Ever notice how whenever you want to make improvements big or small, instead of starting right away, you always push it out? You might say you’re going to start eating better on Monday or you’re getting back to the gym next month, or even you’ll turn your life around next year.
Why not start today, right now?
If you did, you could be in a totally different place in a month. Yep, according to the experts, there are some simple ways that you can completely reinvent yourself.
And the best part of all? It’ll take less than 4 weeks for you to start seeing results.
If that sounds appealing to you, stick around: we’re about to dive into 6 simple ways, backed up by experts, that you can reinvent yourself in less than 30 days.
Ready to make some positive changes? Let’s get started.
1) Set some SMART Goals
Did you know that behind every successful person is a set of goals? Even though some people make it look easy, success never happens by accident. If you want to achieve something you’ve got to set some goals.
Not just any goals, but SMART ones; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s easy to say, “I’ll eat better” or “I’ll exercise more,” but without a clear plan, it’s just as easy to fall off track. We’ve all been there, right?
Instead of a vague “get fit” set a goal like “walk 20 minutes daily for 30 days.” That’s a SMART goal because it’s clear, achievable, and with a built-in deadline.
Why not start right now? Jot down some SMART goals for the next 30 days. Break your big dream into small, manageable steps. What can you start today? What’s your plan for tomorrow?
If you’re thinking of reinventing yourself, then kudos to you, the first step of that journey is to set some goals. But don’t just say them, write them down. Writing down your goals makes you 42% more likely to hit them. With your goals clearly laid out, you’re not just dreaming; you’re doing.
2) Get sunlight in your eyes early
Ever notice how morning people seem to have an extra spring in their step? It’s like getting up early gives them a boost of positivity for the day.
Here’s a little secret: it’s not just about being an early bird; it’s about what they do with those first few minutes of the day. As soon as the sun comes up, getting out for a morning walk can do wonders for you.
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman regularly highlights the magic of catching those first rays. Not only does it wake you up, it helps to set your internal clock for the day, making you feel happier, and it’s even linked to getting better sleep later that night.
“One study of 700 people, done at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, found that those who either spent 1 to 2 hours outdoors daily or spent their days in a brightly lit room were less likely to have trouble sleeping or report anxiety” as outlined by health writer, Lisa Marshall.
So, why not start your day on the right foot? Before the day’s demands crowd in, take that walk. Get some fresh air and let the morning sun work its magic. It’s a simple step, but it could be the game-changer in your journey to reinvention.
3) Practice mindfulness and visualization
Have you ever tried practicing mindfulness?
Visualization and mindfulness might sound like fads or trends, but they’re powerful tools when it comes to personal transformation. They’re linked to improved focus and, increased positivity and emotional readiness for new challenges.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged with the moment. It can clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and enhance creativity which are all key when it comes to reinventing yourself, right?
Visualization takes it a step further. By imagining your goals as already achieved, you help your brain to recognize and seize the opportunities that make those achievements possible. It’s a technique used by many successful people, including basketball sensation LeBron James.
In a 2020 conversation with Business Insider, LeBron’s trainer Mike Mancias said that James is “constantly doing some sort of visualization” whether it’s to prepare for a game or the day ahead “and it obviously has a positive outcome” according to Mancias.
Starting a meditation routine can be tough at first. But you’ll feel a big difference, even doing just a couple of minutes of focused breathing each day. Then you can gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
4) Cultivate gratitude
You’ve probably heard that gratitude is a game-changer when it comes to health and well-being. And guess what? It really is, I’ve experienced its power firsthand.
I have to admit: when you first start practicing gratitude, you might feel a bit weird like you’re just going through the motions. I know I did. But it’s kind of like faking a smile, at first it’s forced but after a few minutes, you find it’s not so forced anymore, and you’re actually feeling good.
The biggest benefits I experienced were feeling more upbeat and less anxious within a few days. But it’s not just me. Lots of studies and experts out there say gratitude’s got some serious perks. We’re talking about things like less stress, feeling happier, and even sleeping better.
As noted by the New York Times, Psychologist Dr. Robert Eammons was one of the first to study the power of gratitude. He says “Gratitude heals, energizes and changes lives”.
So, what’s the simplest way to make a big change in your life?
When you’re aiming to shake things up and reinvent your life, gratitude is pure gold. It can totally change your outlook. Start noticing and appreciating the good things you have and see for yourself.
5) Set yourself a challenge
When was the last time you challenged yourself? I mean really stepped out of your comfort zone and pushed yourself beyond your limits.
One of the best ways to reinvent yourself is to set yourself a challenge. It’s easy to get comfortable with life. Setting yourself a new challenge can give you a confidence boost, energize you, and kickstart you into action.
“Facing difficult challenges and overcoming them builds self-confidence” explains health and wellness writer Susan Fishman, NCC, CRC, “adversity can have a positive impact on our character.”
Setting yourself a challenge, purposely creates adversity in your life, allowing you to work hard and build confidence. It starts with a growth mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities. Once you get that first sense of your newfound confidence, it’s pretty addictive.
A few years back, I decided to learn to ride a motorcycle. It was pretty scary and really pushed me to my limit. I realized it’d been a long time since I’d taken something like this on. It was invigorating to be doing something tough that I’d set out to do. Now I do one thing each year.
If you want to reinvent yourself, why not start with a challenge? Aim to run a half marathon, learn a language, or pick up a musical instrument. Make a promise to yourself, start working on it daily, and watch how it changes you.
6) Develop a routine for sleep
What’s your sleep pattern like? Do you have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, or does it change every day?
Here’s something to think about: maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is really beneficial for your health and a simple way to reinvent yourself quickly.
New research supports this, suggesting that going to bed and waking up at the same times every day is “more crucial to health and longevity than spending eight hours in bed.”
And it’s not just about better sleep quality. A regular sleep schedule can contribute to living longer and promoting better overall well-being.
If you’re looking to make some positive changes in your life, starting with your sleep routine is a smart move. Establishing a steady sleep pattern can be a foundational step in your journey toward self-improvement. Prioritizing your sleep could be the change you’ve been looking for.
Final thoughts
There you have it, 6 simple ways to reinvent yourself in less than 30 days.
Of course, you need to keep up these habits if you want to keep feeling the benefits but getting started is the hardest part, right? So get to work on these and you’ll be well on your way.
What are you going to start with today?
