Your Action Plan is a monthly to-do list of tips straight from SUCCESS magazine—10 things you can do right now to improve yourself and your life.
This month, start fresh by leaving your old, unproductive habits in 2016. Make the new year about polishing your strengths, your bank account and anything that will bring you closer to having the best year of your life.
1. Live Courageously
Fear is a natural and necessary part of growth. Choose to embrace uncertainty by reminding yourself what you lose when you give in to your fears.
Read: How Bad Do You Want the Life You Want?
2. Articulate Your Happiness
Write down your top five happiness goals. Be specific. For example, if you want to be more present and supportive in your relationships, list out each action step to get there.
Read: 4 Ways to Plan Your Happiness
3. Alter Your Mindset
Whenever you encounter a problem, make a list of the positive ways you could perceive it. Focus on those good thoughts and watch your happiness increase.
Read: Tony Robbins Is Not Your Guru
4. Practice Deliberately
Tonight, list your three biggest weaknesses. Select the one holding you back the most and make a plan to improve a little each day. Change doesn’t happen overnight; be patient but persistent.
Read: 5 Deliberate Steps to Master a Skill
5. Reflect
This week, make time to hike a new trail or visit a nature preserve. Leave technology at home and revel in the opportunity to reflect on your life free from distractions.
Read: How to Keep Your Ego From Getting the Best of You
6. Find Your Strengths
Analyze your greatest successes. Identify what you did to accomplish those goals and how it was different from the times you failed. Commit to implementing that skill every day.
Read: Answer 3 Questions to Identify Your Strengths
7. Choose Wisely
Struggling with making sound decisions? Gather as many facts as you can, and surround yourself with trusted peers before making your next big decision.
Read: John Addison: 5 Tips to Create Your Best Future
8. Impact Others
Money is a great tool to ensure a life of opportunities, but it can’t provide happiness. Focus your efforts on impacting the lives of those around you to create happiness in your life and theirs.
Read: John C. Maxwell: 3 Ways to Pursue a Lasting Legacy
9. New You
As you plan your New Year’s resolutions, list three levels of your goal: A, B and C. Dream big on A, but stay realistic with B and C. Don’t forget to celebrate your milestones, no matter how small.
Read: 6 Tips to Set and Achieve Your Biggest Goals
10. Be Accountable
Write down every dollar you spend to identify bad habits. Focus on reducing or eliminating one category. Store those savings for unexpected hardships.
Read: 10 Money Habits That Are Leaving You Broke
This article originally appeared in the January 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
