Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Ever have days go sideways or disappear so fast you didn’t reach the goals you set? We all have! But these easy strategies can get your days back on track
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We’ve heard it all before — wake up at 5 am, kill yourself in the gym before 7, and don’t forget to eat 30 grams of protein before 8. And for how highly popularized these statements are, the average American wakes up at 7:30 am [1], less than 5% of adults are exercising for 30 minutes and most people are eating around 81 grams of protein a day [2]. If everyone knows what to do, why isn’t anyone doing it? Because health is not a one-all-be-all thing — it gets overcomplicated to the point where it’s too overwhelming to start.
What health looks like can vary from person to person — it’s shaped by individual experiences and circumstances. But one thing is the same: health is for everyone. Today you are going to take away 3 of the most simplified and practical ways to start living as your best self. And the best part? They are free, take no extra time, and will work in any type of lifestyle. The sacrificing happiness for health game is over. Get ready to finally meet the next best version of you, today.
Realize that routines are meant to guide you, not control you
About 5 years ago, I would plan out my day down to the minute. And then when something went off schedule (life happens!) or I fell behind, I would have seen the whole day as wasted. Over time, I have started to realize that yes, I can still plan out my day but that doesn’t mean that’s what’s going to happen. And when something goes out of plan, as it often will, we shift and pivot. We make routines and plans to keep us in line, keep our goals in action, not to control us. We have them to guide us and keep us on track with becoming the best versions of us, not to limit what we are able to do.
Try setting your days up in a timed block format. That way you have a set time to get a number of things done, but also have flexibility for the order and timing of your tasks. Blocking your day will help keep life, work and personal tasks separated and grouped together for maximum productivity. Being less strenuous on your daily outline is not an excuse to never follow the routines that help set you up for success, but instead, a reminder that they are meant to be a gentle guide that helps lead you to become your best self.
Make screen time a game
Get this: 4.5 hours is the daily average that most people spend on their phones [3]. That’s around 1,643 hours a year! You can change that and here’s how: make it a game. Complicated? No. Effective? Yes! To start doing this, take a look at your screen time. This is not intended to feel bad or shame yourself, you’re just taking a look at the numbers. Now, think of a realistic number that seems just a tiny bit out of reach for what you would like to spend on your phone. This number should make you feel a little scared but also excited about the challenge to cut down your screen time. Add your screen time to your phone’s home screen and begin!
Every time you open your phone you will see how many minutes you have been on the phone and how you should alter your usage to hit that goal. If it’s only 9 am and you have half of your time used, how are you going to spend the rest of the day to become as close to the goal as possible? I know this sounds a little silly, but it works! If this is a big struggle, start with just one app. Reduce your time on Instagram and tackle the whole phone when you’re ready.
Constantly ask yourself “What would the best version of me do right now”
If you take one thing away from this article, I want it to be this. Living by this statement is what makes up-leveling your life seem possible. The small, everyday moments shape our lives. And this question is made for those moments. Got out of your routine? Had a poor eating day? Didn’t hit your screen time goals? “What would the best version of me do right now?” What would THAT you do? Would you beat yourself up about it or start fresh immediately? If you’re dealing with a difficult person, how would the best version of you deal with them? Would you lose your mind or speak to them calmly? How would the best version of you spend the morning? Your lunch breaks? How would you move your body? What types of people would you surround yourself with? Make this question your phone wallpaper or stick it on a Post-It note in the mirror. And start showing up as your best version today. Btw, you’re still going to mess up, still wish situations didn’t go the way they did, but in those moments just remember — what would the best version of you do?
These small nudges towards your next best version of you are meant to be ways that you can enrich the everyday, not overwhelming tasks.
Our lives change and transform gradually, not overnight. Take what you need now and come back for more later, when you’re ready. Find what works in your life and start. Maybe you start with cutting down your screen time and then tackle your mindset around daily schedules another week? Something that helps me when wanting to implement changes in my life, is remembering there is no perfect time to begin. Start even if you’re not sure it will work, if you feel like it’s too big, or when you’re not perfectly ready. These practical ways to start living as your best self are strategies you can do today. So, the question remains: which one will you try first?
You may also enjoy reading Keeping It Simple: Single Tasking Is the New Black for Mindfulness & Productivity, by Melinda Andrisen.
