Whether we are talking about changing your financial situation or changing your lifestyle, there are many ways to start making changes in your life so that you can start living the life you want to live.
Learning how to change your life doesn’t have to be hard.
You can start off small and gradually move onto bigger changes. Or you can make one big change and start living your dream life even sooner.
Everyone has some sort of change they want to make in their life.
Maybe you want to travel more, learn another language, start your own business, get out of debt, be in shape, retire, or something else. Whatever the words “dream life” mean to you, there are ways for you to eventually get there.
Below are my tips on how to change your life today.
1. Think about your dream life.
The first step to improving your life is to think about what exactly your dream life is.
You should think about different things such as:
- What does it take to reach your dream life? Do you need to go to school? Pay off debt? Learn something new?
- What will your action plan be?
- Why is what you’re currently doing no longer working for you?
- What excuses are you currently making?
- What are the risks? What will you have to overcome to reach your dream life?
- How will you stay motivated? Related article: 8 Ways To Get Motivated And Reach Your Goals.
- What are the positives of reaching your dream life? What is success to you?
Related tip: If you’re looking for a life planner, I highly recommend checking out Erin Condren and looking at their life planners and monthly planners. This can be a great way to stay motivated so that you can reach your dream life!
2. Take control of your finances.
Currently, you may feel stuck with your current life because of some sort of financial reason. We all do it.
Some don’t want to travel the world because they are too afraid of what they will do for money. Some are too afraid to seek out their dream job because that may mean their debt would be unpaid. The list can go on and on.
Taking control of your finances can help you reach your dream life in many ways.
By paying off your debt, making more money, not living paycheck to paycheck, budgeting better, and more, you may feel more free to reach for your dream life because you most likely won’t feel as tied down to your finances.
You will feel more free to take risks when your finances are in control and it can really mean a world of difference.
Related article: 10 Great Ways To Gain Control Of Your Finances and Reach Financial Freedom.
3. Do something outside of your comfort zone.
Being comfortable with life is an odd thing. While you might feel satisfied with life, you might always wonder what you are missing out on.
The best way to see what else is out there for you is to step outside of your comfort zone.
Without the occasional risk in life, it would be hard to grow. Stepping outside of your comfort zone may lead to motivation, feeling refreshed, and it may also lead you to your dream life.
Here are my tips for stepping outside of your comfort zone:
- Start saying yes more. Before you think too hard about all the reasons for why you should say no, start thinking about all of the reasons you should say yes.
- Think about your fears. What are you afraid of? Create an action plan to overcome your fear!
- Start doing small things differently. If you don’t want to make a huge change at once, then try just changing up little things in your life in the beginning. This may mean just being more spontaneous. Go out to eat by yourself, go to a movie by yourself, just show up somewhere fun without plans, and so on.
- Think about how awesome it will be afterwards. Can you imagine what it would be like when you finally overcome your fear? I bet it would feel amazing!
4. Get active.
I’ve been super active ever since moving to Colorado and I can already tell that it has changed my life for the better.
I am feeling more healthy, more energized, more happy, and I’m also feeling like I have a clearer mind.
Even if your goal isn’t to get more healthy, being more active can help you reach any of your goals in that it can actually help you receive better sleep, it can give you a more positive attitude, and it can give you energy to reach your dream life.
Even if you believe you don’t have enough time to exercise, I’m sure you do. With just 20 to 30 minutes a day, you can get a great workout in. Borrow some workout DVDs from your local library, do some yoga in your living room, or go for a run around your block if you are limited on time.
5. Start waking up a little earlier.
If you are wanting to learn how to change your life, then waking up earlier is something that many people who want to reach their dreams eventually have to do.
It may mean sacrificing some of your beauty sleep, being a little more tired, etc., but it is well worth it in the end.
In many cases, waking up earlier is very possible without sacrificing any of your sleep anyway. Instead, start managing your time better by cutting out any time sucks (such as TV) so that you can go to sleep earlier.
Back when I was unhappy at my day job, I pretty much made sure to wake up early every single work day. While I was tired, I knew that waking up early allowed me to have just a little bit more time so that I could work on reaching my goals.
Just waking up an extra 30 minutes or an hour earlier can mean enough time to fit in a workout, to work a little on building your business, to eat a healthy meal, to practice a skill, and so on.
6. Be positive.
I know, I know. I mention how being positive can change everything ALL THE TIME.
There’s a reason for this. It’s because it’s the truth!
If you are interested in learning how to change your life, then you need to have a more positive outlook on life.
There are many benefits of having a more positive outlook on life. Being positive can help bring you motivation, it can help you move on in life so that you stop dwelling on the past, and more.
Related article: Why I Believe Being Positive Can Change Your Financial Situation And Your Life.
What are you currently trying to improve or change in your life? What dream are you trying to reach?
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diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
All great points Michelle, especially #3. It can be scary stepping outside your comfort zone but it’s definitely necessary. Sometimes, the risk of doing nothing out weighs the risk of having a go.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks Diane! What dream are you aiming for?
diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
My dream? To build a business (blog/writing) that brings in a great income and be completely and utterly debt free. Both are going to require stepping outside my comfort zone. Plus every other point you mention. I’m sure it’s going to be a fun ride!!!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Sounds like a great dream. Good luck! 🙂
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
Being positive is really important in life. it keeps us hopeful and active. For those pessimist, start having a life with optimism.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, I agree!
Kirsten says
I get up at 4 am, partly to be active, partly to blog, and partly to prepare for the day before the kids are up (with the baby crying to be held the whole time). So I halfway feel good about myself after reading this 🙂
I want to quit my job and stay home so bad but my husband, last week, told me I just needed to do x,y,z and then our (his) student loan debt would be paid off and I nearly hit him. With WHAT extra time!! I feel like I need 5 extra hours each day in order to pursue my dream life.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I’m sorry Kirsten. You definitely sound busy with everything that is going on in your life right now. I hope things slow down for you!
MyMoneyDesign says
All good tips. But I have a modification to #3. Sometimes saying “no” more than saying “yes” can be useful as well. All too often people get excited and try to do 20 different things at once when really what they should be doing is concentrating on one or two things that will actually matter or make a difference in their lives.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, I agree. For this post though, I mean saying “yes” more as in stepping outside of your box more.
Amy @ DebtGal says
Great list of tips! I once had a boss tell me that I should try to take just one step outside my comfort zone each week – nothing drastic, but just enough to give me a little push. I don’t always live by that, but I try to. 🙂
I, too, have noticed that being active is good for my mental health, as well as my rear end.
I keep hearing people talk about getting up earlier, but I just haven’t been able to go there (yet?).
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Waking up earlier has been a hard task for me lately. I really don’t know how I used to do it!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Start waking up earlier is seriously on my list! I have a bad habit of lingering in bed while Greg takes a shower. It’s just sooooooooooooo comfy that I don’t want to move!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I do the same!
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
Getting active is such a positive force. I sometimes slip into justifying my way out of a workout to work more, but then I remind myself how valuable stepping back for an hour can be.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, exactly!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
At the beginning of this month I decided I didn’t want my blog to just be my hobby anymore, so I am taking steps to monetize it more. Now to just learn to have patience…
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Great decision 🙂
Sarah says
Love this post, Michelle!! I need to start waking up earlier haha. I definitely think I’m living my dream life to an extent – I get to work from home while being with my babies! Ideally, though, my husband would be able to be home full-time too!! I’d love to up my income with blogging and freelancing to allow our family more time together and more flexibility to travel and do what we love! Life is so short and I want to live it to the fullest. Thanks for the encouragement!!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks Sarah 🙂
Yvette says
I agree. What a very motivating post. Thanks for being so encouraging. I need to set goals to try to make some changes in my life.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks! What goals are you trying to currently reach?
Kathy says
Don’t want to appear to be a braggart but I’m living my dream life. This year marks ten years of retirement and I’m still only 62. Thanks to consistent and aggressive saving/investing when working along with hubby’s great pension and we are now living the good life. We made decent money when working but were never rich. We had the same responsibilities as everyone else….mortgage, college fund for son etc. But retirement was a priority and we made other sacrifices which allowed us to reach that goal. It can be done.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Great job Kathy!
Chonce says
These are great tips Michelle. Right now I seriously need to work on being more active. When I get out and exercise I feel so much better. I’m also taking control of my finances of course and having a very positive outlook on the future.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks!
Kayla @ Shoeaholicnomore says
Great points! The thing I struggle with the most is getting up earlier. I hate early mornings!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Ha same here!
Valerie says
Really great advice! Even though I’m a night owl, I have found that waking up 30 minutes early really helps me get a jump start on the day, and I’m not always late anymore. I make a monthly list of all the expenses I know about so that I am aware of how much spending money I actually have.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Great job! What goals are you trying to reach?
Lyndsey says
#2 is really good! That’s the best thing you can do for peace of mind!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks Lyndsey!
Hollie says
Good points. We’re currently in the process of building our dream life. I got tired of wanting and wishing and now we’re finally doing it!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome! What’s your dream life?
Fig says
all of these things will definitely change your life! I think being positive is one that gets ignored but has a huge impact. People treat you differently when you’re positive and you feel differently. I found that being positive and practicing gratitude were huge life changers.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, I agree!
Kara @ The Daily Whisk says
I try to wake up early almost every day. Some days it is easier than others, but it’s SO valuable when I can manage it!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, definitely!
Jason B says
Stepping out of my comfort zone is something that I plan on doing a lot more this year. I plan on doing a trip by myself and also networking a lot more. My dream life is being location independent.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I hope you are able to reach your dream life! 🙂
Shannon @ Financially Blonde says
I am a big fan of using positivity to make things happen. I started my company almost 2 years ago and I have faced some pretty big and painful obstacles and there were moments when I wanted to get in a negative funk and stay there, but I am thankful that I have a glass is half full mentality that keeps me moving forward.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, this is exactly why I am all about positivity.
Elaine Lee says
Great advice! I think 5 and 6 are the ones I struggle with the most. Getting up in the morning is so hard! I’m also terribly addicted to some TV shows like Game of Thrones.
You’ve inspired me to try to manage my time a little better this week, wish me luck!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Good luck!
Jayleen @ How Do The Jones Do It says
I have to say I love my sleep;0) I am up by 6:00 every morning to get the kids off to school. Weekends are another story. Lol! We have lots of dreams right now … finding a new home in the school district my daughter attends, paying off debt and getting this blog thing going;0)
Number 3 is my biggest challenge.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Good luck with your goals!
Sylvia says
This post came at the right time, I totally have to start doing point 3 and get back to doing point 4 & 5. #3 – I guess trying new things or taking on a new task, will help me to grow as an individual. #4 -When I was in Uni I was very active, and than stopped working out once I get a job. I need to get back to being active. #5 – I
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, even just 30 minutes earlier can mean a big difference!
Kim says
I would say the most important part of my day besides taking care of my child is being active. I feel really sluggish and unproductive if I don’t get some sort of exercise. I also think a positive attitude is so important to get things accomplished. Negativity makes everything so much harder.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, negativity makes every so much harder! Thanks for stopping by Kim.
Naomi says
Positivity breads positivity!!
I have found more and more than if we say it WILL happen, we will do anything in our power to make it happen.
The only thing I have trouble with is waking up earlier as I am a night owl. I would much prefer an extra hour in bed and stay up working through till 4am instead!! I find that the later it gets the more productive I am, it’s just there are less people around to see it!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I am a night owl as well Naomi so I definitely understand where you’re coming from 🙂
Mike Collins says
I think envisioning your dream life is important. You need to have a goal in mind and picturing yourself living the life you want can be a great motivator and also help you determine what steps you need to take to get there.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I agree Mike!
Gen Y Finance Guy says
As I continue working on my own dream I am simultaneously working on all 6 of the tips you outlined above.
You would be amazed how much you can get done when you wake up at 5am. I tell people all the time that I get more done between 5am to 9am then most people get done all day.
Cheers!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome! What are you working towards?
Gen Y Finance Guy says
I am building my own blog and soon to start working on my own products and services.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome!
Jessica says
I love this list. Right now, I’m really considering some sort of career change and I’d like to buy a house in SoCal. So I’m working to pay off my debt and figure out what I want to do work-wise so we can make that happen. I do have to say that being active and having a positive attitude make such a huge difference. I’m more motivated when I get regular exercise. I do struggle with stepping out of my comfort zone and waking up earlier, though I’m working on both. Thanks for the motivation!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks Jessica! 🙂
Remy Boudreau says
Thank you for sharing the article. It’s very interesting. Hope to hear more from you.
nicole dziedzic says
It is all about planning, organizing, and taking those small steps that lead to bigger ones when it come to our finances. Right now we are trying to get so much in order to get that dream house.
Steph says
Absolutely love this post. Sometimes it’s great to see it in writing again and reiterate that you can have your dream life!
Steph
http://www.dearonlinediary.com
DNN says
Good morning Michelle,
I feel like such a late Bloomer. I didn’t see this post until now but it’s all good. I’m glad you wrote it because with faith, anyone can achieve the unimaginable. They can build a business from scratch regardless of anything. They can overcome Financial obstacles starting a side hustle online and transitioning successfully to “side hustle millionaire’ status. It’s amazing what Faith and action can do. what I know now I wish I knew 20 years ago because I probably would have been 20 million dollars richer. But we live and learn and every day presents a new opportunity to move forward in faith at full strength by doing the transformation business work out of sheer inspiration. 🙂
zara says
Back when I was unhappy at my day job, I pretty much made sure to wake up early every single work day. While I was tired, I knew that waking up early allowed me to have just a little bit more time so that I could work on reaching my goals.
DNN says
Gary Vaynerchuk said it perfect in a Facebook video entitled “dreams require sacrifice.” If one is willing to do the transformation work out of inspirational desperation and believing their ability to go from ordinary to extraordinary by side hustling their way to achieving side hustle millionaire status and staying in a positive state of mind, they can achieve more than originally hoped for. Thank you for keeping me inspired Michelle. 🙂
Ella says
These are great tips, Michelle. Right now I seriously need to work on being more active. back when I was unhappy at my day job, I pretty much made sure to wake up early every single workday. you would be amazed how much you can get done when you wake up at 5 am. and I get regular exercise. I do struggle with stepping out of my comfort zone.