(Inspired by the Law of Attraction)
New habits don’t simply develop overnight. However, with a little willpower and a commitment to making small, positive and manageable changes each day, you can make significant shifts in your happiness and well-being.
Try undertaking these 14 challenges over the next two weeks to experience 14 days of growth that will help you vibrate at a higher frequency and bring you closer to living your best life.
1. Use Words That Encourage Happiness
The next time someone asks you how you are, don’t say “fine” or “okay.” Instead, tell someone how happy or excited you are about something that’s happening or something that’s inspiring gratitude.
This will induce a better mood, and spread joy to others too.
2. Try One New Thing Every Day
First-time experiences spark inspiration and curiosity, so try to have one each day for the next 14 days.
It can be something small like striking up a conversation with a stranger or sampling a different type of cuisine, but go big if you want!
Visit a brand new place, start a new hobby, or make a change to your home.
3. Dedicate An Hour A Day To One Of Your Passions
Everyone has busy lives, but you can make time for an hour devoted to a key hobby each day.
Whether it’s religion, music, sport or a particular field of study, engage in something you truly care about and notice how much meaning it adds to your life.
4. Treat Everyone Nicely
Be nice, even to those you dislike. Show respect, kindness, and compassion to all you encounter; not because they’re nice people, but because you are.
You may be surprised how rudeness around you begins to dissolve over the next 14 days.
5. Get Rid Of One Thing Per Day
We’re all surrounded by clutter, so challenge yourself each day to get rid of something you no longer need.
You may feel resistant at first, but you’ll soon notice how freeing this habit can be.
Bonus points if you find a better home for things you don’t need (e.g. by donating them to charity or giving them to a friend).
6. Work On One Long-Term Goal For An Hour Every Day
Break a major goal into 14 smaller pieces, and focus on one per day (for roughly an hour each time).
These baby steps will move you slowly and surely towards your aim, and this is a highly effective way of turning big dreams into reality.
7. Read A Chapter Of A Good Book Every Day
It’s tempting to spend most of your reading time online, but both classic books and contemporary novels have a lot to offer the imagination. I always have a stack of non-fiction books near by, I work my way eventually through each, or at least the parts that I need. Here is the list of What’s on my Nightstand ( including my top 5 self help and motivational books)
8. Spend 10 Minutes Of Your Evening Reflecting On What Went Well
Whether you prefer 10 minutes of quiet reflection or want to write ideas down, make sure you perform an inventory of the things you enjoyed about your day.
Suggested entries include signs of personal growth, moments of human connection, and beautiful things you saw.
9. Reach Out To Someone Every Day
For each of the 14 days, find someone you haven’t spoken to in a while (or someone you’ve never really gotten to know) and send them a message or strike up a conversation.
Everyone has something unique to offer, and these small gestures of interest can make more difference than you know.
10. Let Go Of One Relationship That Constantly Hurts You
Be honest about who really encourages you, motivates you and makes you happy. Consider whether there are any sources of toxicity, low self-esteem or cruelty in your life, and think about how you can begin to let such a person go.
11. Do A Random Act Of Kindness Every Day
It’s fun to think of a new way to be kind each day. The options are endless!
You might babysit for a relative, compliment a stranger, take on a little extra work, or buy a meal for someone in need.
12. Repeat Positive Affirmations For Five Minutes Each Morning
You may already be practicing affirmations, by try saying them for a full five minutes before you start your day.
They hold more power when repeated sincerely and frequently.
Plus, remember that you’re free to adjust the words you say until you feel they resonate most powerfully.
13. Do Something You’re Scared Of
Try to get rid of one limiting belief that induces fear and holds you back from being fulfilled.
Perhaps you have mistaken underlying assumptions about your intelligence, your talent, your attractiveness or what you “deserve.”
Locate one such belief, fully explore where it came from, and steadily work to combat it over your 14 days.
14. Practice Self-Care Every Day For 15 Minutes
Finally, spend at least 15 minutes a day just being kind to yourself. Do yoga, take a bath, say “no” to something that would drain your resources, or buy yourself a small treat.
I love using my self care time for a long bath, glass of wine and face mask. Check out my post on my Favorite Indulgent Face Masks here.
