Do you feel like your life isn’t as good as it can be? We all want to live a fulfilling and meaningful life; a life that we can look back on and be proud of. If you feel like you’re falling short of living your best life, don’t worry — you can start today! It’s never too late to start living the life you want. If you’re ready to live your best life but you’re not sure how to start, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing tips for improving your life and making tomorrow better than yesterday.
Everyone deserves to live their best life, and there’s no time like the present to get started. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it!
How To Live Your Best Life Now
Make a list of things you want to change about your life
Are you feeling a bit uninspired by your daily routine? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people go through the motions, day after day, week after week, without really living each day to the fullest. But remember, it’s never too late to make a change! Starting with your daily habits, you can work toward creating a dream life that’s filled with good health, positivity, and meaningful purpose. Identify any bad habits that are holding you back and replace them with healthy ones that support your goals. Small changes in your daily life can have a big impact on you overall quality of life. If you’re ready for a change, here are some tips to help you live your best life now:
Finding your purpose.
Figuring out what makes your heart sing is like finding the perfect playlist for your soul. So, take a moment to tap into your passions and think about what gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning. Once you’ve got that fire burning, you’ll be amazed at how it fuels you to take steps toward creating a life that’s filled with purpose and joy. It’s time to ditch those snooze-worthy routines and make room for the things that truly light you up!
Prioritizing health.
Taking care of your mind and body is super important, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Your physical and mental health should be a top priority. Making small changes like eating more nutritious food, moving your body regularly, and getting enough rest can go a long way in helping you feel your best. Plus, when you feel good physically, you have mental capacity to tackle anything that comes your way!
Aiming for constant growth.
When it comes to personal growth, the key is to never stop learning and pushing yourself. It’s an ongoing process, so always be striving to learn and improve. Read books, take classes, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone regularly. By continuously growing and evolving, you’re adding value and meaning to your life. Trust me, the more you grow and evolve, the richer your life’s gonna be!
Figuring out your finances.
Let’s talk about money, because let’s face it, it’s a necessary evil. But here’s the thing, to avoid stressful money woes and embrace financial security, you have to get a grip on your finances. Start by making a budget (trust me, it’s not as boring as it sounds), save up money to help you reach your goals, and consider investing in your future. With these simple steps, you’ll be one step closer to taking charge of your financial journey.
Serving others.
Want to know a super simple way to boost your mood? Help others! Yup, it’s true. Whether you’re volunteering, donating to a cause you’re passionate about, or just being there for your loved ones, giving back is a surefire way to feel good and add meaning to your life. Plus, you never know what good things might come your way when you do.
Practicing Gratitude.
Here’s a little secret to boost your happiness – take a moment each day to appreciate the good stuff in life. A simple but powerful way to improve your life is to focus on the things you’re grateful for. Yup, just a few minutes of reflecting on the things that make you happy and grateful can dramatically shift your mindset to a more positive place. A positive mindset is essential to overall happiness.
Exercising More.
You know what they say, “Exercise not only gives you a rockin’ bod, but it also gives your brain a happy boost!” Exercise is not only good for your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. When you get active, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. So get out there and start moving!
Break down changes into smaller, more manageable goals
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget about taking time for yourself. But if you want to live your best life, it’s important to set aside time each day to do things that make you happy.
This doesn’t mean making a bunch of big changes all at once; instead, focus on taking small steps that will help bring you closer to your goals. For example, if you want to travel more, start by taking a weekend trip. If you want to eat healthier, add more fruits and vegetables to your next meal. Maybe you want to spend more time with friends and family; call them now and plan a get-together. And if you want to spend less time staring at screens and on social media (they really do drain your energy), put away your phone and take a nature walk.
Remember, even the smallest step forward is still a step in the right direction. Changes, no matter how small they might seem, can make a big difference in your life overall. So don’t wait; start living your best life now!
Create a plan of action to achieve those goals
To start living your best life now and achieve all of the goals you have set for yourself, you need to create a plan of action.
This can involve identifying what activities and habits are holding you back from reaching your full potential, as well as identifying steps you can take to begin living the life you want to live. For example, one key step might be finding more free time for yourself, whether by quitting a toxic job or establishing better sleep habits.
Additionally, focusing on personal growth through activities like learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby can help to boost your confidence and prepare you for success. Ultimately, the key to living your best life now is to start making small changes today that will lead you down the path toward a brighter tomorrow.
Stick to the plan and don’t give up
If you want to live your best life now and achieve all of your goals, it’s important to stick to a plan and not give up. Whether you’re setting daily goals or striving towards your ultimate dream, staying focused is crucial for success.
Despite the inevitable stress and anxiety that can come with any goal-driven lifestyle, it’s important to remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and learn to be resilient in the face of difficulty. This way you can navigate the ups and downs of life more confidently and eventually reach new heights.
If you’re looking to live your best life now rather than tomorrow, the key is to stay focused on your goals while also taking time to enjoy all of the wonderful things that make life worth living – from spending time with family and friends to getting lost in a good book or savoring a cup of coffee in your favorite cozy spot. After all, happiness is found not in chasing dreams but in enjoying each moment along the way!
Celebrate your accomplishments along the way
One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling life is to celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Whether it’s landing a new job, donating time or money to charity, or simply trying something new, it’s important to recognize and acknowledge all of the moments along your journey that show you’re doing well. This can help you stay motivated and inspired to continue working toward your goals. It can also help keep you grounded in the present moment, enjoying all of the small joys that life has to offer.
So, whether it’s big or small, always take some time to celebrate your successes. After all, they are what pave the way towards living your best life now!
Repeat as necessary
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. And that’s especially true when it comes to making positive changes in your life. Just like you can’t expect to become a master chef overnight, you can’t expect to completely transform your life after just one go. Change is a process, and it takes time, effort, and repetition to make lasting changes. That’s why one of the best ways to live your best life now is to start small and focus on one change at a time.
Once you’ve mastered that change, you can move on to the next one. And with each change you make, you’ll be one step closer to living your best life. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately – just keep going and repeating those positive changes until they become second nature. And before you know it, you’ll be living your best life now.
Y’all, I’m the first to admit that anytime someone tells me they used x,y,z site for getting this or that done more efficiently, I will head straight there to check it out. I have to know for myself! Yet, I don’t ever take the time to actually use and learn it because I’m onto the next best thing someone else recommended. And then my list of things to do, like this blog post, end up getting lost in the shuffle. It’s who I am and I’m doing my best to own it and change. If you are like me or maybe not as easily distracted as me, here are a few tips we can all use to help avoid online distractions.
How to Avoid Online Distractions
Many people are still working full time and schooling from home, but unlike in 2020, when everyone was getting so much more done and had more time on their hands than ever, most of us are back to the daily grind. We no longer have unlimited time to explore and discover new things online. We also don’t have to frequently check social, and news feeds to stay in-the-know. But if you’re like me, this habit isn’t one that you can quickly and easily break. Whether it’s part-time or full-time, many of us are still working from home. Here are a few of my tips to avoid online distractions so you can keep your productivity and focus on what you need to do.
Identifying Your Distractions
Let’s start with the most challenging part in eliminating your distractions, and it’s identifying what they are. When you try to work, take note of the things and ideas that keep your focus away. Is it a Facebook group discussion, sale online, an abandoned online shopping cart, or trending Twitter topics? Whatever it is, please write it down, and once done, look at your list and evaluate how to reduce or eliminate them.
Disable Notifications while Working or Studying
Pings and buzzes from notifications can easily distract you. There are ways to minimize their effect on your productivity. Silence the unnecessary notifications to stay focused during work or study time. If it is on your phone, disable it before you start to work, the same with computers and other gadgets—close distracting websites. One of the most distracting notifications comes from messenger apps and phone calls. It’s better to turn it off in the meantime or hide it somewhere far from your work area.
Set a Time Cap for Online Sessions
Take screen breaks. To increase productivity and avoid feeling burnout, create a balance between your online sessions and taking breaks. Destressing is essential but make sure that you are within a specific schedule. Perhaps, set it to a specific time, maybe 20 minutes for every hour work time. Spend it to stretch, grab a snack, drink coffee, or dance with your pups or kids.
Don’t go beyond the time you spend on breaks. Return immediately to your work to keep your routine on track and to keep you efficient.
Ask a Friend to Keep You Accountable
Seek accountability by asking someone to help you fight online distractions. It could be a friend, a sibling, or a roommate. Let them keep your phone while you’re working, or create a co-working area where you hold each other accountable to finish your work. Another way is also doing it online through a video call. You can study or work together while on Zoom. Just make sure to be true to your accountability goals.
Setting Aside Time for Answering and Reading Emails
Find ways to manage the time you spend answering and reading emails. How? Turn off email notifications. Allot time to clear up your inbox. A well-categorized inbox can lessen the time you spend scrolling through it. Organize and use folders for this. Use automated filtering. Lastly, set a specific number of minutes, and schedule an hour in a day when you can do an email task. So, create an email system that works best with your work schedule.
Changing your Workplace
If noise-canceling headphones are not working for you, relocate to another area conducive for working. Your workplace is a huge factor in your focus level. It covers inevitable external distractions like interruptions from other employees or your family. Studying or catching up on work in a coffee shop might sound like a good idea, but for many people it’s an environment that makes it difficult to manage distractions. Keep your door closed, clear the clutter before you start working or studying, and evaluate how your existing workplace affects your productivity. If you are still struggling, make sure to check out this blog I wrote to help you limit distractions when working from home.
Using Anti-Distraction Apps
While the worldwide web is a place to work, it’s also where significant distractions come from. There’s just a certain allure to current socializing technology like our favorite social media platforms, games, and many more. So, one of the best ways to combat online distraction is to use another technology against it. Build discipline with the help of anti-distraction apps that keep you stay on track. These apps will hopefully help you build a better routine.
How To Avoid Distractions During Online Classes
Turn Off Your Phone
If you’re like a lot of college students (or students of any age, really) who easily get distracted during online learning, silencing your phone or turning off notifications isn’t enough to avoid distractions. Instead, turn off your phone. This will make it easier to focus on the task at hand.
You can take it one step further and leave your phone where it’s out of reach. Out of sight, out of mind, right? This, a lot of times, works for people who struggle with paying attention when their phone is accessible, even if it’s turned off. You might even consider having one of your family members hold onto it for a specific period of time.
Take Frequent Breaks
No matter how well you’re able to concentrate on a task, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes hard to stay focused. Stay ahead of these dips in productivity by taking breaks. Your brain needs to rest, too! Research shows that even a short diversion can significantly improve focus
Best Anti Distraction Apps
Here are some of the focus apps that surely help to avoid getting distracted. These are tools that give options as far as distraction blocking apps is concerned:
Works on all your devices at the same time, so you can block your computer and phone and iPad all at the same time and not be distracted by a different device. Minimal cost of $9/month for all devices or you can choose yearly for about $3.50/month. (Personally this is what I use)
The Pro version is a one time purchase of $39 and you have it forever. Impossible to get out of the blocker once you start until the time is seen through or specific task is complete.
Free browser extension but it is only available for Firefox, so if you want to use other browsers to distract, you can do so.
Hopefully this helps you free yourself from the digital distractions we all find ourselves getting into, and you find on of the anti distraction options helps you become more productive. Afterall, we all have the same hours in the day, and it’s important you make the best use of the most valuable resource – time.
Social media has changed our lives in many ways, many of which are beyond our imagination. It affects our buying habits and purchase decisions. Over time, it has also evolved into a new kind of marketing. Nowadays, it’s all about digital marketing or, more specifically, influencer marketing. And this modernized version of digital marketing is remarkably effective.
Quality content is king, or so they say, and the use of it by social media influencers to influence the public is growing by leaps and bounds. But who are these influencers anyway? An influencer can be a social media personality, celebrity, blogger, or industry expert. Social media is a platform that influencers utilize to increase their reach and their influence. By uploading content, both sponsored and not, on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and many more emerging platforms, these influencers can establish authority and authenticity.
Influencers have become useful tools in the marketing strategies of business owners. Although we typically see influencers marketing for small and medium businesses, large, big-name businesses have been known to use influencers as well.
Influencer marketing is considered a combination of traditional and modern marketing strategies. A particular celebrity or personality endorses a product or a service using online or modern-day marketing campaigns. This unique type of online marketing creates a mutually beneficial relationship for influencers and brands. For example, a beauty cosmetics blogger with millions of followers tagging a startup lipstick company in a review of their lipsticks creates traction for the business while the influencer benefits from free lipstick.
A 2019 influencer marketing report by MediaKix claimed that 17% of companies allot more than half of their marketing budget to influencer marketing campaigns and that it grows by 5000% each month. Even more astounding, approximately 92% of marketers believe that influencer marketing is the most effective kind at the moment!
Businesses work with influencers to improve their brand recognition. In this day and digital age, it’s crucial to build a successful relationship with at least one influencer because of the sheer number of people on social media. With massive amounts of followers, influencers are considered to have the power, knowledge, and position that affects the decisions of their audience. And their followers care about the opinion of influencers. This dynamic is what drew brands to influencers to begin with. Plus, once a long-term partnership is developed, brands often begin considering the creative ideas of influencers regarding how they incorporate the brand in their content. However, brands can’t fully impose their marketing strategies if it’s not aligned with the branding of the influencers.
To develop and maintain a good reputation, your brand needs to build a good relationship with influencers. News travels fast, and it’s all about content and branding these days. So, how do you go about it? Where do you start? Based on my experiences, I’m sharing insider tips on how to build relationships with influencers. Let’s get into it.
How to Build Relationships with Influencers
Whether it’s a short-term or long-term collaboration, setting a good relationship with influencers can help you gain more benefits like authentic endorsements, sustainable brand recognition, and consistent market user engagement. Here are the tips that will help you build relationships with influencers.
Identify Influencers in Your Industry
To get to your target audience, you have to know how to find the best people to help you build brand awareness. In looking for influencers in your industry, consider the following steps:
Specify your branding objective. Outline what you want to establish through brand awareness and brand identity.
Know your marketing objective. Set an influencer marketing plan that specifies the type of campaign you want to focus on. is it sponsored content, affiliates, brand ambassadors, or gifting.
Research who is famous in your niche. Use keywords, hashtags, and industry-related terms to know who is getting engagement in your industry.
Research Influencers Your Competitors Collaborate With. Find out who is helping your rivals make traction in their online presence and note their strategies.
Consider the Influencer’s Authority. Look at the quality of their content. Does it get a lot of engagement, followers, and higher website rank?
Provide Value to Your Influencers
Just like any other relationship, the brand-influencer kind takes two to tango. Brands shouldn’t only focus on their gains. You should make sure that the influencer will get good value out of your collaboration too.
A good strategy example is offering giveaways to the influencer and their audience. Always consider their audience. Giveaways and contests are win-win marketing for you and the influencer who will boost their followers and engagements.
Provide them with great exposure. If you have other marketing platforms like newsletters or blogs, feature them to create new fans.
Create online events that highlight the brand and the influencer, whether they’re macro or micro-influencers. This tactic also helps them get more awareness and brand identity.
Following All Social Media Profiles of Your Influencers
By following their social media profiles, you show support, which helps them strengthen their credibility. It’s also easier to tag them when you follow them.
Treating Your Influencers as Collaborators
As a collaborator, allow influencers to give marketing input. Let them have their creative freedom. In addition, they have insights into what your target audience wants and need. Communicate with them with a personal message.
Provide Appropriate Compensation
To foster long-term relationships with influencers, you have to remember that you’re both building your brands. So, provide compensation that aligns with both your branding. It can be cash, personal exposure, or experience. If you’re a travel and hospitality brand, then you can offer free travel to influencers.
Sharing Your Influencers’ Content
It’s a give-and-take relationship. So, share influencer posts with your network. They’ll appreciate it and most likely respond positively to our requests.
You, as a brand, and the influencers, have a term partnership. It would be best if you approach influencers as a collaborator. It is not an employer-employee relationship. Create opportunities to connect with them on the creative side and make sure that those are mutually beneficial. It’s your mutual goals that are the core of how you build relationships with influencers.
As each new season approaches, it’s important to take a look at what you wear most often, what can carry over into the next season, and what may no longer work for you. That’s why I thought it was important today to talk about a few must-have summer essentials for women!
I prefer to have a few capsule items that work for all seasons, which I keep in rotation and have a few different variations to work with.
Also – summer for me may be a bit different or longer then where you live, because Arizona starts to get summer temps around May and doesn’t end until about October or November.
Another thing to note, my wardrobe essentials sometimes blend together because it’s so hot outside and the air conditioners are so cold inside, that it’s necessary to have a summer uniform with a sweater from winter.
Summer Essentials for Women
I keep it light, bright, and airy! And sometimes mix in some saturated colors to give a little variety.
Most summer days, you can find me in a white t shirt, a tank top, denim shorts, rompers/jumpsuits, skirts, or a maxi dress with a slit to allow for air flow!
For nights and the indoors with cool air conditioning, I keep a denim jacket or lightweight cardigan or kimono handy. Sometimes you can sneak in a pair of white jeans with ballet flats or heel sandals and stay cool.
And when I’m outside or around the pool, it’s a straw hat because I’ve done enough damage to my skin!
Because the kiddos are home in the summer, and have swim lessons at least once a week, while still maintaining all of our other activities a hat is necessary. On the note of swim lessons, a crossbody bag is a staple to carry everything. With super hot temps, my wardrobe essentials are usually on repeat weekly!
– I probably own about 5 of the same white t shirt because it transitions so well and is lightweight.
A white tee is so easy to pair with so many things, and can be taken from morning to night. My favorite way to wear a white tee is with a pair of skinny jeans and ballet flats. These are summer wardrobe staples for me.
– The next thing I always stock up on are easy graphic tanks and tees.
They are good layering pieces when it’s time to put on a sweater or denim jacket but stand alone as a casual outfit option. I love these for summer fashion but also to cross over from spring into fall.
– Air conditioning is no joke when temps are over 100 outside so having a good jean jacket, kimono, or lightweight cardigan are a must!
Here is a post with some of my favorites!
– I don’t have a ton of denim shorts. But the ones I do have are on repeat!
I like to have a distressed pair for casual outfits and then a rolled pair for a dressy outfit. I recently got this pair of white denim jean shorts I’m in love with!
– A small variation of shorts I wear so often is bike shorts.
They have become super popular this year and you can buy them in just about every color of the rainbow. I did a whole blog post on them for you to check out my favorites here. These are so perfect and ideal for summer style but also work well from spring into fall with a sweater.
– Skirts are high on the list, right along with shorts.
They allow a quick, effortless outfit that can be dressed up or down, and usually transition well into the other seasons. I either do an above the knee fit or a maxi skirt that has a slit or can be tied to ensure airflow happens! Check out some of my faves here.
– I’m so glad jumpsuits and rompers have made a comeback from the 90’s!
As a kid, and for my girls, they were the easiest outfit to throw on and go out the door. If I’m being honest, I sometimes find it hard to fit into a jumpsuit or romper properly these days because I am not the same size in tops and bottoms. Typically, I’m a Small or oversized Medium in tops and a tight Medium or Large in bottoms. That doesn’t stop my hunt for some of my favorite jumpsuits and rompers though! Keep reading to see some of my favorites!
– The most popular outfit I probably wear is a dress if I’m being honest.
Dresses are the absolute easiest outfit for summer, I think. My youngest, Finlee, is obsessed with dresses so much so that I don’t know why I have shorts or tee shirts for her 🙁 Dresses on their own are an outfit, but also can be layered with a denim jacket or a cardigan so easily! A shirt dress is one example that I wear a different variation of each week. Make sure to check out my post here on all of my favorite summer dresses.
– We all know I love my fair share of sneakers (peep that blog post here) but sandals are a close second in my eyes for summer.
Wedges and strappy heels have also been known to make quite an appearance because they do take an outfit up the extra notch. When I’m on the go doing Mom life or managing our rental properties, sandals and flats are necessary!
– Because I’m on the go so often with the kids, it’s important I have a bag that carries everything!
When we travel, I use a carryall tote that usually ends up more full with the girls’ things than my own. Same for summer.
The most important part of a summer wardrobe is being able to mix and match the pieces together. Because there’s such a drastic change from inside to outside, or when you travel to a different climate than you are used to, making sure you have a versatile wardrobe is important. Here are a few style tips for you to choose from or draw inspiration for your own summer wardrobe.
Summer Outfit Ideas
Casual Flower Skirt Outfit
I love embodying the spirit of casual summer with my effortlessly chic floral-print skirt and gray tank top combination. The lightweight fabric ensures I stay comfortable even when the summer heat is at its peak. For a stylish touch on cooler evenings, I throw on a blue denim jacket to elevate my ensemble and provide an extra layer of warmth.
Tie-dye Dress Outfit
:This summer, I’m embracing my bold side with my vibrant and colorful tie-dye dress, rather than a classic white dress. This tie-dye dress is a key piece in my summer capsule wardrobe. The eye-catching pattern and lightweight material make it the perfect choice for outdoor festivals, lively parties, or simply soaking up the sun. I can’t wait to showcase my unique style and flair with this stunning dress.
Pink Beach Outfit
I’ve often reveled in the warmth of summer with my vibrant pink beach outfit. It features a large pink t-shirt, sun hat, and stylish flip flops. The cheerful color and airy fabrics keep me cool and fashionable as I enjoy long summer days by the shore.
Geometric Pattern Blue Bodysuit Outfit
Every time I wear this geometric pattern blue bodysuit I’ve turned heads! It’s perfect for poolside lounging or a fun night out. The unique design and flattering fit make it a chic and comfortable option for any summer occasion. Complete the look with a pair of white sneakers or a straw bag for added style and flair.
Striped Romper Outfit
The versatile striped romper is a must-have addition to my summer wardrobe essentials. Its easy-to-wear design and breathable summer clothing material make it ideal for beach trips, backyard barbecues, or casual outings. I accentuate the look with a cozy red cardigan, adding a pop of color and warmth on those cooler summer nights.
What is your favorite summer outfit idea or staple? What is your favorite outfit or look? I’d love to know if I left something out so please let me know if I’m missing out on something!
I often think about how so many of us wait for happiness to find us. We spend so much time worrying about things that may or may not happen that it can feel like problems are never-ending. We assume (and hope) that something good will come along and make us happy while we worry our life away. Does this sound familiar? Do you wake up, go about house chores, work tasks, obligations, and responsibilities in relationships like a robot, without feeling any sense of joy? Like you’re rushing to get through each thing so that you can move onto the next, just to continue the cycle? Maybe you’re easily swayed by disappointments and self-doubts, which often leaves you feeling overwhelmed with stress and worries.
Knowing this, you might have taken precious time to pause, relax, and take a break in hopes of sparking joy. You allow yourself to feel unadulterated true happiness. You try to hold on to it and find ways to sustain it. But it doesn’t last and you’re once again trying to figure out what makes people happy so that you can experience it for longer than a moment. Trying to find what makes you happy can be frustrating and confusing. The idea of happiness is different for everyone, so you have to forge your path and define what it takes to be satisfied. So, today I’m sharing some tips and tricks to find what makes you happy.
How to Find What Makes You Happy
Happiness comes in many forms and many ways. It could be a memory of past summers, a good book, a fantastic pair of jeans, that red pumps you’ve been eyeing since winter, a decadent chocolate cake, clean bedsheets, the laughter of your kids, finishing a presentation, spending time with friends and family, your spouse, your life, etc. It is a tailored fit for every person. HOWEVER, I’m sharing ways to help you find what makes you happy in life.
Thinking About What Happiness Means to You
Sometimes, it’s easy to mold your goals with what you see from other people, especially with social media, where almost everyone projects their lives in terms of images and videos. There’s always the tendency to compare who has more, who has less, and you get caught in the middle of showing your own life. It can be dangerous at times, especially if comparing yourself to others becomes a threat to your mental health. But I challenge you to pay attention to the less obvious things. Ask yourself if what you see is their source of happiness? Are they genuinely delighted? Is that what happiness means to them? Comparison is the thief of joy, and I’m pretty guilty of that sometimes. It’s inevitable, I believe. But, there are ways to go around that.
Think of what happiness means to you. Is it something you get when buying new clothes, shoes, bags? Assess yourself if it’s something you get from being of service to other people to the community or spending time with your loved ones. I suggest that you write it down. Listen to some music and get into making a list of memories that bring you joy. From there, find a pattern. What’s important in life for you? What does your happiness look like based on what you listed? From there, think about what changes you can make in your schedule, lifestyle so you can easily tap your happy thoughts when things are getting rough and tough.
Be your authentic self when doing this. True happiness will only come when you sincerely understand how it truly moves you. Not what other people feel. Just you.
Take Detailed Notes When You Feel Happy
It involves another journalling, but this time, you don’t write anything from the past. You take note of moments you encounter at present. For example, you discovered a new ice cream flavor, and it makes you smile genuinely, or perhaps a scenic photo of the French Riviera you’ve seen while having coffee. Get your journal or your notes app on your phone and write them down.
I also suggest that you create a rating system. How does that particular moment fare in your happy scale? Is it relaxed, kind of content, or incandescently happy?
Do this, and believe me that your future self will thank you for making a happy map for yourself.
Remember What Made You Happy as a Child
Let’s go back to your childhood. Some of the things that make us happy now as adults are somehow related to a memory of when we were kids. Do you enjoy strawberry milkshakes? Maybe because it reminded you about your ninth birthday when your mom took you to a diner where you both enjoyed a strawberry milkshake and some pancakes. As an adult, if that memory creates visceral happy feelings, then you can recreate that: a milkshake day with your mom again, or your spouse, or your kids.
We must tap our childhood memories to fill our happy tanks as adults. Kids can be easy to please, so looking back to what makes you happy as a child will remind you that sometimes, true happiness comes in the simplest of things, and most of the time, they make the most impact on your adult life.
Create your Happiness Plan
A theory in Psychology called the set-point theory of happiness says that the level at which we look at our wellbeing is based on the heredity and personality we developed as kids. However, another research suggests we can control and set our happiness the way we want it. So there’s no clear-cut scientific law. There are things we can take reign of, and there are those that we can never.
So, it’s time to bring in the planning part. Focus on what you can control and what feels good. Get your happiness plan started. Set up dinner dates with your favorite people, plan for a monthly getaway, schedule visits to a museum or a zoo, or save for a dress you’ve been eyeing for months.
Make Your Goals Realistic
Disappointments and frustrations can get the better of you sometimes. It usually happens when you’ve got no clue what you want to do and achieve, but this also occurs when you have a loaded to-do list, but it’s so long it overwhelms you instead of bringing clarity.
Whether it’s a short-term or long-term goal, build that from what sparks joy in you. What makes you feel happier? When you do it that way, your dreams become more meaningful. It brings out positive emotions such as contentment and a sense of achievement.
Questions to Discover What Makes You Happy
You can use some questions for a happiness journal prompt to help you understand yourself better and find what makes you happy.
What is your biggest motivation for getting up in the morning?
What are the three things you love about yourself?
What is the one place you have always wanted to travel to?
If you could do one thing without worrying about the cost or practicality, what would it be?
What is the best gift that you have ever received?
What is the best reaction you received after you gave them a gift?
Name someone from ten years ago that makes you smile.
What are the top three things that make you laugh out loud?
What are your goals for the next 20 days?
What are two movies that you never get tired of watching?
Answer these questions that will give you insights into how you view happiness. It’s unique, so there’s no right or wrong answer.
Is Happiness More Important Than Success?
Tricky question, right? There’s no doubt that the two are connected, but does happiness take precedence over success? Consider this: happy people tend to be more successful, whereas success doesn’t guarantee happiness. Happiness comes from finding joy in the everyday things. Success can certainly make you feel happy, but it’s only a matter of time until you’re back to your baseline and working toward your next achievement. All of this supports the idea that yes, happiness is more important than success, but the two are inextricably linked.
We can get so caught up in the daily stresses of life that we often forget to take a pause and think about what matters. With the tips above and these questions, you can start mapping out your ultimate happiness mission.
Whether it’s a job interview, launching your business, meeting someone on a date for the first time, or raising kids, we’ve all been there. We questioned our ability to make the right decision. Self-doubt usually floods our thoughts when we’re in a challenging or new situation. In my experience, it manifests through worrying, panicking, and selling myself short.
When you’re feeling like me and doubting your capabilities, it can feel like you’re in a battle with yourself. Sometimes you might have a voice in your head telling you that an opportunity is too good to be true, or that it’s something that doesn’t happen to the likes of you. You might hear yourself thinking:
“You’re just going to embarrass yourself.”
“You are not good enough.”
“You are bound to fail because you are not that smart.”
When you frequently deal with self doubt, leaving it unrealized and unchecked can be harrowing and dangerous. Cautiousness is not bad, but just like everything else, it can be harmful if overdone. When feelings of uncertainty are holding you hostage, you can miss opportunities by letting doubt overpower you. Even if you prefer your comfort zone, staying there will prevent you from reaching your full potential. So, this has to stop as early as possible. It will keep you stuck, with your time wasted and your chances possibly gone.
How to Stop Self-Doubt
So what causes it? Why is self-doubt a common occurrence?
Feelings of self doubt develop for a lot of reasons. One of the most common causes is past mistakes. Heartbreaks and work-related disappointments are an example of this. Somehow, when you experience frustrations, you try to build a wall to forestall future pains. Another cause is your upbringing which shaped your point-of-view, beliefs, habits, and personality. Fear of failure or success is a reason that is connected to comparing your life or performance with others. New challenges keep you on your toes in both your professional and personal life.
Even most experts experience self-doubt. The famous painter Vincent Van Gogh is said to be the epitome of self-doubt. He was posthumously recognized. I’ve read this quote by him “If you hear a voice within you say ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” His self-doubt is apparent in his works that show angst. It is often called the Imposter Syndrome, which is known to affect newbies and professionals alike. The internalized fear of not having the right skillsets and talents can make or break opportunities. I had my fair share of stories about this, and I’ll share with you some tips on how to stop self-doubt.
Stay in the Present
As I mentioned above, one possible cause of self-doubt is past experiences. When you’re in a relatively similar situation, an opportunity comes around, and your mind goes back to the past with apprehensions. What you can do is muster the courage to tell yourself STOP. Ground yourself and focus on what’s in the present moment. It is challenging but doable. You can save affirmations on your laptop or phone. It can be something you find on Pinterest or something you’ve written yourself. Examples of these are:
I am worthy.
I am enough.
I’ll start appreciating myself.
I’ll find prosperous ideas and efficiently act on them.
Aside from this, you can set up an inspiration board with photos of things and people that make you smile. Prepare your favorite snacks and play the music that makes you excited.
Change your Perspective about Mistakes
Mistakes are part and parcel of being human. We doubt our capabilities because we want to give our best, and we don’t leave any room for mistakes. What you need to remember is that it’s a solid ground for improvement and growth. Learning curves is essential in understanding life better. Everyone’s authentic self comes with unpopular decisions and wrong choices made.
Call Out Your Inner Critic
Your doubt is not the absolute truth. Challenge your reasons, practice self compassion, and be your good friend. If your inner critic is rearing its not-so-pretty head, write it a letter. Tell that voice that you’re in control and you are taking the reigns.
Embrace Discomfort
New things, new situations, new people can make you feel weird and uncomfortable. It’s part of growth. So, use that feeling as a gauge of your improvement. Maybe keep a journal where you list down what you’re feeling, then check your progress at the end of the week or month. Adjust your standard. Embrace learning. If you’re new to the position, then strive to be the best newbie there is. Spend time to set a timetable, then adjust your following goals.
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to others is inevitable at times. It’s part of human nature to take a peek at what other people have accomplished, what they gained, what they’re doing. Often, you forget that everyone has their path, and you can’t control some things. However, you can control what you feel and how you will act on something. It won’t change overnight, but as soon as you begin consciously trying to stop comparing yourself to others, you’ll begin to see that it is possible to overcome self doubt.
Try Journaling
Journaling is an under-utilized practice that is proven to improve your well-being. When you think of ways to practice self-care, journaling isn’t probably something you thought of right away, if even at all. But there are too many benefits to not at least give it a chance. As you work on overcoming self-doubt, try incorporating journaling into your daily routine. It can be as simple as writing down a few things you’re thankful for as soon as you wake up. You can also use it to gain a better understanding of where your feelings of self doubt stem from by writing down the situations that cause you to doubt yourself the most and identifying a potential pattern.
Remember That Progress is Not Linear
Some days, you ran out of creative ideas and plateau, and there are days when it’s abundant. Progress is the same, highs and lows, and often, this is not what you see on social media. It’s the winning seasons that take over almost everyone’s news feed, but it’s an open secret that life is not without bumps and humps. So, yes, it’s okay to be frustrated but always remember to pick your thoughts up. Accept that progress is complex. There are things about it that you can work on, and there are those that you can’t. Just keep on putting yourself out there. And embrace the imperfections of progress. Look at it as an adventure.
Seek Help if Needed
If you think working on your own is no longer cutting it, don’t hesitate to ask for support from a family member, friends, mentors, coaches, or a mental health specialist. Self-doubt can sometimes get the better of you, but that can be addressed.
However, for all the negative connotations linked to self-doubt, it also serves its purpose in self-actualization. When you doubt your abilities, you can turn that struggle into an opportunity to learn. When there’s a job opening that you’ve been eyeing for years, self-doubt motivates you to prepare. It keeps you learning because it opens your mind to possible vulnerabilities. Humility is another positive outcome of healthy self-doubt. It keeps you grounded and more attuned to situations and the people around you. In a turnabout way, it helps you build confidence.
Doubt is an essential part of living but don’t give it power. It’s in taking courage, in believing yourself, in stepping out of your comfort zone that you are truly living deeply.
Figuring out what makes your heart sing is like finding the perfect playlist for your soul. So, take a moment to tap into your passions and think about what gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning. Once you’ve got that fire burning, you’ll be amazed at how it fuels you to take steps toward creating a life that’s filled with purpose and joy. It’s time to ditch those snooze-worthy routines and make room for the things that truly light you up!
To start living your best life now and achieve all of the goals you have set for yourself, you need to create a plan of action.
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. And that’s especially true when it comes to making positive changes in your life. Just like you can’t expect to become a master chef overnight, you can’t expect to completely transform your life after just one go. Change is a process, and it takes time, effort, and repetition to make lasting changes. That’s why one of the best ways to live your best life now is to start small and focus on one change at a time.
work, take note of the things and ideas that keep your focus away. Is it a Facebook group discussion, sale online, an abandoned online shopping cart, or trending Twitter topics? Whatever it is, please write it down, and once done, look at your list and evaluate 
taking breaks. Destressing is essential but make sure that you are within a specific schedule. Perhaps, set it to a specific time, maybe 20 minutes for every hour work time. Spend it to stretch, grab a snack, drink coffee, or dance with your pups or kids. 
book, a fantastic pair of jeans, that red pumps you’ve been eyeing since winter, a decadent chocolate cake, clean bedsheets, the laughter of your kids, finishing a presentation, spending time with friends and family, your spouse, your life, etc. It is a tailored fit for every person. HOWEVER, I’m sharing ways to help you find what makes you happy in life.
of moments you encounter at present. For example, you discovered a new ice cream flavor, and it makes you smile genuinely, or perhaps a scenic photo of the French Riviera you’ve seen while having coffee. Get your journal or your notes app on your phone and write them down. 
please, so looking back to what makes you happy as a child will remind you that sometimes, true happiness comes in the simplest of things, and most of the time, they make the most impact on your adult life.
It can be something you find on Pinterest or something you’ve written yourself. Examples of these are:
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