1. Positive Affirmations
Start the day by declaring words that affirm and empower you. I am loved. I am wealthy. I am beautiful. I am smart. I am prosperous. I am healthy. Feeding yourself positive affirmations aligns your mind with your desires and sets you up for the day.
'Whatever your predominant thoughts are, will be expressed in your health and surroundings, which means that your future is entirely under your own control'. Dr Venice J. Bloodworth
2. Listen to Feel Good Music
Is it time to update that playlist?
It's been scientifically proven that music can have the effect of raising levels of dopamine, the same chemical released in the brain when you're in-love, by as much as 9%. It's time to get your groove on!
3. Work it!
Exercise increases endorphins and makes you happy. Period.
Don't have time to squeeze in a gym session? Make small adjustments to your daily routine that work for you. Why not take the stairs instead of the lift? Cycle instead of drive? When you walk, walk briskly so you get your heart rate up.
Do a type of exercise which you ENJOY too. If running isn't your thing, take up a dance class. If you don't like being indoors do an outdoor activity instead. If you make it enjoyable you are less likely to quit!
4. Set Realistic Daily Goals
Try and do at least three things a day towards a long term goal.
When you break down long term aspirations into smaller manageable chunks you have the satisfaction that you made progress. Success is a culmination of lots of smaller steps.
5. Make Appreciating the Little Things a Habit
Hmmm doesn't this coffee taste delicious this morning. The sun is shining, how marvelous! Rain? Oh goody I love puddles. See what I mean!?
6. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
'Comparison is the thief of joy'. Theodore Roosevelt
When you see someone excelling in life, don't let it discourage you, let it INSPIRE YOU.
7. Give Yourself a Pat on the Back for Your Daily Achievements
Many of us spend so much time focusing on what we have to do next we forget to give ourselves kudos for what we have done. You're awesome! Remind yourself that.
8. Be Kind to Yourself
You are not perfect. You are not a robot. And hell, there will be days you're not a fountain of joy either. And that's OKAY!
Make a balls up? Allow yourself to process how you feel. If you need to let off steam, do it. Then learn and move on. Don't dwell on your mistakes. One of my girlfriends said the other day that perfection is overrated. And she's right.
9. Understand that Setbacks DO NOT Mean Step Backs
Leadership expert John Maxwell explains that 'adversity is always the partner to progress'. So next time you are confronted with a setback see this as a challenge that is shaping your character, skill and ability to move forward. Pow pow!
10. Lift Someone Else Up
When you are feeling like utter crap, try lifting someone else up. So simple, yet powerful.
Supporting someone else, paying someone a compliment, speaking well of other people - is all about outward thinking. You get back what you give.
For more on love, life and finding joy, visit aliljoy.com.