10 Ways to Live More Purposefully this Year

Four days into 2018... and I am SO excited about so many things - mainly how positive my outlook on the year is. How about you, have these first few days been good to you?! And if not, try and think about exactly what needs to change to fix it. It's easy to say, but it really is essential in finding your core happiness and figuring out exactly what you want. When you live purposefully, you live with intention and in the moment. You make decisions that will benefit you and everything you do is done purposely. Here's 10 ways you can work on living more purposefully this year:
1. Do more things that make you genuinely happy. Find something you love to do that's just for YOU and do it often.

2. Live in the moment. How many times a day do you think about something that happened yesterday, a week ago - even a year ago that you wish you did differently, or that you wish had a different outcome? I know we all are guilty of it, but when you realize that it's something that can't be changed that you're harping over it really puts things into perspective. With so many distractions between our phones, work and personal lives it's so easy to miss the silver lining in something or miss out on the present. Make it a goal to live more in the moment by doing one thing a day, and you'll see things from a totally new perspective!

3. Set small goals and intentions for yourself. I'm a firm believer that the stigma that all "New Years resolutions" aren't likely to stick or work out is because the goals we make for ourselves are too big and too broad. If you set a huge goal for yourself, it's way more likely it won't get done. Instead, set smaller, more intentional goals that are more achievable and to be done in shorter time periods. You get more accomplished this way and it feels really good to see something checked off of your list!

4. Find something that calms your mind and soul. These days, whose brain isn't moving a mile a minute? Find something you can do once a day, a few times a day, or however many times you need a quick break to bring you back down to reality. Whether it's a breathing exercise or yoga class, find it and practice it. It'll help!

5. Do something every day for YOU. Your every day life can consume you, but refer back to #1 here - do something for yourself daily. It can be one small thing or it can be something big; just making the time for yourself is what's important.

6. Have patience, but be determined. Being persistent with everything you try is #1 when you want to live with purpose. We all have days that have us ask "why is this happening?!", but it's the courage and drive to get past that feeling that lead to the success you're looking for.

7. Don't be afraid to make a change. This is something I still am working on - I HATE change. I know a lot of people do, and I know it's normal but I hate how much I hate change. It's partially because of fear of the unknown, and not knowing if you'll fail or succeed or like the change that takes place. But the truth is, you really only can grow from a life change!

8. Release negative feelings/energy. Life is TOO damn short to worry and sweat the small stuff. This was an ah-ha moment for me not that long ago, and I can't even begin to describe what a huge weight off of your shoulders it is to release the negative.

9. Don't wait for things to be "perfect". Nothing and no one is perfect. Striving to do your best is more important than waiting around for something to be "perfect". What is that anyway??

10. Appreciate the little things! Something good can be found in even the smallest of accomplishments, the tiniest of good things that happen - appreciate it all and you'll find yourself living much more graciously.

These are just things that I've realized I needed to work on, and how I can live more purposefully each and every day - would love to hear what you'd add to this list! Even these little, baby changes can make a difference in your attitude and how you feel every day. Make a point to work on one of these a month and you'll see a difference in your attitude and perspective on life. I sure have and it's a great feeling!
XOXO -A