People often talk about how they want their life to be better. However, many people never make changes to make their life better. Why? I believe it’s because they think the changes have to be major or require a plan, so they just keep living the same way until they figure out how to make changes to achieve the better life they are seeking.

I encourage you to find something that you can start doing right away and build from there. Here are 10 ways to make today great and start living a better life.

‪1. Replace “Have to” with “Get to”.

I once had a client respond to “how are you today?” with “I am doing amazing because I am looking down at the dirt and flowers rather than up.” Sometimes we forgot how fortunate we are that we can get out of bed, go to work, and live another day. Recognizing how fortunate we are that we “get to” do those things can make an impact.

‪2. Be thankful and have gratitude.

Most of us have things we want but most of us already have what we need. Taking the time to reflect and be thankful and have gratitude to have basic life essentials like shelter, food, water, and clothing is important because not everyone is fortunate enough to have these things.

‪3. Be open to new possibilities and opportunities.

Open your eyes, ears, and mind and you might learn something new or find a new direction for your life. Maybe it’s a new source of information like a podcast or audio books. Maybe it is going out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Maybe it’s noticing that someone at your work could use your help.  We all spend a lot of time looking down at our phones and we need to spend more time looking around at the life we are living.

‪4. Look for the good.

The world is full of negativity, and it can feel overwhelming. Looking for the good in situations, even the ones that don’t go the way we want them to, will create more positivity in your life.

‪5. If the news is getting you down, turn it off.

They are making a lot of money from your viewership and most likely, stealing your happiness at the same time. Can you control what is going on in the world? No, you cannot. And more importantly, most people will become what they think about. I would encourage you to be intentional with your thoughts and what you are allowing to control your mind. It is impossible to have a happy life with a negative mind. None of us can control what is going on in the world, but we most definitely can control how we deal with it. Be where your feet are and focus on the things that YOU can control.

‪6. Maintain hope.

‘Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles.’ – Samuel Smiles

‪7. Believe in yourself. Believe in what you do. Believe in WHY you do it.

If you don’t believe in yourself, your role, your business, or the products you represent how can you expect anyone else to believe it you?

‪8. Encourage or help at least 2 people.

Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect. Just being kind, showing care or concern for someone, or holding a door can change the mood of those you engage with and those around you. We don’t help people with any expectation of a return favor, but I have found that being encouraging and helpful to others does come back around.

‪9. Be kind (to yourself and others).

We are often our biggest critics. Self-reflection allows us to become more conscious of who we are, what we stand for, how we look and act, and who we want to be. Self-reflection should not be used to focus on our failures, missteps, or dwell in a pessimistic mindset. Kindness is contagious. Start with yourself and spread it everywhere you go.

‪10. Smile.

Smile when you look in the mirror. Smile while you are on the phone talking to people. Smile at others. Just smile whenever you can. It will not only make a difference in your day but others as well.

No matter what you decide to do differently the most important part is doing it. If you want to live a better life you must change something. Mindset is the best place to start.