There is no ultimate goal in life.
There is no nirvana.
There is no pinnacle to be reached (even if we think we can imagine one).
There is no such thing as complete fulfillment.
The sooner you recognize these facts, the sooner you can get on with improving your life.
That may sound intimidating, but it isn’t. On the contrary, it’s massively releasing. Acknowledging that the achievement of one big goal is not going to make your life “perfect” will open you up to the realization that any positive step – no matter how small – can improve your life.
And invariably, small positive steps lead to big positive changes.
Don’t believe me? I’m sure there are things you have started doing in the past that have had a positive impact on your life. It could be something as simple as making your bed in the morning or going for a morning constitutional. It may not feel like a big deal, but it has improved your life nonetheless.
That’s how easy it is to improve your life, and it didn’t require something as frightening as quitting your job.
Now don’t get me wrong – quitting your job may be a big goal of yours, but it doesn’t have to be the goal. It’s not like you can’t work on improving your life in smaller ways while you focus on that bigger goal too.
This is something I have come to realize only too well, as I have quit my job.
I quit my job quite some time ago in fact – back in 2011. But guess what: my life isn’t perfect. Far from it. I’m working on improving my life as much as (if not more than) I ever have.
For a long time I thought that quitting my job was what would lead me to the imaginary state of nirvana that I mentioned at the beginning of this post. It took me quitting my job – followed by over 2 1/2 years of gradually building a successful online business – to learn that there are no miracle milestones. You can only do your best to ensure that your journey through life is as enjoyable as possible for you and those you care about. That is achieved through all of your actions and experiences – from the biggest to the smallest.
With that in mind, I want to issue a challenge.
I want you to commit to doing one small thing, for two weeks, that you think will positively affect your life. And I want you to tell me what that small thing is in the comments section below.
It needs to be something that you absolutely will not cop out on. Think really small.
Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:
- Listen to a particular song that makes you happy every day
- Email friends that you haven’t spoken to for a while every day, just to see how they’re getting on
- Take every opportunity to compliment people
- Walk for ten minutes every day
- Start using 750 Words
- Stop consuming news (it’s almost always negative)
- Take a break from social media
- Do a ten minutes of cleaning around your home every day
- Learn a new simple skill every day (like how to fold a t-shirt or how to make an origami crane)
- Unplug (no electric devices) an hour before bedtime
I’m going to come back to you in two weeks, at which point you’ll remind me of what you tried, then tell me what happened, and how the process was of any benefit to you.
I can assure you one thing: one way or another, this process absolutely will be of benefit if you follow through. I guarantee it.
I’d like you to dwell on that for a moment. No matter how tough life can get – no matter how difficult the big goals you set can feel – there are things you can do right now to improve your life.
How’s that for empowerment?
So let’s get started – join me in the comments section below where I’m about to share my own small change, and let me know what your small change is! Then make that change, starting tomorrow.
Photo Credit: Marisa
Okay! I’m going to steal my own example idea and learn a new simple skill every single day. In two weeks I should 14 new skills!
I love listening to music, but I never do it.
I took your challenge and banged out some tunes on YouTube and it instantly made me much happier.
I shall do this every day. It’s just a shame I’ve lost touch with the music over the years, so I don’t know the name of any songs lol
I’m also going to listen to 1 hour of audiobook every day. Always love it, but never do it. Funny how that happens.
You should keep us up-to-date in the forums with the skill you’re learning.
Music’s a big one for me; good choice!
That’s a good idea – I’m going to head over there now 🙂
Tom, 14 new skills! really – I can’t wait to hear about all 14 and (of course) good luck.
Similar to Jamie I have lost touch with the music I loved so much. But my two are a bit more boring and more about personal development.
1. Exercise for 10 minutes daily – I’ve been putting this off for weeks
2. Finish the latest book in bought on kindle in 2 weeks time – I still haven’t started it yet
I’m looking forward to everybodys (including mine) results
Naomi
Those are good ones Naomi! Not boring at all 🙂
Great post! I started making my bed a couple of years ago & somehow still think about skipping it daily, but also am pleased (again daily) when I climb into a made bed & turn down the sheets. #itsthelittlethings
I like the idea of complimenting others or reaching out to show appreciation; I actually did the latter earlier today (before reading this post) and it made ME feel so good to check in on others I care for. I hope it made them feel just as special! I plan to do it daily these next two weeks. Thanks for the challenge!!
Hey Gina,
I’m a born-again bed maker and I couldn’t not do it these days!
Cheers,
Tom
One small thing – designating 6pm-8pm as gadget free time (I’ve become addicted to checking my phone).
In other news, I quit my job today! I know it won’t be all rainbows and unicorns, but dang, it feels good!
I’m a big fan of gadget-free rules. I no longer take my phone to bed, so my bedroom is a gadget-free zone. Getting my girlfriend to do the same thing is proving far more difficult 😉
And more importantly, that’s incredible news! Congratulations Beth!
Tom — great point! And something I’ve been struggling with a bit lately. I’ve realized that by constantly looking forward to the next big change or milestone, I often talk myself out of making changes right now.
I think my resolution will be the comment more on other people’s posts. I read a ton of things by other writers and freelancers, but I rarely take the time to comment. And yet I love getting comments on my own work so much! So, I’m going to share the love and work more at being part of a community.
That’s a good one Katharine 🙂
Tom,
Great article. I began thanking veterans a couple years ago. Now it is automatic to me – every time I see one I thank them for the service. I’ve had trouble sleeping and I know it is because I’m using electronics up to the point I try to go to bed. I added a calendar item daily – no electronics one hour before bed and I start tonight. Thank you for the great article.
Paul
Hey Paul,
I love the “thanking veterans” habit. I’m always silently thankful and respectful when I see an (American) veteran, but I don’t usually voice those feelings. It’s a little different over here in England though.
No electronics before bed – great one.
Cheers,
Tom
Write for 15 minutes a day.
I got a idea for a blog series. Writing 15 minutes a day for two weeks will give me 14 drafts to work from.
Boom 🙂
My sleep pattern is shocking. I’m on my laptop or tablet until very late at night and I know it’s preventing my brain from switching off. I will stop usage around 10pm, read a book instead.
Great idea Rudiano 🙂
Now that my renter of four years has finally moved out, I’m going to clean house. Not only will it feel good, I won’t have someone else coming behind me and messing it up again.
Who knows, maybe I’ll find enough junk lying around to donate or hold a garage sale.
Michele
Ah, housemates…can’t live ’em, definitely can live without them! 😉
Although I want to choose something that doesn’t involve exercise, I know that’s the one for me, so beginning tomorrow – I will walk 10 minutes per day. Thanks for the nudge!
My pleasure Tessa!
Good reminder to work on improving ourselves, Tom. I’m going to start each day thinking something positive that I can remember through the day and use to focus on whenever a negative thought pokes its head up.
Good luck Tom!
A short and simple post with a deep message. It’s my favorite kind of post, Tom.
Quitting my job in September was a big goal for me. Things didn’t work out and I’ll be in this job till December, next year. Initially, I thought that I was feeling like my plans for freedom were crumbling around me.
After a couple of weeks of feeling sorry for myself, I realized that I can not let this obstacle prevent me from achieving my goals. Instead of seeing it as a roadblock, I can see it as an opportunity – guaranteed income to build a longer runway, and more time to experiment.
I think I can sum up the situation with this quote from Dalai Lama – Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.
The one action I am going to do for the next 2 weeks (I started on 4 Aug) – Read and take notes to learn from the book, Made To Stick, before going to bed every night.
I love that quote Debashish! It is often so true.
You’re right Tom, it really is just doing that one little thing each day, which brings you closer to your goals. For me, it’s quitting my 9-5 to travel (after a 10 years struggle to do so).
I make sure to note my calendar every single day with something I did….small steps forward.
I’m new to this site and post, but I just had to comment on this! Great article; it got me thinking in the right direction! I started doing 20/20 pushups and situps every day and oh what a difference. Who knew the secret to success isn’t always thinking big! Sometimes it’s thinking small!
Quite right you are Keron 🙂
As a workaholic I often find myself stressed out. I am going to dedicate 10 minutes of every day when I get home to meditation. No phone no TV just me.
I am going to commit to not using my computer one hour before i go to bed. This is a very big step for me because i waste a lot of time on the computer each day and I am up late many a night and do not get that much sleep.
Good luck Terri!
Loved your article.