17 Ways To Change Your Life In 2017

At the Center for family unity we work with you to change your life, your perspective, and your families. Here are 17 habits that you need to stop if you want to change your life in 2017

1. Stop checking social media during the workday.

Social Media platforms are masters at making you stay there. Getting lost in Facebook can be fun, but it’s counterproductive during the day — especially while you’re trying to build that presentation for your investors. And while we’re on the subject, turn off the notifications on your phone too. You can check your Snaps on your break.

2. Stop thinking it’s all about you.

Your frowning boss isn’t conspiring to fire you, as much as the cashier isn’t giggling about your tie. They’re thinking about themselves, and their own problems. Not you. I promise. It’s not about you. So cut it out. Run on that assumption when dealing with every human interaction in your life, and you’ll be much happier.

3. Stop doing so much multi-tasking.

Science tells us that only 2% of us can really multi-task. So don’t try. Try this instead: When attempting to get something off your “to-do” list, shut down every browser and app on your screen except for the one you need. Otherwise, you’ll get notifications for everything from LinkedIn requests to Facebook Live posts to Tweets. A never-ending stream of distraction. So shut down everything except the program you need, and finally get things done.

4. Stop comparing yourself to everyone.

You will never win this game. There will always be someone smarter, better looking, richer and (seemingly) happier. Always. Focus on yourself, your mindset, your health, the state of your being, and you’ll win.

5. Stop complaining.

It’s just not worth it. Be aware of the words that come out of your mouth. They affect you and the people around you. Speak of good things, and more good things happen. Speak of negative things, and more negative things happen. Simple.

6. Stop wasting time with negative people.

If they don’t love and support you, get rid of them. You don’t have to shout, kick and scream. Just stop being available to them. They won’t notice. They’re too self-centered to care.

7. Stop taking or organizing long and unnecessary meetings.

Less meeting means more doing. We’re all adults. Take the meeting, do what you need to do, and go and do it. You can be social and have fun while still succeeding at making meetings more efficient.

Try this in your next meeting. Set an agenda. As you run through the agenda go around the room and have everyone share:

  • What they’re working on
  • What they’ve completed
  • What they need to complete
  • What they’re still working on

It works, I promise. You’ll shave a 1/2 hour off your meeting, every time.

8. Stop saying “yes.”

You may think you don’t have enough time. You do. You just spend your time doing the wrong things.

Stop saying “yes” to everything. Embrace “no.” Love “no.” No is your word for 2017. Love it, live it, and use it.

9. Stop self-loathing thoughts & beliefs.

Enough is enough. You are good at what you do. You have it in you. If you can’t silence that voice in your head, begin a regiment of meditation. If you need some quick wins to feel good about yourself, write three things you want to change this year. Right now. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Happy young casual woman hugging herself.

Congratulations, you took the first step. Feel that little endorphin release in your brain? That’s what you’re looking for. Keep doing that, and you’ll break that habit and create a new one. A habit where you actually get things done. Now go do things!

10. Stop sitting.

Get off your backside. Run, exercise, move. But stop sitting. Oh, and get a standing desk while you’re at it.

11. Stop underachieving.

You’re better than this. You have more in you, and you’re not getting any younger. Start that business. Resign from that horrible job. Do it now. The only thing stopping you is you. Not your family, not your bank account. Just you. Get out of your own way and go for it!

12. Stop bragging about your resolutions before they happen.

Your brain thinks you’ve accomplished them when you announce them to the world. Stop that. This TED talk helps to explain the phenomenon.

13. Stop creating excuses.

While you’re at it, stop creating “reasons” too. They’re just excuses with lipstick on.

14. Stop investing time in reality TV, celebrity gossip, etc.

You’re an adult; this shouldn’t be a part of your entertainment. It’s junk food for your brain. It feels great at first, but there is always a negative mental consequence.

15. Stop obsessing over dooms-day scenarios.

It’s good to have some healthy skepticism, but pessimists don’t change the world, motivate people, or come up with innovative ideas. They only bring the people around them down.

16. Stop obsessing over things outside of your control.

Focus your time, energy and resources on improving yourself. You can control everything you put in your body, think about and do. Master yourself and become ruler of your universe.

17. Stop convincing yourself that everything has to be perfect.

It ain’t happening. Ever. This is just a complicated form of procrastination which is really just a manifestation of deep-rooted fear. Get out of your own way, and let the little things go so you can focus on what really matters.

For help with implementing these changes your own private counselor/coach is available to meet with you in person and via Skype. Call 619-884-0601 today to make your appointment

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