Want to feel accomplished every day? Do at least 3 things daily!
Every morning as I have my cup of coffee, I sit down with a index card and visualize the things I need to do today. You can pick up a fat stack of index cards from the dollar store or sometimes I encourage my clients to keep a journal, so they can look back and see the success they have had in previous days. At the top of my card I put 3 bullet points and I write out my reminder for my “daileys” before finally writing my To-Do list.
“Daileys” are non-negotiable things that can help you feel accomplishment. They are personal and beneficial to you. They can simply be making your bed, going for a run, or making quality time for a loved one or family.
My non-negotiables are:
Drinking water!
I am to drink up to 50% of my weight in ounces daily. Hydration is huge, but I will talk about that in another post.
2. Work out for 30 mins to an hour!
When gyms were open I aimed for a full hour, but since the pandemic I have fallen short and go for 30 mins. Working out is super important for my daily routine, not only because it makes me look and feel good, but it's also super beneficial for coping with depression. I was gifted an Apple watch and it keeps me accountable with it's built-in fitness goals. You even start simple with this one like do a simple push-up challenge.
3. Wake up at sunrise!
I know I said I make my list while I have my cup of coffee, but it's an amazing feeling when you get to check something off that you did before your day begins. There is also huge health benefits to doing this as well and it increases productivity.
If you don't accomplish your To-Do list that doesn't make you a failure. This exercise is about focusing on what you have done; to help you remind yourself that you are more capable and you can take pride in yourself. Accomplishments don't have to be some grand thing; they can be small things and stepping stones towards bigger goals so celebrate them.
Here's the the big question, do you want days to pass or do you want to live life on your terms and definitions?
When we are able to visualize and track it makes it easier to feel like we are going somewhere and the days don't feel wasted. Life is about taking action and sometimes the simplest action like writing things down can produce the most results.
Bonus: When we make our To-Do list it actually helps block out distractions and helps us increase our productivity. It is wisdom that you shouldn't put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Maybe its time we make that our core value.
The ultra bonus is that you can create a new challenge when it comes to your To-Do list. If you accomplish only two things on your list, try getting 3 things done the next day and so forth. Success doesn't happen overnight, but it does come through action and baby steps.
Remember: Do the work, break it down, and celebrate along the way.
You are capable and will get there, patience, cricket!