10 ways to improve your life
2016 has been one hell of a year. Lots of sh*t has happened and we have survived it. Reflecting on this year I'd like to share with you 10 things I learned that have helped me improve my life in a professional and personal level.
1.Go give them a hug
Unfortunately, this year there has been a lot of death. So many family and friends have had their loved ones pass away, and it has left me in shock. To the point where I've realized that it can happen to anyone at any time. So please just everyday be thankful for another day of life and always remember to appreciate your family even though you may want to go crazy on them some days. Just imagine if they were not in your life, and how shitty you'd feel. No one is ever prepared, but you do not want to regret telling them how much they meant to you.
2. I ain't got time for that
Seriously you do not have time or energy to spend on people who are negative in your life. Negative meaning they do not support your goals, they keep you from growing, or they doubt you. Lord knows why they are so discouraging, but you need to keep your head up and stay focused! There are other amazing people in the world who will push you to be your best (ME). Keep those negative people away from you and ignore them.
3. $ave it
I've met several millionaires this year, and when I first met them there was no way I would have thought they were so wealthy. Want to know why? Because they look like the chillest person ever, they wear super casual clothes, and do not flaunt their money (some of them haha). They take care of their money and budget so well and invest most of it. They don't care what they wear or have because who do they really need to impress? They already have the success! It's just an interesting observation to see people who wear all those expensive brands are the ones who actually do not have the money and cannot afford it. So save your money, invest it, and then you'll be able to buy what you want and not feel so guilty about it.
4. 4:00am
Another observation I made shadowing these successful millionaires is that they wake up eeeeearly. Almost at 3:00am to 4:00am and they get their day started real quick. They all take care of their health and work out and start their day with meditation and follow The Miracle Morning method. Think about it, once most people are waking up at 6:00am or 7:00am they have already got a lot done in their day and they are very productive. They have less distractions which means they can focus more too. Waking up that early means they do go to bed by like 9:00pm. Believe me, I am still trying to improve on this because I love staying up late, but I do get a lot more done when I wake up earlier.
5. Don't even think about it, just go work out
Someone once explained to me how we only have one body. One body, and why should people look in the mirror and be ashamed of it? We need to take care of it and nurture it. Your body is so unique and the most beautiful thing your mother created. We need to make our health a serious priority which is why I say don't even think about it, just go work out! All the successful people I have met put their health a priority. Even if it means just taking a short walk around the block. Get your body moving and your body will thank you.
6. Get Uncomfortable
It is really sad to talk to people who have not tried something new or traveled to a different place. As for someone who has traveled to a different country and just taken advantage of the opportunities, you truly grow by talking to different kinds of people and experiencing different environments. Some may say that they are not privileged enough to experience all of that, but I don't think so. You have privilege by reading this blog and having internet access. There are resources, you just have to ask. For example, in college I knew they offered recreational trips, and they sometimes came out pretty pricey. I never really went to the trips because I could not afford to rent out the equipment that was necessary for the activities. So one day, I just asked! I asked if they could offer any financial assistance and that the only thing preventing me was the money. They were in shock and loved my honesty and bluntness that they let me rent out everything for free! They were just excited to have me go on this trip which was Backpacking at Big Sur. It was my first time backpacking, and I didn't know anyone on the trip. I was real open minded about it all, and I had to at least make friends with one person at least. I met my incredible friend who is from the U.K. and invited me to go visit her any time! So yeah, you'll be uncomfortable for a while, but it'll get better soon.
7. Apply no matter what
If you are debating to apply for that job, that scholarship, that school...etc. Don't! You will definitely not get it if you never apply. Believe me, the contest I entered for the "World's Most Amazing Entrepreneur Award" was a world-wide contest! I seriously doubted I was going to win, and little did I know, I won. After that several opportunities opened up. You just never know. So apply.
8. You already pay - use your resources
2016 was my first time seeking a psychologist. People think going to a psychologist is for "crazy" people but NO it is for anyone and everyone. Try going to your doctor and if you go to school then your tuition should include that so I encourage everyone to take advantage of it. And as much as I love helping others I also need to make time for myself and let out my thoughts. My experience going with a psychologist did a lot of healing and brought more clarity. I love how it is very confidential and they respect your privacy. Even if you think you do not really need a psychologist I feel that you should try it at least. Another important thing to mention, is that if you did not really like your first psychologist for whatever reason please don't stop going and choose someone else. Sometimes the chemistry just doesn't click, but don't give up.
9. Becoming a minimalist is the next cool thing
Well I think so. Some of you may or may not know that I started hosting Swap Not Shop events in college, and later got invited to host them in different communities. It is a fun event where people drop off items they no longer want and trade with others! It helps people save money and declutter a little. Hosting these events I've learned that people have a lot of JUNK. I've been more careful not to accumulate too much since then. One way to do that is every time I add something in my closet then I take something out. I also just clean out my room and get rid of my items about once a month. It seriously is so refreshing and helps me not get attached to materialistic things.
10. Enjoy the moment
Something I've always struggled with is trying to do too much at once. What I mean is for example me sitting down and reading a book and then answering the text I just got and then checking my email real quick and then closing my book and start working on another task. It stresses me out. I decided that my word for 2017 will be intention. I want to truly live in the moment and give my 100% attention in what I am doing. Especially when it comes to talking to people. I want to be able to really listen to them and be fully engaged in the conversation. One thing that has been helping me when I am working on a blog post is putting a timer even if it is about 10 minutes, and in those 10 minutes I put all my focus and energy on writing and brainstorming for my blog. I really want to put quality in my work, and one way to do that is being very intentional with what I do.