Author: Ieva Baranova / Source: Lifehack
We all have our dreams, hopes and ideas about how our future should look like. Some dreams are professional, others – entirely personal and maybe even secret.
Whatever your dream is, this list of goals will help you reach it in a faster, healthier, and more pleasant way.
All of these goals are very different, and some may not even seem to be directly connected to realizing your dreams.But if you look deeper, you’ll find that these are important milestones in the road to meeting a better version of yourself – someone you’ve always aspired to become.
1. Stay fit and healthy
“A healthy mind in a healthy body” is one of those age-old quotes that’s just 100% true. It’s never too late to start a healthier lifestyle – what’s paramount here is to have a clear goal to follow.
Think about what kind of goals motivate you better. Some people feel that reaching small milestones every week or month is the best strategy for motivation because they can continuously notice the results of their effort.
For others, a grander aim like “running a marathon next year” works better. Who knows – you might end up like Kaspars Drikis, a commercial director from Riga, Latvia who went from being called “the big guy” to riding nearly 14 hours on an average week and participating in international races.[1]
Some simple goals to help you start leading a healthier lifestyle:
Eat healthy food at least 3 days a week
If you have the willpower to switch to a healthier diet every day – great!
However, if you are struggling with it like most of us are, start by choosing only healthy and lean food 3 days of the week (or any other pattern that suits you better). This way you’ll do your health a favor while still being able to enjoy some snacks at a birthday party or Saturday night movie night.
Find a physical activity that you love
Whatever is your relationship with sports and active lifestyle, there’s definitely something more you can do – or something new that you can try out.
There is an ideal type of activity for everyone – you just have to find it. Even if sports is not your thing altogether, taking long walks or starting gardening more often can help to get your energy flowing.
Get a fitness watch
From cheap pedometers to advanced fitness computers on your wrist, these tiny accessories can serve as excellent motivators to move.
Soon you’ll be likely to catch yourself climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator or walking to work instead of driving just to catch up with that recommended daily step count, or set a personal step record.
Take frequent breaks at work
In case you haven’t heard – sitting is the new smoking. Being seated in front of your computer for hours on end can cause a myriad of health problems in the long run.
So make sure you find a way to take regular quality breaks – exercise, take a walk, grab a healthy snack or chat with your colleagues.
Short breaks from work actually improve your productivity and restore your energy levels; therefore your employer should also encourage them.
Set a reminder to drink water
Scientists never tire of stressing the importance of drinking enough water every day. In addition to all the health benefits, like weight loss and flushing the body of toxins, drinking lots of water is also a healthy – and 100% effective – way to take frequent breaks at work (to visit the bathroom).
The easiest way to make a habit of drinking water is to set a reminder. You can simply set a recurring notification on your phone, computer or wristwatch. Every time you hear the reminder, drink a glass of water. Alternatively, follow these 7 original ways to drink more water.
2. Become your own boss
This may be easier said than done, but changing your life always starts with a decision.
Once you’ve really decided that you want to be your own boss, there are plenty of possibilities available – starting from freelancing and taking up flexible online jobs to pursuing your dreams in an entirely new area.
Become a freelancer
It’s true that a freelancer’s life has many advantages, like choosing your working hours and reporting only to yourself.
However, there are things to consider before you jump into self-employment. For instance, are you able to discipline yourself and follow deadlines? Can you accept that your income will probably differ from month to month?
If you are nodding in agreement right now, then follow these steps:
- Find an area where you’re good at. It can be something broad (like drawing) or a niche (like knitting clothes for pets).
- Think about where your potential customers can be met. Do they follow certain social media groups, are they members of any forums or maybe you can meet them face-to-face in your professional or personal circles?
- Offer and promote your services – in your neighborhood, social media profiles, freelancer platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, etc.
- Make use of various helpful tools and resources for freelancers. Numerous apps, online platforms, and communities are there to help you in your freelancing efforts.
Start your own business – online or offline
Starting a business is an even more responsible occupation than freelancing. Depending on what you want to sell, consider investing in a good-looking website and online shop (unless your business is strictly offline and local).
In general, starting a business online is a cheaper and a less risky way to start test your entrepreneurial skills. For example, online jobs like reseller, blogger and affiliate marketer don’t require huge expenses and let you evaluate if you like the responsibility.
Also, you don’t have to quit your job right away – find a side project that brings you joy and passive income. For example, Dionna Dorsey, a 36-year-old graphic designer/creative director from Washington, DC. works full-time in her…
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