10 steps for a happier life

Reverting to some basics has worked for me and can work for you.

Photo by John Towner on Unsplash

The halfway point of the year is one month away.

Ask yourself two questions.

How have you developed in the first half of the year? And how do you want to develop in the second half?

If you find yourself struggling, or you’re stuck in a rut, start small. Revert to some basic steps. Before you know it, positive energy will emerge. A new you will be born. Never get bored with the basics. They bring consistency and help lead to clarity.

Here are 10 small actionable steps that have helped me. Build a few into your daily routine, and I guarantee you they’ll help you. Commit for the next 30 days. Watch them become habits over the final six months. Then sit back in amazement at how much you will have evolved by the New Year.

1. Make up your bed: I’m a believer. It builds discipline, routine, organization and a sense of achievement. Starting the day completing this task sparks the desire to check another box.

2. Drink more water: Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and strangers have seen me lugging around a gallon jug. Some crack jokes. I don’t care. My gallon keeps me adequately hydrated and helps me avoid buying cold beverages from the corner store.

3. Exercise on a schedule: Pick a routine. Any routine. It could be once a week, twice a week or seven days a week. But commit to a schedule. I go to the gym Monday through Friday in part because I don’t like mentally gearing up after taking a weekday off. It’s also built consistency into my schedule and greatly improved my mood and energy.

4. Take a daily walk: I’ve dedicated a column to my love of walking. They do wonders for me, mentally and physically. Most of all, they help me clear my head. Often, I’ll come up with ideas. All it takes is a 20-minute walk to refocus and feel replenished.

5. Track your spending: Monitor your purchases. Look at where your money is going. That’s all you have to do. Be consistent and the rest will take care of itself based on how you feel about what you see.

6. Donate to charity: There are many ways to donate. You can use your time, talent or treasure and give back daily, weekly or monthly. I committed to tithing at the start of the year as my first step. I feel good that a percentage of my income is going to a good cause rather than temporary pleasures.

7. Give up alcohol/pop: They’re two of the unhealthiest beverages and among the costliest depending on your consumption. Yet they’re the most normalized. Wean off the bad stuff and it becomes easier to drink more water. The benefits of switching are abundant. Are you ready to experience those benefits?

8. Give up fast food/prepare meals: Buy groceries. Cook them. Eat them. Rinse. Repeat. It’s not hard. It’s a choice. It’s cheaper, healthier and doesn’t have to take long or carry major clean-up. Find a system that works for you.

9. Read: I’m not a good reader. But audiobooks have saved me. Now there’s no excuse. I can listen while walking, driving, exercising, cooking, cleaning and traveling. It’s exposed me to information I ignored for too long. If you complete two audiobooks a month through the end of the year, that’s 14 books. Are you down for the challenge?

10. Journal: Don’t rely on memory or might. Jot down your days. Chronicle your adventures. Let out your angst. Putting it down has a funny way of providing perspective. It fosters an attitude of gratitude and often is a reminder that no matter what we’re going through in life there’s a lot to be thankful for.