I love the turn of the year because it feels like a chance to wipe the slate clean and dream big with fresh energy and optimism. It’s a time to examine where we’ve been over the past 12 months, and to get revved up about our hopes and goals for the future.
As I reflect on my own journey over the past year, I feel proud of everything that we have accomplished at C+B as a community and of the efforts that I’ve made to personally improve myself throughout the year.
I’m always looking for ways to make life better – whether in self help books, life hack articles, etc. – but in order to really create positive change, there comes a point where you have to tune out the noise, start doing, and see what works for you.
So here’s what I’ve learned in the doing – 3 key habits rise to the top for my growth and happiness. They’ve truly made a world of difference in my life, and I hope that they have the same profound impact on yours:
- Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, changed my life. In her book, Kondo shares her insights for evaluating the usefulness of possessions, but I’d argue that her system also works for streamlining habits and relationships:“The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it. This is not only the simplest but also the most accurate yardstick by which to judge.”
I not only applied Kondo’s advice to my garage and my closet, I went on a purging spree of epic proportions, determined to focus only on what brings me happiness in life and to leave the rest behind. And the results have been blowing my mind, let me tell you! In simplifying each part of my life, I’ve found contentment and happiness that I didn’t know was possible.
- Do a few random acts of kindness to keep you things in perspective.
Kindness is so powerful because it redirects our thoughts and energy from ourselves to others. Flex your empathy muscle and make someone’s day just for the hell of it. Not only will it make you feel really good, it also helps to give you perspective and to remind us that what goes around comes around – from giving up your seat on a busy train to an elderly person, to inviting a new work colleague to lunch or paying the toll for the person behind you – every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes an impact.
Need some kindness inspiration? We love this list from Buzzfeed. - Become better 1% per day. Changing your life involves making mini decisions constantly.
Last year I wrote a blog post called 10 Steps to Improving Myself By 1% Every Day, and I can’t express enough how this approach has positively impacted me. Here’s how the 1% rule can change your life: Overall objective: improve x,y,z habit or behavior by 1% each day. If you grow by 1% per day, the math works out to be that you are completely transformed in something like 3 months. It’s the power of exponents.
Set goals that you want to reach in the next 3 months and then start making the magic happen, bit by bit! Don’t let fear paralyze you as you move outside of your comfort zone to reach your goals – define them clearly and celebrate your micro-victories. Each step of the way is leading you toward a happier version of yourself. Take pride in your accomplishments, and keep chugging along until you get exactly what you want.
What other habits or tips have helped you find greater happiness?
With love + gratitude ~
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