be a thing, but it is. Here’s why: If you always set grandiose goals (writing an autobiography), but you currently put off doing similar small tasks (writing in your journal), you’re likely setting yourself up for failure.
It’s called self-sabotage. And you can break free from it by stopping the all-or-nothing, goal-setting trap and focusing on small, easy habits that can dramatically transform your life. Try these life-changing habits for yourself and see what they can do for you.
Pay Yourself First
Investopedia says you should have a savings account large enough to cover 6 months’ worth of expenses, but many people find it difficult to sock away any spare cash at all. One way to fix this is by automatically sending a small percentage of your check to a savings account via direct deposit. Think of it like another payroll deduction, but you’re paying yourself first. If the money never hits your checking account, it’s easier to not count on it or spend it.
Say Thank You
Learn to say “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry.” According to ThePlainSimpleLife, the practice of constantly apologizing can lower your self-worth and confidence level. It’s like you’re apologizing for yourself and your faults even if the issue you’re apologizing for was out of your control. If you express gratitude for the person’s patience, however, you acknowledge their feelings without lowering your self-worth.
Establish Sleep Schedule
Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Having a consistent sleep schedule can do wonders for your health, memory, focus, mood and immune system, says verywellhealth.com. How? A regular schedule helps set your circadian rhythm, the biological clock that’s responsible for your wake/sleep cycle and numerous other important functions.
Stop Putting Things Off
Procrastination can keep you stuck in your old habits and prevent you from moving forward. Break the cycle by swearing to stop putting things off. Make sure you aren’t cluttering your to-do list with items that will only take a few minutes to complete. For example, if it will take you two minutes to take out the trash, don’t add it to your list. Instead, take it out as soon as you notice it needs to be done. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed by your list while helping you feel like you’re accomplishing things.
Meditate Each Day
Meditation has been shown to relieve stress, manage anxiety, improve focus, boost memory and reduce inflammation, says BrainFacts.org. To receive all these benefits and more, strive to meditate a little each day, even if it’s only for five minutes. After a while, you’ll be able to increase the time you’re able to stay focused.
Read Every Day
Reading is a fun and powerful activity that makes you smarter, increases your vocabulary, improves your memory, enhances your writing talents and stimulates your imagination. What’s more, it poses numerous health-improving benefits including reducing stress, improving sleep and decreasing depression. For these reasons, you should strive to read a little every day.
Make Healthier Food Choices
If you want to be healthier, make smarter food choices most of the time. It’s that easy! There’s no need to severely restrict your diet or avoid foods you love. All you have to do is choose healthy substitutions over most unhealthy foods. Consume more vegetables in place of fries and chips, for example, and you may lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol levels and boost your immune system, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov.
It doesn’t take a complete habit overhaul to change your life. All you have to do is implement small changes — a tweak here and there. Combined, these teeny-tiny efforts can have a huge impact and may even change the direction of your personal and professional life.
~Here’s to Your Success!
Copyright 2020, DailyProsper.com
