Changing your habits can have an enormous impact on how you live. It may be something small, like sitting up straight, or it can be something big, like moving to a new city. Whatever it is, it’s worth trying. These best self-help tips can help you do just that.
Not a reader? Try watching these inspiring TV shows and movies about people overcoming adversity.
1. Change your habits
Changing your habits is key to becoming more productive. However, this is easier said than done. The first step is to identify the habit you want to change and understand it by examining its cue, routine and reward.
Creating new habits can be difficult, especially when life gets in the way. But that doesn’t mean you should give up. Instead, try “habit stacking,” a strategy that involves adding one new good habit to your existing routine.
A few good examples include working out while waiting for your coffee to brew or taking a quick walk on your lunch break. For more helpful tips, read James Clear’s book Atomic Habits.
2. Be brave
Courage can make a huge difference in your personal and professional life. It means taking risks and pursuing bold goals even if you’re scared. It also means accepting that failure may happen and using that as motivation to try again.
Fear can hold you back from being courageous, but it’s important to remember that not all fears are the same. If your fears are based on doubt or unlikely consequences, it might be okay to ignore them. Otherwise, listen to your gut and heed your instincts.
It’s also helpful to seek out role models who have displayed courage in their own lives. Their stories can inspire you to unlock your own potential.
3. Set goals
The most popular self-help books often center around the idea that “if you can envision it, you can achieve it.” While this is a great mantra to live by, it’s important to actually set goals and work to achieve them.
Be sure your goals are specific and measurable. “Eat more fruits and vegetables” is more useful than the vague goal of “be healthier.”
It also helps to break your goals into manageable stages. Having benchmarks and celebrating milestones are great motivational tools. It’s also helpful to treat failure as a learning experience rather than punishment. This allows you to keep moving forward toward your goal.
4. Get out of your comfort zone
People often stay in their comfort zone to avoid feelings of anxiety or stress. However, staying in a comfort zone can keep them from achieving their personal growth goals and living the life they want to lead.
To get out of your comfort zone, try to do one thing every day that makes you uncomfortable. This could include taking a cold shower, waking up early, or even calling your mother on the phone.
If you find that the fear of doing new things is stopping you from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, think about some of your biggest achievements. Chances are, the path to those moments was challenging.
5. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill will stretch your mind and help improve your focus. It can be something as simple as learning a language or as complicated as cooking, dancing or web design.
Start by determining why you want to learn a new skill. It could be to pass the time, reduce stress or boost your career.
Find a class or tutor to teach you the skills you need. If you’re a visual learner, watch a video on the subject and copy what you see. Also, be sure to ditch the multitasking and stick with one new skill until you master it. This will increase your chances of success.
6. Take care of yourself
Self-care can seem like a luxury in today’s hectic world. After all, it often involves pampering, which can require a day off or money to travel to an exotic location. But it’s important to make time for yourself and improve your self-care skills, even if that means taking small steps.
For example, try journaling in the morning. This exercise can help you identify harmful thought patterns and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It can also boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment. It doesn’t have to be boring, either! You can also practice self-care by removing things that drain your energy.