Six Things You Should Do Every Day to Better Yourself

Self-improvement doesn’t have to be overly focused on end goals. Sure, it would be great to lose those last five pounds or get that promotion at work, but fixating on these things can cause you to overlook the purpose of all your hard work.

Though it’s impossible to guarantee life will go the way you want it to, it’s easy to set yourself up for success. The best way to make steady progress in your life is to put in a little bit of work every day.

Here are six easy things you should do every day to become a healthier, happier, better person overall.

1. Get Some Exercise

At this point, it may seem cliche to recommend regular exercise, but we can’t overstate the benefits of physical activity. Getting regular exercise can help control weight, improve your ability to perform day-to-day tasks, reduce the risk of certain diseases and promote better sleep. It can even improve mood and benefit your mental health.

You don’t have to go to the gym every day to benefit from physical activity. Something as simple as stretching or going for a walk outside could be a meaningful addition to your daily routine.

2. Practice Being Present

Meditation is one of the easiest things you can do on a regular basis because all you need is yourself. Meditation is mentally and physically beneficial, helping to relieve stress and anxiety, extend attention span and improve willpower. Some people may find it spiritually enriching, as well.

Many meditation styles exist, so even if you don’t think it’s for you, you can probably find a style that fits your preferences. You can learn to meditate from a teacher or by using the tons of apps and resources available online.

Try setting aside at least five minutes every day to practice meditation and make time just for you. You might find that the practice promotes happiness and increased productivity in your life by helping you appreciate being in the moment.

3. Revisit Your Goals and Evaluate Your Progress

Having goals is an essential part of taking initiative in your life. Even if you’re working on your goals every day, it’s a good idea to evaluate where you’re at.

On a regular basis, revisit your goals and see if you need to make any adjustments. Make sure you’re actually motivated to complete the goals you’ve set for yourself. If you’re not, try to remember why you’ve established that goal in the first place. Don’t be afraid to make changes to goals you think aren’t contributing to your happiness anymore.

In addition to evaluating your goals, you should also gauge your progress. It can be easy to forget about the things you’ve accomplished, but by acknowledging your successes daily, you can feel more motivated to continue trying. You can choose from many apps to help you track your improvement easily.

4. Learn Something New

Learning doesn’t have to stop when you leave school. In fact, it shouldn’t! Learning something new every day is like exercise for your brain. It can make you healthier and happier by increasing understanding, improving confidence and preventing boredom.

There are lots of ways to get smarter. Listening to podcasts, talking to diverse people and exploring a broad range of subject areas are all good ways to start.

5. Read a Book

Like learning, reading daily is a great way to stay on top of your mental game. Reading is beneficial in many ways — it can teach you to concentrate longer, improve memory and even inspire empathy, as when reading a good novel.

It’s easy now to go a whole day without reading something, but seriously consider adding reading to your daily routine. Even just a few pages can have lasting benefits.

6. Do Something Fun

Taking time to do things you find enjoyable is an essential part of self-improvement. In fact, the most successful people enjoy working on hobbies regularly. Practicing a hobby allows you to learn and perfect new skills while blowing off steam, allowing you to be more productive all around.

Make time for your hobbies every day, and ideally pick something skill-related. Whether it’s painting, drawing, playing an instrument or practicing a sport, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the progress you can make with just a little daily practice.

In the end, the best way you can improve yourself is to take it one step at a time. Remember, there’s no pressure to be the best, and the only person you’re in competition with is yourself. By taking small steps toward your goals and trying out a few of these easy suggestions, it’s possible to make steady progress without wearing yourself out.