Choose Five
We write about, talk about, and preach about big goals. Dream big. Live large. Seek happiness. Choose joy.
Sometimes, that thinking can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Because the truth is that elevating your life comes as the result of a million small decisions, baby steps, and modest actions.
So here’s a simple but incredibly effective way to move forward. Begin by identifying five concrete things you can do to help get there. Not all of the way there, but a step there. Now, not all of these ideas are right for everyone, and some are paradoxical or even downright contradictory.
The challenge is to choose five from the list below -- or create your own list of five -- that might work for you. That might lead you a little closer to that big dream, larger life, or happier place. Write them down and do them during the coming week. Five little actions to be completed in the next seven days. And then, at the end of the week, spend a few minutes taking a very honest look at your life. Do you feel better? More in control? Do you have a sense that you are moving forward in a direction you want to go? If so, great, keep going. If not, choose five other things.
What is critical to this experiment is actually, truly and completely committing to those five things over the coming week. And yup, you can go ahead and choose some easy ones!
Choose your five. Write them down. Get to work.
Write down your goals for the next 3, 6 and 12 months. On paper.
Plan next week’s menu ahead, shop for all you need on Sunday and see if it makes the week easier.
Call or email an old friend you haven’t spoken with in more than a year.
Make amends. Chances are there is at least one person to whom you owe an apology. Go ahead, say it.
Read five pages each day of a book that teaches you something or inspires you in some way. Limit yourself to five pages, but do it every day for the week.
Give away at least five articles of clothing you haven’t worn in a year. No, shoulder pads are NOT coming back.
Vacuum your car. Don’t forget to get under the seats.
Send a “just because” card to someone you love.
Do your spouse a favor.
Thank a teacher for educating and caring for your child.
Take a bubble bath.
Say “no” to something you feel obligated to do but really, truly don’t want to.
Create a playlist with 10 songs that make you feel like dancing.
Take the day off.
Take the afternoon off.
Work harder.
Plan an adventure.
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Set your alarm to wake up 20 minutes earlier.
Make a date to walk with a friend.