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Post by CodepNomore on Oct 30, 2012 12:41:08 GMT -8
100+ Ways to Improve Your Life
There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of chaos in your life. As Albert Einstein once stated, “Three rules of work: out of clutter find simplicity, from discord find harmony, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Unexpected challenges are what make us stronger, so don’t avoid them. Check out the following tips and improve your life:
1. Recycle old papers that are filling drawers in your house. If you have drawers overflowing with old receipts, junk mail, records, and notes to self. Get rid of all of these. Invest in a paper shredder to reduce clutter and maintain privacy.
2. Mentally prepare yourself for change by visualizing your ideal self. Who do you admire the most? How do you envision yourself in the future? Who do you want to be? Visualize yourself to be that person.
3. Realize that unexpected events can be a good thing. As the Dalai Lama once said, “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”
4. Ask people you admire how they got where they are today.
5. Cut back on cigarettes and other vices. These can be crutches that cloud judgment. The money saved by not purchasing or cutting back on this type of material can then be put into something rewarding such as a vacation.
6. Remove elements of negativity from your life, be they people or a job you don’t want to do. If you have friends who are bringing you down, there’s no need to keep hanging out with them out of obligation. Cut your ties and cut your losses.
7. Start each day with a clear to-do list.
8. Clean your house from top to bottom and throw away anything outdated. Not only receipts, as mentioned above, but any old junk that should be donated to charity or sold in a garage sale.
9. Institute a clear filing system for your personal records. Investing in a simple filing cabinet and folders with labels is something you don’t need a personal secretary for and makes your life much easier when you are looking for a specific item.
10. Do your grocery shopping for the week on the day it’s most convenient. Make a list, budget, and get only what you need to save time and money.
11. Take a career test that will help you identify your strengths. If you are unhappy with your career but don’t even know where to begin in the process of moving on, this can be a good way to identify strengths and new possibilities.
12. Meet with a professional counselor if there are issues you need to discuss. Many people are struggling with dead weight from the past or emotional baggage that is holding them back. Deal with them and move on with professional assistance.
13. Make a clear diet plan with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet plan has a tremendous effect on your overall energy levels.
14. Add multiple vitamins and minerals to your daily diet. Supplements can help reduce the possibility of cancer and osteoporosis, among other disorders.
15. Set appointments you’ve been putting off. It’s easy to put off going to the doctor or dentist until we are sick, but preventive care is extremely important in overall health levels.
16. Take up a mental exercise. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or other word games along these lines are more than just a good way to pass time. They have been shown in studies to help improve overall mental capabilities.
17. Make a reading list and join a book club. Most people state that they want to read more, but without an actual plan you may not make the time to do this. Joining a book club not only serves as a social activity but also keeps you up to date with your own reading list.
18. Spend time with yourself each day. Susan Taylor states that “spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.”
19. Practice breathing exercises or meditation. Stress can have an overarching effect on our overall productivity levels. When stressed, I personally forget to breathe at times. Take the time to take deep breaths and improve oxygen flow to the brain.
20. Speak and act with honesty. Are you able to stand by what you do and say? If not, it may be time to reexamine your own words and learn to articulate your thoughts in an open, honest way. This helps eliminate mistakes down the road.
21. Learn from past mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Usually, we make a lot of them during our lifetime. As long as they aren’t repeated too many times, and are looked at as a learning experience, they can in fact be a good thing in the long run.
22. Volunteer to help others in your community. Helping others is a rewarding way to get your own life together.
23. Take up a new language or hobby.
24. Read inspirational biographies. For new ideas, find out how others got their lives in order.
25. Talk to a stranger. Unplanned conversations can be surprisingly inspiring.
(Note: This is a revised compilation from various resources by Codepnomore and will be divided in several posts)
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Post by CodepNomore on Nov 1, 2012 10:33:08 GMT -8
26. Accept Your Mistakes
You’re human. We, humans, are making mistakes. Accept what you did wrong and try to do better next time. No need to punish yourself forever. In fact, accepting your mistakes is the only way to make them disappear.
27. Accept Your Friends Mistakes
Maybe you got hurt by somebody. It happens. Just accept it and deal with it. People are making mistakes and if you can accept that for yourself, accept it for your friends too.
28. Create A New Habit. Find something new that interest you.
29. Build Self Discipline
Don’t wait for other people to impose discipline on you. Start early. Create your own discipline. Although it sounds a little bit harsh, self discipline is a facilitator for many things in your life. It is hard to get but great to have.
30. Make New Friends
Reach out. Don’t be afraid. Establish new contacts. The worst thing that may happen to you is to be rejected. Well, if that’s the case, move on. The reward of having true, long-lasting friendship is worth all the potential rejection.
31. Get A New Job
Shaking your comfort zone will often create a lot of value in your life. If you’re not satisfied with your job, just get a new one. The pitfall of not having money for a limited period of time is temporary, get over it.
32. Reconnect with friends and relatives who live far away.
Call those people you miss but keep putting off calling. With the Internet and Skype at your disposal, even an online chat can help you reconnect.
33. Take more naps.
Sleep is often underrated in its ability to boost energy, mood, and keep reaction times sharp.
34. Drink at least 6 cups of water per day. Staying hydrated helps keep energy levels up.
35. Take an interest in art in your community.
Visiting galleries can help introduce you to the artists in your community and help stimulate thinking.
36. Join a hobbyist club.
My friend decided to learn more about building model airplanes and was so deeply into it that he recently obtained his commercial pilot’s license. You never know where a simple hobby can lead you in life.
37. Keep a calendar with commitments.
Having a visual reminder in front of you can be extremely helpful. We are all different types of learners.
38. Don’t put off difficult conversations.
Deal with problems directly and immediately. This will result in a much lower level of anxiety for all involved.
39. Make a list of priorities and do what makes you happy.
If you have lost touch with your own priorities lately, it can be beneficial to take the time to sit and think about what actually makes you happy. Work toward achieving this as much as possible.
40. Spend more time outdoors.
Nature has an ability to help soothe a troubled mind and clear your thoughts. Taking a walk in the woods or climbing a mountain, at any level of difficulty, gives a sense of pride and accomplishment.
41. Attend lectures.
These could be science lectures or other types, but it is helpful to keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the world and plan accordingly. Keeping the mind active helps you in all aspects of your daily life.
42. Take the time to exercise.
It improves your mood and increases self-esteem.
43. Make laughter a priority.
Hang out with some of your most entertaining friends for a good laugh, or simply sit back with some favorite old comedies. Laughter counts as exercise and has been shown to expand your life span.
44. Clear some time each day to do nothing.
As a child, I remember that we had “free time” scheduled into our school activities every day. This could be used for reading, drawing, or simply staring into space if that’s what we felt like doing. What a novel idea, and one that keeps the brain at ease.
45. Schedule a much-needed vacation to change ambiance.
46. Learn new tips for entertaining.
You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to throw a great dinner party, and learning how to be a host or hostess with minimal effort can give a big boost to your confidence levels.
47. Throw out old clothing that doesn’t fit.
Too many of us are squeezing into outdated clothes that are doing us no favors. Look and feel your best with clothes that are tailored to fit you.
48. Live in the present, not the past.
The past is over. Move on and enjoy every moment as it occurs. Take stock of what needs to be accomplished and move forward with this information.
49. Move forward with your life.
Improve your life by looking forward, not back.
50. Keep A Journal.
Write down you feelings, your ideas, your goals, your activity. Journaling is by far one of the most useful things I’ve done to change my life for the best. It works in such a silent, yet effective way. All you need is pen and paper.
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Post by Jacarandagirl on Nov 2, 2012 19:13:20 GMT -8
Hmmm, I couldn't find "sit on the internet browsing facebook and recovery websites". Was that an oversight?
Ha ha only joking. Nice list.
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Post by CodepNomore on Nov 3, 2012 12:21:10 GMT -8
Thanks! Haha. That's funny. Recovery websites I'll add later but facebook I don't think so. I've read countless of posts here that speak of cyberstalking and breaking NC because of facebook.
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Post by Jacarandagirl on Nov 4, 2012 2:43:33 GMT -8
It feeds my short attention span beautifully.
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Post by CodepNomore on Nov 4, 2012 5:23:00 GMT -8
51. If you don’t have a POA on facebook or it does not trigger you, then you may want to "sit on the internet browsing facebook and recovery websites" as Jacarandagirl said, “It feeds my short attention span beautifully”. Haha thanks.
52. Create And Keep A Morning Phrase
Whatever you say to yourself in the morning, it will most likely come true during the day. Why not taking advantage of it? Create a simple morning phrase and say it to yourself first thing in the morning. It is that simple.
53. Travel Far Away From Your Home
Traveling long distance is incredibly rewarding. It is so exciting and full with unknown events.
54. Learn To Take Risks
Your life may be so boring and fade because… err, you made it like this? When was the last time your tried something really difficult? When was the last time you challenged the odds doing something risky? Do it now.
55. Start Your Own Business
Be your own boss. Work your own hours. I know, it sounds so shallow, for you, who hate your job but still have to stay there because of that mortgage. Well, unless you make the first step, nothing is going to change. That is for sure.
56. Change Your Work Space
Re-arrange furniture. Add some color to that space. Make the place where you work really enjoyable. So enjoyable that work there won’t be perceived as work anymore. It will be something you love to do.
57. Find Reasons To Agree
Rather than disagree. We have this mindset of competition which makes constantly arguing over things. Well, stop that. You don’t have to force yourself into agreement, if it’s not the case, just trying to find some reasons will be enough.
58. Pay Yourself First
You can’t give something if you don’t have it. You can’t spread light onto others if you don’t have light from within. You can’t give wealth to others if you don’t have it for yourself first. Make yourself a service and pay yourself first.
59. Wake Up Early
This is not a habit, this is a lifestyle. Don’t just wake up early without a purpose. Look for opportunities and embrace them. Waking up early means keeping your eye open to every available opportunity.
60. Train Your Focus
Your focus is in fact your reality. Use it wisely. Train it constantly for it will enhance your reality in ways you never imagined. Keep your focus sharp as a razor blade and be prepared to experience life in fantastic shapes and colors.
61. Start A Blog
On whatever topic you want. Not only it will give you the opportunity to create something new and valuable but it will also bring new people into your life. Blogging is far more than a hype, is a personal development tool. A very good one.
62. Write An Ebook
You may think you don’t have a talent, but that’s completely wrong. And the easiest way to prove it wrong is to start writing an ebook. Any ebook. You pick the topic. It might be something you know or want to learn about. Write it. It is fun.
63. Be Better, Not Perfect
Striving too much for perfection will ruin your life. It will wipe out all those little imperfections which are making you… human. Being better, on the other side, is rewarding. Look back at the yesterday you and just say: I’m better!
64. Stop Self Sabotage
You’ll be surprised by how much of a burden you can be to yourself. You are literally self sabotaging. Most of the time, unconsciously. If you have a long history of failure behind, that could mean you’ve become your worst enemy. Stop it.
65. Find Reasons To Love Your Life
Maybe life wasn’t fair with you. Yes, I know, I’ve been there: life is never fair. But it’s fantastic. It’s unique, unrepeatable, one of a kind, beautiful, simple, challenging, sweet, hard… Just take a step back and find reasons to love your life.
66. Try Something New
Maybe you’re sad because you’re bored. Have you ever thought about that? Just reach out and try something completely new. Go for a challenge, learn a new sport, pick a different restaurant or go for a comedy movie (if you’re the drama type). Just try it.
67. Avoid Fighting
Fighting is the biggest energy leak of your being. Trying to prove another guy wrong is so against your true nature. You’re here to acknowledge life’s wonders, not to prove anybody’s wrong. They’re not wrong, just have different opinions. And that’s part of life.
68. Stop Wasting Your Power
Are you doing something that you think you shouldn’t be doing right now? Well, that’s wasted power. That’s meaningless stuff promoted to the honor of being a part of your life. How long are you going to approve this? Why wasting power?
69. Learn To Ignore
I think they should be teaching this one in schools. We’re so focused on so many topics and think we have to do so many stuff, that our life is literally clogged with stuff. It’s good to do stuff, but learning to ignore stuff is much better.
70. Experiment Gratitude
When was the last time you said “thank you”? With all your heart? Everybody knows that an attitude of gratitude is the key to success, but almost nobody practices it. Well, start by experience gratitude first, and take it from there.
71. Recycle Your Aggression
Don’t throw it away, recycle it! Use it for something you really want! Call out those wild forces inside of you and put them to work. Aggression is part of your being, so don’t try to reject it, because it will only grow stronger. Recycle your aggression.
72. Release Your Guardians
Don’t touch that! Don’t eat that! Don’t go for that opportunity! Those are the sentences you hear when going for something you really want. Those are your guardians, your mental constructs made to protect you. Release them, you’ll be much better off.
73. Clean Up Your House
It’s fun. And it’s good for you. Make a habit out of cleaning up your house with joy and happiness. What’s outside is a mirror of what’s inside. If your house is a mess, probably your internal life is a disaster. Neat that stuff, it’s easy.
74. Write A Personal Mission Statement
You’re here with a reason. No matter how small you feel now, how insignificant others may made you feel, you have a purpose. Take the time to write your personal mission statement. It will bring light and direction into your life.
75. Dissolve Negative Opinions About Yourself
Whatever you think you may do, it’s half of what you can really do. And that’s because you have so many negative opinions about yourself. You can solve them. Just accept the fact that you have them and then start working on them.
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Post by hardlyquinn on Nov 27, 2012 5:24:48 GMT -8
I need to remind myself constantly of all these things, I know them and yet tend to forget every one of them when faced with difficulty, or when the wind is blowing and the rain is lashing down outside the window, and all I can think about is 'was it my fault or was it his?' (answer: it makes no difference now).
My main one should be DON'T GET BOGGED DOWN WITH CIRCULAR THINKING!!!
Are you planning on posting the last 25, Codepnomore?
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Post by CodepNomore on Nov 28, 2012 1:37:43 GMT -8
I will eventually... Thanks for asking and sharing your thoughts here. I appreciated it.
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Post by CodepNomore on Dec 9, 2012 6:09:44 GMT -8
76. Manage Your Time As You Manage Your Money
Have you ever thought what would be if you would manage your time the same way you manage your money? Just give it a try. See where you spend most of your time, what the return of investment is and how rich are you in time.
77. Start A Monthly Challenge
Being it physical, mental or social. Intend to acquire something new in your life in 30 days. Improve your health using new methods, or your relationships by starting new things together. Make it count. And count on it.
78. Play A Game
Any game. Just play. Like a child. Allow yourself to do something just for fun, without any goals, pressures or deadlines. Will make you understand that everything is a game. Sometimes a little bit harder, but still a game.
79. Stop Solving The Wrong Problems
You are not here to witness the bad things in your life. Nor the performance in itself. You are here to enjoy a journey. To become aware, To grow. So, stop solving the wrong problem and focus on what really matters.
80. Make A Promise To A Close Person And Keep It
It doesn’t have to be something big. It doesn’t have to be for someone special. It doesn’t have to be difficult also. But it has to be a commitment to somebody. Just reach out, make a promise, keep it and then enjoy the feeling after.
81. Get A Thing You Wanted For A Long Time
But you didn’t had time or money to get it. Just go out and get it. Not only it will boost your self-respect, but it will also free your desire channel, which may be a little bit clogged by having one and only one desire for such a long time.
82. Stop Being Judgmental
With others and with you. Excessive criticism will kill your enthusiasm. And if you think this post is something you shouldn’t read in the first place, then, my friend, you really are judgmental. Lighten up. Accept life as it is.
83. Smile At Least 10 Times A Day
And I mean it, start to count that. Smiling is a sign of honesty and power. Everybody can cry over a disaster but only the most powerful can take bitterness with a smile. Exercise that power. And then try to go for 20 times a day.
84. Burn Some Old Memories
Maybe the notebook from your 7th grade? Maybe the teenage dumb poetry you wrote? Whatever it might be, break up. It might be difficult, but it might also be a sign that you’re so attached to the past that you can’t advance in your life anymore.
85. Plant A Tree
Or take care of a flower. Do it for at least several months. It will give you a sense of potential. Seeing that tree or that flower growing will make your self-confidence go up. If a flower can make it, why can’t I?
86. Stop Watching TV
Television evolved a lot from the balanced news provider it was in the beginning up to the current manipulating tool. Just stop watching it for a week. And then for a month. Meanwhile, assess your psychological progress. You may be amazed.
87. Set Up A Surprise Party
For your or for a friend. It’s always good for your mood, even if – or especially if – you’re down. Do a thematic one, invite friends and tell them to bring their friends. And then expect to meet new, wonderful persons. And of course, have fun.
88. Go Hiking
Do it for at least one week-end. Nature is more powerful than our human created environment. We don’t know how to channel the energy into our artificial habitats. If you want to recharge, go outside and stay in connection with the wilderness.
89. Get A Pet
Whatever works for you, a bird, a guinea pig, a dog or a cat. It will keep you alert and it will cheer you up when you’re down. Taking care of a pet is also easier if you’re overwhelmed with human interaction. Even from a pet, love is still love.
90. Write A Thank You Letter
You can send it or not, the real catch is to write it. Pick someone who helped you in the past. Start writing the letter and say everything you want to say to that person. It will make you understand what are you really grateful for in your life.
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Post by mb123 on Dec 9, 2012 6:43:46 GMT -8
I love this!
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Post by Loving My Life on Dec 9, 2012 11:21:30 GMT -8
thanks codepnomore
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Post by redhead on Dec 9, 2012 16:31:33 GMT -8
I really love this, thank you.
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Post by CodepNomore on Dec 10, 2012 6:08:46 GMT -8
Thanks fellow LA in recovery . Hope you are all doing fine. Even a little good practice here and there will improve our life.
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Post by CodepNomore on Dec 24, 2012 23:34:54 GMT -8
91. Say Something Nice To Somebody
Just like that. Out of the blue. Pick an unknown person and say something nice. After the initial surprise you’ll be amazed by the unmasked joy and gratitude they’re expressing. Admit it: you would like that too, isn’t it?
92. Say Something Nice To You
Ok, but if nobody is telling you nice things, why not start this yourself? Do it in whatever form you think it’s appropriate: send yourself emails, write in your calendar or leave yourself nice postits on the desk. With something nice just for you.
93. Stop Faking Your Life
It’s so easy to get caught in a flow of fakes. Society wants us to politely lie and you need to lie sometimes. Just stop it. Being authentic is the best thing you can do. No need to hide your sorrow, nor your joy. They’re both part of life.
94. Go Social
Mingle, interact, go out. Get used to meet new people. Make this a habit and you’ll soon get used to do new things too. The goal is not to be the best networker in the world, but to be connected to as many energy sources as you can get.
95. Watch Your Beliefs
Your beliefs are not you. But they are shaping your life constantly. You have the power to change them at any point in your existence. But in order to do that, you must first start to observe them, to isolate them, to accept them.
96. Get Rid Of Labels
Things are what they are. Don’t use labels anymore, use directly the things. Your notion of “right” and “wrong” can often be nothing but mere labels. In a different country your “right” might be “wrong”. Don’t charge yourself with this unneeded burden.
97. Discover Your True Self.
Don’t be a copycat. Being original is the best. There is no one like you. Find your strengths and passions and look for ways to develop them.
98. Remove toxic and negative people, places, and things from your life.
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." -1 Corinthians 15:33
or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. -Proverbs 22:25
99. Be Merry, Not Only During Holidays.
Celebrate each day that you have and be festive.
("This is the very day God acted - let's celebrate and be festive!" Psalm 118:24 MSG)
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Post by CodepNomore on Jan 30, 2013 5:17:48 GMT -8
100. Take action. Take responsibility for your life.
No one else can take your place for you. In addition, as Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” That is why guard your heart and your thought life. Believe that you are in this life for a reason and you have the necessary skills and power within you to make it.
I am above 50 and just started a new path in my career. I used to be helplessly dependent in relationship as a LA and I was as poor as a rat. Now I have gone a long way and I am not looking back and only focusing on moving forward. Remember that our focus determines our direction.
100+
Stop making excuses and blaming others and start making wise choices and stay grateful…
And watch how your life will improve!
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Post by james12354678 on Nov 26, 2019 7:04:01 GMT -8
I really love this list! And especially the point number 100 tells the complete truth: we all need to take action. I was getting drugs for a long time and couldn't find enough strength to overcome this addiction. I found a number of rehab center helpline addictionresource.com/drugs/marijuana/ and just called. The result is I'm completely clean now and enjoy my life every day. All we need is just to take a chance and do something other than wait till somebody so that for you. |
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Post by sexlessw on Dec 1, 2019 5:18:08 GMT -8
James1-8:
Please come and post more about your experience. It would help so many of us if you could share. Good for you on getting yourself sober - and taking that FIRST big step by calling for help. The first step IS the hardest one.
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