Alright. 2023 is here. Whether you like it or not, whether you’re ready or not. Are you tired of just going through the motions of life, feeling unfulfilled and like there’s something missing? Do you not want to go through 2023 the same way you went through 2022? (And for some of us, the same way went even went through 2021!) I know you don’t, and neither do I. It’s time to start designing a life that you want to live. The life that you keep talking about and dreaming about. The life you want to start posting on Instagram and TikToking! It may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of effort and dedication, you can create a life that brings you joy and purpose. Here are seven steps to help you get started: Impact-Site-Verification: 71fcaa15-cdbb-42ce-97b8-b0ffda4faba8
#1. Exercise regularly:
Yep. You’ve heard it before. I know. And just a quick disclaimer here, more than likely, you’ve heard about all the things on this list at one point and time. But THIS time, we’re going to make that change! Right? Now back to your regularly scheduled blog post. Exercise is often thought of as solely physical activity, but it has numerous mental and emotional benefits. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost self-confidence, and increase energy levels. It’s also a great way to clear your mind and find some much-needed alone time. And a beautiful thing about exercise is there are so many types of exercises to choose from! After a long day at work, do you feel the need to slap someone right across the face? How about boxing or Krav Maga? Do you rather the solitude that can come with jogging? Try training for a 10k. Do you enjoy variety and like being around other people that seem to be like-minded? Grab a gym membership, or check out Crossfit. There’s also yoga, pilates, aerobics, and rock climbing, the list really does go on and on and on. There’s no excuse. At all. None. So don’t skip out on your workouts. Your body and mind will thank you.
#2. Grab a book and read it:
In today’s world, it’s easy to rely on the internet for information and entertainment. But reading books offers so many benefits that screens just can’t match. Reading expands your knowledge and vocabulary, stimulates your imagination, and improves critical thinking skills. It’s also a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. You can totally zone out to a good book on just about any topic or genre. Plus, there are so many amazing books out there that offer valuable lessons and insights into how to live a fulfilling life. Personally, I enjoy business books and personal development books. My wife tends to lean towards personal development and fiction. Whatever your preference is, don’t let technology be the only source of information and entertainment in your life. Pick up a book and start learning and growing.
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
-Dale Carnegie
#3. Surround yourself with like-minded people:
There’s a quote by Jim Rohn that you might have heard that states, “You are the average of the five closest friends you spend the most time with.” Said simply, the people you spend your time with have a huge influence on your thoughts, behaviors, and, I’d even venture off to say, overall quality of life. Let’s think about it, when you’re around people that are doing great things, things that you would like to do, you’re going to be more inclined to do great things. The environment you’re in is going to foster the opportunity for good things to happen. Surrounding yourself with positive, motivated individuals can help keep you accountable and motivated to pursue your goals. That group can offer support and encouragement when you need it and celebrate your victories with you.
On the other hand, being around negative or unsupportive people can bring you down and hinder your progress. It’s important to be around people who uplift and inspire you rather than drag you down. In 2023 I challenge you to choose your closest companions wisely.
#4 Set S.M.A.R.T. goals and work towards them:
Here’s one that we’ve all heard of before. And if, for some small reason or some slim chance that there is someone that falls on this page and this is your first time reading about S.M.A.R.T. goals, it stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (Timely, time-based, time-limited, time-sensitive.) The main idea behind setting goals using this method is, in my opinion, that things that are measured can be improved. This is one of the ingredients in designing the life you want. Some might say it’s the main ingredient because, without a target, you have no clue what you’re aiming at. Whether big or small, having a goal to strive for can give you purpose and a sense of accomplishment. It can also help you stay focused and motivated.
But it’s important to set realistic goals that you can actually achieve. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and discourage you from continuing to pursue your dreams. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps and celebrate each small victory along the way.
#5. Take risks and embrace change:
I saw a quote a few days ago by Robert Arnott dealing with investing, “In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable.” Life is full of uncertainties, but that doesn’t mean you should play it safe all the time. It’s important to take calculated risks and be open to change. Embracing change can lead to new opportunities and experiences that you never would have had otherwise.
But that doesn’t mean jumping into every opportunity blindly. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the potential consequences before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from trusted friends or mentors. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. So, look into starting that business. Go online and check out that Krav Maga class. Shake things up! Take a step outside your comfort zone. That’s where amazing can happen.
#6. Practice gratitude:
It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives of life and take the good things for granted. That’s why it’s important to practice gratitude and focus on the things and the people in your life you can be thankful for. Whether it’s your health, an aunt or coworker that calls to check on you, or the simple fact that you have a bed to sleep in, there is always something to be grateful for.
Taking time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for can help shift your focus to the positives in your life and improve your overall well-being. As a morning routine, I try to write out a list of things I’m grateful for every day. And you can also take things a step further! Dale Carnegie once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Don’t keep your gratitude to yourself. Share it with the people that add something special to your life and spread the positivity.
#7. Seek balance:
I think the jury is still out on this one. To say what the perfect balance is for you might take a bit of trial and error, but it’s my belief that this is better understood after a little self-exploration. Workaholics might have a balance that a lot of people would deem unacceptable. However, work is what fulfills them. It’s what brings them joy. A father of three might feel his balance is once he’s off from work, it’s family time until the kids are asleep. Once you sit down and take a deep hard look at the life you want to design, you’ll have a better understanding of what your balance looks like. But It is important to find that balance in all areas of your life, whether it’s work, relationships, personal growth, or leisure activities. Author, educator, and speaker Stephen R. Covey puts it like this, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.” Make sure to prioritize the things that are most important to you and allocate your time and energy accordingly.
It’s okay to have a busy schedule, my workaholic friends, but it’s important to make time for the things that matter most to you and the people you matter to. This could include spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, and taking care of your physical and mental health. It can be a delicate balance, but it’s worth striving for.
Designing the life you want takes effort and dedication, but it’s worth it. There are reasons why everyone that achieves it speaks about how everyone should at least give it a shot. And the books written on the subject are all over the place! It’s not about achieving perfection but about finding joy and purpose in every day. So chop-chop! Don’t waste any more time. Start designing your life today and make the most of every moment.
P.S.
Below are a few books that I’ve read and recommend to anyone that’s ready to move forward to start designing that life they want. I believe all of them can help bring focus and place you on the road to achieving all your dreams, goals, and aspirations. (These are affiliate links, but at no additional cost to you whatsoever. enjoy!)
The One Thing, by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
The Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy
The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod
The Year of YES, by Shonda Rhimes
Don’t Settle For Safe, by Sarah Jakes Roberts
