Do you feel stuck in life? Maybe you’ve lost your motivation, feel like you’re in a slump, or don’t know where to start. I’ve got you.
Today, we’re talking about seven simple habits that can help change the way you think. These are habits that helped me through hard times and helped me find my way out of a slump. You don’t have to do them all at once. Start with one small step and see how it feels.
1. Write Things Down
Write down what’s on your mind. You can start your day by noting what you’re grateful for. This can help you begin with more gratitude and positivity, and set a few good intentions for the day. Write down how you’d like the day to go, make a to-do list, or simply write about what’s happening in your life.
You can also try a brain dump. I like to make a quick mind map and write down everything I’m worried about, feeling, or stressed over. Getting it all onto paper can make it easier to see what’s going on and put your thoughts in order.
Our minds can feel chaotic, and it’s not always easy to sort things out by thinking harder. Writing things down, making a list, or creating a mind map can help. Try organizing your thoughts instead of adding to the swirl of overthinking and worry.
2. Move Your Body (Almost) Every Day
I know this one can be hard. Not everyone enjoys exercise, but moving your body doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. You could go for a walk, stretch, do yoga, or try a workout at home. Find something you enjoy and make it easy to begin.
Here are a few simple, everyday ways to move more:
- Walk around while you’re on the phone.
- Take the stairs instead of the lift.
- Stretch while the kettle boils.
- Dance to one song at home.
- Walk to a nearby shop.
- Do a few squats while something cooks.
- Play outside with your kids or dog.
- Tidy one room with music on.
Small amounts of movement count. You don’t need a perfect workout plan to get started.
3. Try Affirmations
Affirmations can be a gentle starting point when you’re feeling stuck. They’re easy to try and don’t take much energy. An affirmation is a kind or encouraging statement you say to yourself, often starting with “I am.”
First, try noticing the thoughts that come up during the day. If that feels difficult, set a five-minute timer and write down the thoughts that pass through your mind. This can help you get a sense of what you’re telling yourself.
Our minds can focus on the negative or on what feels imperfect. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” remember that having a negative thought doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Try meeting it with a more supportive one. Here are a few affirmations to write down or say out loud:
- I am good enough.
- I am capable of amazing things.
- I am open to good things coming my way.
- I am loved.
- I am powerful.
- I am becoming the best version of myself.
- I am taking care of my health.
- I am becoming who I want to be.
- I am doing this for myself, not for the people around me.
A funny thing is that I didn’t even notice I was saying my affirmations out loud. When I’m nervous or need to do something difficult, I’ll tell myself, “I can do this. I am good enough. I’m proud of myself.” A friend once asked why I did it. I hadn’t realized I was doing it—but lately, when I encourage myself, my friends join in too. It feels like those kind words help both me and the people around me.
4. Plan Your Day
This one may sound basic, and you may have heard it before, but planning can make a real difference. Try getting things out of your head and onto paper. A plan can help you remember what needs to get done and leave more room in your mind to focus on each task.
Get organized with a to-do list, an online planner, or a calendar. Keep it simple and plan out what matters most.
5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
We can be hard on ourselves and worry about what other people think. It can feel as if everything we do has to be perfect. Instead, try to focus on progress.
Some days you may not get much done. You might stay in bed or spend too long scrolling—and that’s okay. One difficult day is just one small dot in your whole life, alongside all the days you showed up, tried, and made progress. Remember the days that went well, too.
Life isn’t perfect or steady all the time. It comes in waves. Some seasons feel easier than others, but a hard day doesn’t mean you’re failing, that you’ve lost your progress, or that you’re back where you started. Give yourself time to grow instead of expecting yourself to get everything right. Remind yourself of that whenever you feel pressure to perfect your life.
6. Make a List of Your Goals
Write down some goals you’d like to work toward. They can be small, like making your bed every day or getting ready in the morning, or bigger goals for your future, like finding your dream job or getting an apartment.
Picture the life you want and think about the kind of person you want to become. Just don’t overload yourself with too many goals. A long list can feel overwhelming and make it harder to begin. Choose five to seven goals that matter to you, then take small steps toward them. Make it your mission.
7. Turn Your Goals Into a Vision
You’ve made a list of goals; now imagine what it might feel like to work toward them. Picture yourself showing up for yourself, taking care of yourself, and becoming the person you want to be. A clear vision can help you remember why your goals matter.
Making a vision board can help you bring your goals together in one place. Add words, pictures, or reminders that inspire you, then put it somewhere you’ll see it. Let it encourage you as you take one step at a time.
Those are my tips for now. I hope you found something here to take with you. You don’t have to change everything today. Choose one small habit and begin there.
A reminder: this is a safe space.