How Can You Make Your Life Better?


How Can You Make Your Life Better?
Do you sometimes feel like you are 'stuck'? Do you ever have moments where you sit and feel as though nothing is really happening for you and that life is moving forward but you are not advancing or achieving?

If you answer yes to any of these questions or ever have similar thoughts, then chances are you are not really going where you want to in life and the path you are on is not the one you truly want to be on. It is time to re-evaluate yourself, your life, your goals and your dreams and get all obstacles out of the way (or at least sort them out) that are impinging on your life. Most of us feel this way at one time or another and it is quite normal. However, how you react to this feeling will affect you and your future. Negativity and not being able to 'let things go' will stop you from freeing up your positive energy and concentrate on the good things.

There are many reasons for us feeling as though we are not going anywhere: lack of resources; not having enough money, enough time, lack of motivation; being too tired, not having any real drive, feeling unappreciated, the list goes on. If you lack resources or motivation, this is still not a reason to give up on yourself or your goals.

Lacking resources?

  • Sit yourself down and write a list of all of the things you think you have to do each week. Be realistic and put these things into two columns. One column is MUST-DO'S and the other column is CAN WAIT. For example, cleaning the house does not have to be done every week, this is usually a condition we place on ourselves and one most of us could relax a little about. Better still, if you can afford it, get a cleaner to come once a fortnight.

  • Take a good look at this list once finished and see if you can move any of the 'must-dos' into the 'can wait' category.

  • If you have kids to look after then see if there are other parents, your own parents or friends who can help you out by minding your children every now and again. Don't be frightened to ask. See if you can form a child-minding club with other parents so that there is a roster of sorts; this will help you plan for when you will have free time. Then use that free time to work on the things that you want which will help your life feel more enriched.

  • If money is what you are lacking, then invest in a visit to a financial planner - especially if figures are not your thing. Money and financial issues can be the reason for many a broken relationship or cause us to get incredibly depressed. However again, this is about you taking control. Feeling depressed and helpless WILL NOT help the situation get any better. So many people think that they cannot stretch their budget any further and that is very often not the case. Having someone cross-examine your expenditure can be very enlightening.

    As clichéd as this may sound, where there is a will, there truly is a way.

    Lacking Motivation?

    Don't give up on your goals or on yourself! Having time alone is often under-rated and honestly is something we should all try to do at least once a fortnight. Even if it is only a few hours, these moments can help to refresh your outlook and fulfill you with inspiration.

  • Fill your day with positive affirmations. Saying things to yourself, in your mind, such as "I am calm and relaxed", "I am happy", "I feel fantastic!" These things can and do help.

  • Never forget to smile! Smiling eases tension and having a good laugh is so good for us all.

  • Exercising increases the release of endorphins, which help to lift your mood. The hardest part can be putting on your runners and getting out that door. But trust me, it is so good for you and once you have done it - you will know why you should keep exercising. Start with a little each day and build on it. Walking, jogging, cycling, gardening, dancing ... all of these things will help to change your mood.

  • Exercising` or being involved in a hobby or belonging to a club where you are involved in activities allows you a chance to clear your mind by concentrating on something else. This will help you to return to re-evaluating your life and goals all the time with a fresh approach.

    Try not to get too involved in other people's problems. You can still be a good listener and offer gentle advice and constructive criticism, just try to avoid taking on their pain or becoming too attached to their problem. This can be very detrimental to your health and state-of-mind and in turn can hold you back from moving forward and reaching goals.

    Learn what it is that motivates you and then surround yourself and immerse yourself in it. Having a positive attitude is the key to reaching and attaining goals. To help motivate yourself even further, focus and continually remind yourself of the benefits that will come from working towards and reaching the goal/s you have set. Reward yourself as you go along for sticking to plans and let yourself feel the happiness of accomplishment.

    Sometimes to achieve our goals we must work that little bit harder and do a bit more than is usually necessary. So aim high and don't be afraid to take on new challenges.

    Last but not least, we will all have days where no matter what we will be unable to motivate or cheer ourselves up; simply nothing will work. This is ok too. Recognise this day, don't dwell on it and don't be too hard on yourself.

    "Effective people are not problem-minded; they're opportunity-minded. They feed opportunities and starve problems." - Quote from Stephen Covey


    - Michelle Palmer
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