8 Ways to Start Living A Better Life

Life is short, so why not start living the way you want? It's time to stop letting other people tell you how to live your life and get started doing what you want.

But, where do you even begin?

Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget to take a step back and look at our lives.

We don't even know where we want our life to be.

It might seem impossible to make the shift and live the way that can make you happy. However, small changes can go a long way.

There are many things you can do each day to start living your life on your terms.

Here are some ways that can help you.

1. Make a list of things you want to do more often

You don't like what you're doing, but you don't know what you want to do instead?

The best thing you can do is make a list of things that would make your life more enjoyable.

It is crucial to write down this list on a piece of paper because writing will help you put your thoughts in order.

This list will give you a better idea of what would make life worth living for YOU!

Notice which activities give you more joy. Add them to your weekly schedule and start doing them more often.

Doing things you love will make you feel like you're living the life you want to live.

This is the first step towards taking control of your happiness and fulfillment, so don't hesitate!

Even if you're not sure, go ahead and experiment. Try out new things and see what you like.

Don't just sit around waiting until life throws good fortune at you.

As you discover what you like, you will slowly understand that you have the power to take control over your happiness.

"There is no passion to be found playing small–in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

Nelson Mandela

2. Be honest with yourself about what needs to change in your life

Do you often play ostrich? Sometimes we refuse to face reality, and we pretend that everything is ok.

The truth, however, is not so comforting because when we take our heads out of the sand, we understand how unhappy we are.

Reality tells us things need to change.

What can you do to escape feeling trapped in a reality that is making you miserable?

Look deep inside yourself until you know what needs to change in your life. Being used to a particular way of living doesn't mean that it is the best for you.

Habits are difficult to break, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Some people are working themselves to the bone but are unhappy with their job.

They stay because they're afraid of what will happen if they leave or fear others' judgment for wanting a different life.

And this could go on until retirement!

You have the right to live life the way you want, and your job description doesn't define who you are.

At some point, you have to take responsibility for your life and do the things that fulfill you.

When you are happy and excited, you'll also help others find their path because happiness is contagious.

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."

Anatole France

3. Get rid of the stuff that doesn't make you happy anymore

When you feel unhappy, you might feel the urge to buy shiny things to find joy in life.

This shiny object syndrome is understandable, but it doesn't solve the problem.

Buying more things means you need to find a new place for them, and before long, your home becomes cluttered with stuff that isn't making you happy!

When I feel myself falling into this habit, one of my favorite practices has been getting rid of everything in one big purge.

I keep one thing in mind.

If I don't use the items, I throw them away! It can be liberating when you throw away all this clutter.

This way, you will be forced to focus only on what's important, which will help bring clarity to your life.

"The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don't."

Marie Kondo

4. Stop comparing yourself to others

If you believe that all those people you know or follow on social media live with a smile on their face 24/7, you're wrong.

You never know what's going on in other people's lives.

Stop believing that everyone else has it better than you and is content with life.

There isn't such thing as a "perfect life," no matter how successful or wealthy someone becomes.

Life will throw obstacles your way no matter what. It's just a normal part of life.

How you deal with them that makes a difference.

How you interpret reality in your mind might be the reason that is preventing you from becoming happier.

If you choose to see everything through a negative lens, then you will feel miserable.

If you choose to be positive and deal with everything that comes your way and then move on, you'll feel happier.

Happiness isn't an outcome; it is a state of mind.

"Happiness is a state of mind, a choice, a way of living; it is not something to be achieved, it is something to be experienced."

Steve Maraboli

5. Be mindful, be present, and live in the moment

Living in the moment is important. However, most of us live-trapped either in our past or are constantly worrying about the future.

We don't live in the present.

We are always thinking about what is next, whether it be our vacation or a big work meeting around the corner.

Time-traveling back and forth from past to future can only drive you crazy. You can stop this by being mindful of where you're at right now.

Taking time for yourself every day (even just five minutes) and becoming aware of the present moment through various activities like yoga/meditation will help you feel better.

This way, you won't get caught up worrying so much about what might happen. You'll enjoy living your life and appreciate every little thing.

"What happened yesterday has no power over who I am anymore."

Marcus Aurelius

6. Surround yourself with people who make you happy

You know what they say... You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Like it or not, the people close to us influence our lives, thoughts, and decisions.

If your friends are lazy, negative, and complain about everything in their life, you won't find any inspiration in them.

It would be best if you hang out with people that inspire you to be your best self.

It is vitally important to have people in your life who care about you.

Being around people who make you happy will definitely make your life better.

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose."

Tennessee Williams

7. Connect with nature whenever possible by going outside or taking a walk in your neighborhood

I know these times are tricky, and you have to be careful when you go out. However, it would be best if you didn't stay at home because it will drive you crazy.

Staring at a screen either on your laptop or your smartphone all day switching between work and social media isn't living.

You should get outside and get some vitamin D, it will improve your mood. Just go for a walk in the park, move your body and get some fresh air.

It will make you feel better and more energized. The best thing is that it's free! You don't have to spend money, so you have no excuse.

Going for a walk will lower stress and clear your mind.

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Kahlil Gibran

8. Stop living for others

Last but not least is to stop living for others. Sometimes we choose to live our lives according to other people's wishes or dreams.

Well, each person is unique with different dreams, goals, and path in life.

It is sad to see people living a tragic life just because their family or other people want them to do so.

If you live your life according to another person's wishes, then it might be time for a change. Your life is yours only and you should do what makes YOU happy!

Taking ownership of your life is the key to creating an extraordinary lifestyle.

It's time to make yourself happy.

We owe to ourselves to be happy. Happiness is like a spark that can set on fire other people too.

Make your life worth living and help the people around you become the best version of themselves.

Stop living in the prison you created for yourself. It's time to set yourself free.

Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?

Rumi