Take Baby Steps
Sometimes minor acts can yield big results. You can set achievable goals, leading to a more fulfilling and productive autumn season.
Fall Into a Better You
The end of the year will be here in just a few short months. Making changes in your routine can help you feel more in control and more satisfied with your life, but be careful. Setting big goals can sometimes feel overwhelming. The key to self renewal is establishing small steps that lead to a big outcome. Use some of the ideas below as inspiration.
Big Goals vs. Small Mindful Steps
– Big goal: Read a novel
– Small step: Read short stories
Have you had trouble finishing novels from your book bucket list? If so, don’t worry! Put aside that novel that you’ve restarted a thousand times and pick up a book of essays or an anthology of short stories instead. In our busy world completing a whole book can be difficult. Focusing on one short story or essay at a time is an easier goal!
– Big goal: Go to the gym three days a week
– Small step: Going for a walk
Be honest. When’s the last time you used your gym membership? If going to the gym fills you with dread, start taking baby steps like using weights at home or going for a walk. Set aside one hour every day for a brisk walk. Walk through your neighborhood a couple of times, walk around the local park, or take a walk break when you’re at work. Once exercise is a fully established part of your routine going to the gym won’t seem that bad.
– Big goal: Put aside $1,000 for savings
– Small step: Save $28 per week
Have you been meaning to save more money for retirement, your children’s college fund, or your dream vacation? Having trouble getting started? There are great Mindful saving plans that will help you slowly save money over time. For instance, you can do the “seven-day dollar cycle.” On Monday, save $1 and on Tuesday, save $2. Continue this pattern and by Sunday you’ll be up to $7. The following Monday you’ll repeat the whole process over again by saving just $1. With this seven-day cycle, you’ll save $28 per week. If you do this every week starting now until the end of the year, you’ll save almost $400.
– Big goal: Quit a bad habit
– Small step: Set limits for yourself
Whether it’s eating unhealthy foods or wasting time on the internet, quitting a bad habit cold turkey can be a challenge. Instead, consider taking a smaller step like setting limits for yourself. Allow yourself to enjoy one of your not-so-healthy foods per week. Or limit you web surf time to one hour per day. Slowly over time, you can wean yourself out of these bad habits much easier.
Bonus. Looking for more self-love tips? Try this Mindful Beginner’s Guide!