We spend years (and even decades) developing habits, thought patterns, beliefs, and priorities that come to define who we are. But they aren’t always for the better. And when these things begin to interfere with your relationships, job success, and internal happiness, you’ve got a choice to make. Are you going to revert to the old adage, “I am who I am?”
Or are you going to make an effort to reinvent yourself? Luckily, there’s no better time like the New Year to adjust your direction and reinvent your life. And it doesn’t have to consume your entire life or focus either.
Take a look at seven tips to transform your life this coming year.
Set Your Alarm & Wake Up Early
Eight hours of sleep will have you feeling well-rested and ready to take on the day.
But these benefits take a nosedive if you’re staying in bed until early afternoon. Early risers tend to get more done! So wake up bright and early and make the most of those daylight hours. Ease into your day by doing something relaxing and low-effort.
Catch the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee, squeeze in an early morning yoga session, or take a stroll around the neighborhood.
You’ll be both physically and mentally awake by the time you need to head to work. Make waking up early a part of your everyday routine. Allow stress to roll off your shoulders. And see your mood, relationships, and outlook take a turn for the better.
Eat a Healthy Diet & Get Fit
A good diet and exercise won’t just improve your physical health.
Studies show they can also positively influence your self-esteem, mood, motivation, and mental clarity. It’s time to retake control over how you treat your body. Reflect on your current diet. Cut out or limit alcohol, fatty foods, excess sugar, fast food, and caffeine — the things that don’t provide nutritional benefits.
Replace them with “clean” foods instead. Load up your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while kicking processed foods and additives to the curb. Exercise is also important, so aim for 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Bike, walk, swim, lift weights, play soccer, or do anything else to get moving.
Trigger that endorphin release and turn your life around.
Meet New People & Make Friends
Everybody needs people they can turn to for support in times of need.
But as it turns out, we aren’t always the best at choosing our friends. The drama and negativity within your social circle could be ruining your outlook on life and changing your personality for the worse. Make an effort to shake up your inner circle. Get out there and meet new people, specifically positive and supportive people. These are the folks that put a smile on your face and encourage you to be better. Meet people at work, at the gym, online, or local meet-ups.
Not only will you add a little more positivity to your life, but you can also expose yourself to brand new interests and hobbies.
Face Your Fears Head-On
As long as you stay within your comfort zone, you’ll feel at ease.
But on the flip side of the coin, staying in your comfort zone puts a limit on your personal growth. Prepare to face your fears head-on. Jot down a list of things that you’ve always wanted to do in your lifetime. Maybe you dream of skydiving or swimming with sharks. Or something like applying for a new job, moving out on your own, starting a relationship, or traveling cross-country. These goals and dreams can be big or small, crazy or mild, today or next year.
As you’re bulldozing through your boundaries, you’ll notice that you’re more open to new ideas, less fearful of the unknown, and more willing to take risks. These can benefit every aspect of your life!
Set Realistic Goals & Create a Daily Routine
Imagining where you want to be tomorrow, a month from now, and a year from now are the easy parts of self-improvement.
Deciding how to get from Point A to Point B is the hassle. When reinventing yourself, a great place to start is by setting realistic goals. Be sure to choose clear goals that are both possible and attached to a timeframe. Then ask yourself, “How am I going to make sure that I reach my goals?”
Start that journey by breaking your goals into tiny chunks. Think of these as stepping stones or milestones that you’ll meet along the way until you reach the finish line. Finally, make your goals a part of your daily routine. Do something every day that’ll help you be either better than yesterday or aid in making progress toward your goals.
Change Your Physical Appearance
Have you ever seen somebody after they lost a ton of weight and thought, “Wow! They look like a completely different person?” That could be you! Making minor changes to your physical appearance can be a massive game-changer if you’re on a quest to reinvent yourself.
Think about:
- Buying a new wardrobe
- Growing (or shaving) your facial hair
- Getting a tattoo or piercing
- Switching up your hair (cut, color, style change)
The key benefit is the added self-esteem that comes along with these changes. You may also catch the eye of somebody as you’re walking through the mall.
Emphasize Positivity
It’s hard to change yourself for the better if your mind, mood, and outlook are all clouded by overwhelming negativity.
There will always be bad things in life. Yet, if you spend your entire life focusing on what could go wrong, you’ll never truly be able to see what could go right. In a way, ignorance (of negativity) is bliss. It won’t just ease your mind — it’ll change every aspect of your life. Positivity can rid you of stress, lower your risk of serious disease, and help you cope with emotions.
Practice meditation, write a gratitude list, give back to the community, and be kind!
Conclusion
Change is never easy and, more importantly, it takes time. With that in mind, don’t expect to wake up in the morning, ready to do a complete 180 in every area of your life. Too much too soon practically guarantees failure. Try to introduce one change into your life at a time. Once that change becomes part of the new “you,” add in another.
Author bio
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Arch Troy to help them with their online marketing.