Summary
Small changes can have big payoffs such as increased motivation, confidence, and happiness.
Does your life feel routine or even kind of dull? Are you in need of a change? Before you change partners, quit your career or get a tattoo, why not make a smaller change first?
Even small changes can have big payoffs. These include boosts in motivation, confidence and happiness.
Cultivate awareness
Think about what bores or frustrates you lately. Be careful—everyone feels bored now and then, but often the feelings pass. If, however, dissatisfaction persists, brainstorm healthy ways to use small changes to restore your contentment. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Bored with your workout:
- Listen to a podcast or change your music.
- Hire a personal trainer for just a session or two.
- Recruit a new exercise buddy.
- Try a new class.
Tired of your surroundings:
- Rearrange the furniture in a room at home or try a new paint color.
- Add a plant or other permissible decoration to your office.
- Find a new route to drive to work, shop, carpool the kids, etc.
- Eat one of your meals in a different chair or room and use your best dishes.
Relationships need a boost:
- Strive to get to know just one co-worker better.
- Sneak a love note into your significant other’s lunch bag or briefcase.
- Take one of your children out on a “date”—just the two of you.
- Establish a family game night.
- Buy someone flowers just for the fun of it.
- Take an evening stroll with your partner once a week.
Frustrated with your appearance:
- Try a subtle change in hairstyle or color, even if you just change how you part it.
- Bring one new color into your wardrobe.
- Experiment with a new shade of lipstick or other makeup.
- Grow a beard or moustache.
- Overweight? Find 150 calories to take out of your daily diet. You could lose 15 pounds in a year.
- Add one fruit and one vegetable to your daily diet. You’ll feel and look better.
Just plain bored:
- Explore a new hobby, class, musical instrument, etc.
- Read a new category of books.
- Plan a hike or weekend getaway.
- Watch at least one sunrise and sunset each week or month.
- Check out a new restaurant, film, concert, etc.
- Volunteer at a local nursing home, soup kitchen or other place of need.
- Begin an exercise program if you’ve been sedentary. Start by walking 10 minutes, three times a week.
Some of these suggestions may involve smaller changes than others. Remember, even small changes can benefit you.
Summary
Small changes can have big payoffs such as increased motivation, confidence, and happiness.
Does your life feel routine or even kind of dull? Are you in need of a change? Before you change partners, quit your career or get a tattoo, why not make a smaller change first?
Even small changes can have big payoffs. These include boosts in motivation, confidence and happiness.
Cultivate awareness
Think about what bores or frustrates you lately. Be careful—everyone feels bored now and then, but often the feelings pass. If, however, dissatisfaction persists, brainstorm healthy ways to use small changes to restore your contentment. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Bored with your workout:
- Listen to a podcast or change your music.
- Hire a personal trainer for just a session or two.
- Recruit a new exercise buddy.
- Try a new class.
Tired of your surroundings:
- Rearrange the furniture in a room at home or try a new paint color.
- Add a plant or other permissible decoration to your office.
- Find a new route to drive to work, shop, carpool the kids, etc.
- Eat one of your meals in a different chair or room and use your best dishes.
Relationships need a boost:
- Strive to get to know just one co-worker better.
- Sneak a love note into your significant other’s lunch bag or briefcase.
- Take one of your children out on a “date”—just the two of you.
- Establish a family game night.
- Buy someone flowers just for the fun of it.
- Take an evening stroll with your partner once a week.
Frustrated with your appearance:
- Try a subtle change in hairstyle or color, even if you just change how you part it.
- Bring one new color into your wardrobe.
- Experiment with a new shade of lipstick or other makeup.
- Grow a beard or moustache.
- Overweight? Find 150 calories to take out of your daily diet. You could lose 15 pounds in a year.
- Add one fruit and one vegetable to your daily diet. You’ll feel and look better.
Just plain bored:
- Explore a new hobby, class, musical instrument, etc.
- Read a new category of books.
- Plan a hike or weekend getaway.
- Watch at least one sunrise and sunset each week or month.
- Check out a new restaurant, film, concert, etc.
- Volunteer at a local nursing home, soup kitchen or other place of need.
- Begin an exercise program if you’ve been sedentary. Start by walking 10 minutes, three times a week.
Some of these suggestions may involve smaller changes than others. Remember, even small changes can benefit you.
Summary
Small changes can have big payoffs such as increased motivation, confidence, and happiness.
Does your life feel routine or even kind of dull? Are you in need of a change? Before you change partners, quit your career or get a tattoo, why not make a smaller change first?
Even small changes can have big payoffs. These include boosts in motivation, confidence and happiness.
Cultivate awareness
Think about what bores or frustrates you lately. Be careful—everyone feels bored now and then, but often the feelings pass. If, however, dissatisfaction persists, brainstorm healthy ways to use small changes to restore your contentment. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Bored with your workout:
- Listen to a podcast or change your music.
- Hire a personal trainer for just a session or two.
- Recruit a new exercise buddy.
- Try a new class.
Tired of your surroundings:
- Rearrange the furniture in a room at home or try a new paint color.
- Add a plant or other permissible decoration to your office.
- Find a new route to drive to work, shop, carpool the kids, etc.
- Eat one of your meals in a different chair or room and use your best dishes.
Relationships need a boost:
- Strive to get to know just one co-worker better.
- Sneak a love note into your significant other’s lunch bag or briefcase.
- Take one of your children out on a “date”—just the two of you.
- Establish a family game night.
- Buy someone flowers just for the fun of it.
- Take an evening stroll with your partner once a week.
Frustrated with your appearance:
- Try a subtle change in hairstyle or color, even if you just change how you part it.
- Bring one new color into your wardrobe.
- Experiment with a new shade of lipstick or other makeup.
- Grow a beard or moustache.
- Overweight? Find 150 calories to take out of your daily diet. You could lose 15 pounds in a year.
- Add one fruit and one vegetable to your daily diet. You’ll feel and look better.
Just plain bored:
- Explore a new hobby, class, musical instrument, etc.
- Read a new category of books.
- Plan a hike or weekend getaway.
- Watch at least one sunrise and sunset each week or month.
- Check out a new restaurant, film, concert, etc.
- Volunteer at a local nursing home, soup kitchen or other place of need.
- Begin an exercise program if you’ve been sedentary. Start by walking 10 minutes, three times a week.
Some of these suggestions may involve smaller changes than others. Remember, even small changes can benefit you.