Small steps lead to epic transformations.
Photo by Clark Tibbs.
I don't care how old, young, overweight, broke, lazy, lame, out of shape, out of control, insecure, unattractive, or unaware you think you are...if you're ready to make a change for the better in how you live your life, you need to silence those excuses...pronto! Excuses can be toxic to bettering yourself and your life because they hold you back, they keep you down, and they discourage curiosity and spontaneity. Procrastination is a cousin of the excuse, putting your hopes, desires, or even your responsibilities on the back burner rather than taking action to improve upon all facets of your life right here and now. "I'll do it later"; "I don't have time"; "I'm not rich!"; "People will think I'm crazy"; "Why even bother!" These are just some of the articulated toxins running through our veins, spewing out of our mouths so that we can rationalize sitting on the couch watching The Bachelor or Real Housewives rather than making shit happen for ourselves. Hell, even the morons on these asinine (no offense) shows made shit happen for themselves, although I hope your aim is higher than "reality show stooge." If you're sick and tired of your own bullshit excuses, you're already ahead of the curve. If you want to start on a better path right now, then you need to take action right now, it's as simple as that. Below, I have listed off more than a hundred actions you can do or at least start today in order to begin your own life overhaul. I certainly don't expect anyone to immediately try all 101 (although that'd be like some sort of warrior shit if you did!), but there must be at least a few you can take a stab at right after you finish reading this here blog. Over the next few days try a few others, and then even more the following week, until you're excited and enthusiastic about who you see staring back at you in the mirror. I challenge you to do just that...in fact, I fucking DARE you! And if you accept the challenge (and/or dare), please send me a message or post a comment about how it has worked for you, or perhaps your own "take action" suggestion for folks who are in the same boat. Now, it's time to take some action...
Declutter your closets or desk (or both)
When someone cuts you off in traffic, let it go and don’t get angry
Eat at least one piece of fruit or vegetable per day
Download the “Waterlogged” app (or a similar one) to keep track of your water intake
Listen to a podcast on happiness, wellness, or healthy living
Add up what you spent on non-essentials last month & cut that in half for next month
Clean out your vehicle and give it a wash
Disable notifications for social media apps on your phone (take whole “offline” days/weeks)
Give meditation a try for at least a month (use an app such as “Headspace”)
Throw out, donate, or give away clothes you no longer like or wear
Take a cold shower (start off warm, gradually lowering the temperature of the water)
Try taking vitamins (namely D3 and B12)
Try a different approach and think outside the box
Write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for in a journal at the end of each day
Put away 10% of your paycheque for an emergency fund and/or vacation
Try a 30-day challenge of no soda (or caffeine altogether)
Get your books/movies/music from the library instead of buying them
Subscribe to or sign up for a newsletter from a wellness blog or podcast
When you catch yourself worrying, stop it! Make yourself think positively instead
Actually listen to what someone is saying before you respond
Stop calling yourself “stupid” or “an idiot” when you “mess up"
Welcome as much nature into your life through walks, house plants, gardens, etc.
Make your bed every single morning
Hold the door open for people and say “hello” to them
Go for a walk during the lunch hour or sometime in the morning or evening
Don’t change lanes if the person in front of you is slow, practice patience
Try organic options when you can afford to (especially strawberries)
Be happy for others, including strangers
Listen to music more often and always feel free to sing aloud
Unsubscribe to magazines, apps, clubs, and channels you don’t utilize
Give up Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok (or all four) for one full month
Don’t drink caffeine at least 6 hours before you go to bed
Research intermittent fasting and maybe give it a try
Sign up for a charity walk, fun run, or obstacle course
Watch YouTube videos that will inspire, motivate, or educate you
Read at least one book a month (including some non-fiction)
Stop watching the news (it’s too negative)
Instead of buying gifts, make something or invest in an experience
Organize all of your paperwork into folders, binders, or the trash bin
Purchase healthy snacks like almonds, seeds, fruit, veggies, raisins, or dark chocolate
Toss out all those spare cords and instructions (et al) in your drawers
Ask your bank or credit card company to lower your fees and/or interest rates
Declutter your digital world (phone, email, desktop, etc.)
Make coffee/tea at home instead of buying it at a café/store
Unfollow, unfriend, or mute negative or unhealthy social media friends
When you come across a word you don’t know, look up its definition
Start planning a trip/vacation, even if it’s a year (or longer) away
Eat less and less highly processed foods until they no longer appeal to you
Compliment people (including strangers) more often
Volunteer with an organization you support
Try a month-long challenge of no alcohol
Add an hour to your sleep routine
Stop trying to impress people, being yourself is always good enough
Don’t flush the toilet every time you pee
Slow down, because rushing can lead to stress, anger, and mistakes
Try organic/natural hygiene products instead
Set up a “vision” or “life” board
Save your spare change for a “luxury” item or experience
Organize a games night, BBQ, or date night
Start journaling, blogging, vlogging, or podcasting
Listen to a podcast or audio book in the car instead of the radio
Engage in conversation more, but avoid gossip, criticizing, and complaining
Sell things online that you no longer want (Kijiji, Craigslist, etc.)
Wash your hands more often
Before you start yelling, say this in your head: “is this useful?”
Find a workout/walking buddy, even if it’s a stranger from a site like Meetup.com
Turn things off as soon as you’re done with them (TV, lights, water, etc.)
Accept that your way isn’t always the only way of doing things
Take out the amount you have to spend per week in cash and don’t go over
Try picking up the litter on your street or in your neighbourhood
Make tomorrow’s lunch at home today instead of buying it at a restaurant
Put your keepsakes into a scrap/memory book instead of in a box in the basement
When you do something nice for someone, don’t look for something in return
Look into growing your own vegetables, herbs, and/or spices
Clean out and maintain your refrigerator and cupboards
Find an all-in-one notebook to jot down tips, lists, quotes, ideas, thoughts, plans, etc.
Sign up for a yoga, painting, language, exercise, spin, writing, or Pilates class
Check out the farmers’ market for fresh, organic produce
Stop putting yourself and others down
Don’t feel guilty about taking a day off or setting aside time for yourself
Educate yourself through documentaries instead of reality TV
Stop multi-tasking, do one thing at a time
If you work in an office, ask your boss for a “sit-standing” desk
Implement the “1-minute rule”
Smile and laugh more (even when you’re alone)
Practice your manners (even when you’re alone)
Make daily lists of what you want to accomplish each day
Avoid pricey and unhealthy convenience stores whenever possible
Tidy up as you go, and do a clean sweep before bedtime
Think about investing some of your savings
(Properly) stretch as soon as you wake up
Borrow household or yard work items instead of buying new ones
Invest in a stainless steel water bottle
Download an app that will help you stay motivated to exercise
Try a one-week challenge of no TV or Internet
Before you get to work/school tell yourself to be patient with and kind to everyone
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help
Find your own personal mantra
Always be mindful
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