We don't need to make big and drastic changes to create a life of awesomeness. We don't need to do epic sh** in order to stand out, be noticed, or change the world. Everyday, we have countless opportunities to leave our mark and make a difference in small and ordinary ways.
The follow small steps will help you craft an awesome and unforgettable life.
- Develop a morning routine. How you spend your morning sets the tone for how you spend your day.
- Make time for people who matter. Call or visit an elderly relative, friend, or neighbor.
- Send a handwritten thank you note to three people this week. Express your feelings of gratitude and appreciation.
- Forgive yourself for any past regrets and mistakes. Give yourself a break. You deserve another chance.
- Sit with a close friend and pour your heart out. Share your fears, doubts, and pain. You don't have to go it alone.
- Forgive your parents or caregivers who have hurt you. Bitterness and resentment will steal your joy.
- Contact and connect with someone you haven't had time for. Let the people you care about know they matter.
- Ask someone for something you want. Keep asking until you get what you want.
- Read a book from cover to cover. Lose yourself in another world.
- Look someone in the eyes and say, "I love you." Repeat often.
- Compliment others often. Make somebody smile. Never hold back your positive words.
- Decide on a dream vacation. Make a three year plan and commit to making it happen
- Mentor a young adult. Everyone needs guidance and direction. Everyone needs to feel important.
- Pick up the tab the next time you are in a restaurant. Others will feel like the universe is a generous place.
- Explore new outdoor activities. Be brave and do something you haven't tried before.
- Do something spontaneous. Surprise yourself. It makes life interesting.
- Daydream. Imagine. Act on the impossible. What are you waiting for?
- Make someone feel special by sending flowers. Flowers have a positive influence at an unconscious level.
- Do the unexpected. Pay someone a surprise visit. Don't wait until it's too late.
- Visit the Farmer's Market. Try a new fruit or vegetable.
- Unclutter your home. Give away what you no longer need. Unclutter your mind. Spend time in silence.
- Change your mood. Find someone to serve. Volunteer your time.
- Replace a bad habit with a good one. Begin with one small consistent step.
- Tell a difficult person what steps you will take to improve the relationship.
- Donate money to a good cause. Don't tell anyone about it.
- Spend time alone in order to reevaluate your life. Do more of what you love to do.
- Make someone feel important. Give them your undivided attention. Listen.
- For one weekend, disconnect from all electronics and gadgets.
- Create something new that has nothing to do with your work.
- Express your feelings. Honestly. Appropriately.
- Spend today in love with yourself. Give yourself a break. Let yourself off the hook.
- Practice compassion when you sense others are in pain.
- Learn to stay calm. Don't react. Respond.
- Focus on what matters. Allow the rest to fall away.
- Be bold. Act on one thing that scares you. Why wait?
Please share your thoughts below.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
…Decide on a dream vacation.
I’m very grateful for the year I had. 2 years ago, I made a wish to make a trip to Greece and to Asia. I worked hard and it paid off.
I made my dream a reality, Greece and Asia, all in 2012.
I need to remind myself from time to time how lucky I was to do this.
Perhaps it’s not a SMALL way to create a life of awesomeness, but I’m so happy I did.
Thanks Tess for that great post!
Max´s last post…Samuel Goldwyn Picture Quote – Work Harder : Discover The Secret Benefit
Max,
I’m currently planning a dream vacation. Thanks for your story and inspiring me to move forward with this. woo hoo!
Be kind to animals and people who can’t do a thing back for you.
A soft heart makes you vulnerable but it also makes you more open to life in general, epsecially good stuff.
Susie,
Thanks for sharing your insight with us. I totally agree. Have a bold New Year. xo
Hi Tess,
It’s all the small things that add up…to be the Big things in Life…and which make a tremendous difference. Thankyou for this.
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens´s last post…Kicking your Goals & setting your Direction in 2013 … the How’s & Why’s
David
You’re welcome. When we chase big things we are striving not thriving. It’s the small things celebrated in the moment that create a life of happiness and success.
I like what Steven said above, Tess. It IS the small things. I once heard it said that marriage is no big deal; it’s a lot of small ones. That’s true of life as well. And your list here makes for a whole lot of little deals that add up to a life very well lived. Small steps pointed in the right direction will get us across a continent.
Thanks for the inspiration, Tess! Life truly can be awesome. Thanks for pointing us in the right direction.
Ken Wert@MeanttobeHappy´s last post…The Happiness Pledge
Ken,
I love that…steps taken in the right direction will get us across a continent. Yeah!
What a great list. Having a morning routine literally saved my life. Doing one small thing everyday will transform your life. I find looking in the mirror and saying I love you to myself very empowering. Hard at first but very life changing.
May 2013 be AWESOME,
Susan
Susan´s last post…Episode 93: What Is Your Passion?
Susan,
Love my morning routine! I will look in the mirror and love myself more often. Don’t do it enough. Thanks!
Great suggestions as always. If we follow these we will have an awesome 2013. “Send a handwritten thank you note” is such a great reminder. With all our technology – so easy to forget. Thanks for the reminders!!
Cathy Taughinbaugh´s last post…5 Reasons Addiction is Ruining Your Life
Cathy,
I found some awesome thank you notes that are sure to make someone smile! It’s an easy way to stand out and rise above;)
Hi Tess,
Some of these small steps are actually quite huge in their impact on changing our way of thinking and being and thus bringing us more joy and confidence. I vote yes for taking one of these small steps each days!
Sandra / Always Well Within´s last post…Best of Always Well Within 2012
Sandra,
I agree. Take one repeat often. Integrate and begin another. Isn’t life grand?
I focused right away on #1 about the importance of a morning routine. My morning routine is often hit or miss, and that is due to nothing other than my own laziness in establishing a healthy habit. Now that my last kids have moved out, I can’t even pretend to blame anyone else! So this is the small step I’m going to focus on. Thank you!
Galen Pearl´s last post…On the Razor’s Edge
Beautiful list!
I’ve always found that a morning routine, makes or breaks the day … and the shutdown routine, the night before, makes or breaks the morning routine
Fabulous list and now I’m off to market:)
paisley´s last post…i wanna be (Like Ingrid)
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