Have you ever wondered how to change your life? Maybe you’ve been dissatisfied with your current situation in life, feeling it’s time to quit old habits and make a radical transformation.
Changing your life for the better isn’t easy, but it’s achievable and worth fighting. However, transformation is a gradual process and doesn’t happen overnight — be prepared to take meaningful and consistent steps that will lead you toward a fulfilling life and significant change.
33 Ways to Change Your Life
Let’s look closely at your entire life and determine what you want to completely change when you wonder how to change your life. Consider different aspects of life: achievement, finance, health, support system, self-reflection, and self-improvement to live your best life.
Social & Relationships
1. Reassess Your Social Circle and Set Boundaries
Reflect on how each person in your life affects your mood and check these 11 green flags in a new relationship you should look for. If someone doesn’t add value to your life, it’s okay to step back and prioritize your peace.
As an illustration, if you have friends who constantly complain or bring negativity to your life, consider spending less time with them. Instead, spend time with like-minded people who bring you more energy.
The same goes for family or coworkers—if certain relationships are harmful in your day-to-day life, it might be time to make significant changes and set boundaries. However, it takes courage and may initially feel like going outside your comfort zone. Eventually, you can have a more fulfilling life and supportive relationships.
2. Say “No” to Overcommitment
Setting boundaries also allows you to protect your time, energy, and focus, preventing overcommitment in life. Thus, if you think about how to change your life, politely decline events or requests that don’t align with your priorities. Practice saying, “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
3. Volunteer Regularly
In a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, researchers found that volunteering improves well-being, bringing happiness and a sense of meaning to life [1]. If you want to try, you could volunteer at a local food bank, help at the animal or homeless shelters, help organize charity events or mentor young students at a local school.
4. Reach Out to a Friend
Another idea for how to change your life for the better is to make it a habit to check in with a friend once a week. It may be a quick text, a call, or making plans to hang out. You may send a message like, “Hey, how’s your week going?” or invite them for coffee or a walk.
It doesn’t have to be anything significant. The point is being emotionally available and staying in touch, which may help you feel supported and connected. Building strong connections may help you surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you and inspire your positive life changes.
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Self-Reflection & Self-Awareness
5. Practice Deep Breathing
If you think, “I want to change my life, but I don’t know how,” you can start by taking 2-3 short breaks during the day to breathe deeply to calm your mind. One of the most effective exercises is box breathing:
- inhale for 4 seconds
- hold for 4
- then exhale for 4
Box breathing is a proven stress reliever that can also improve your mood and energy. Try recharging throughout the day, and you may notice that you make better decisions and become more productive. Eventually, this simple practice can lead to better mental clarity and emotional balance.
6. Meditate Regularly
Spending a few moments daily meditating can help you feel more present and less stressed. For example, try a 5-minute guided meditation in the morning to clear your mind and learn how to feel your feelings. As a result, this practice can improve focus and teach you to respond to situations calmly, leading to better decision-making and overall mental peace.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Accepting your flaws and treating yourself with compassion are key answers to how to change your life. Research shows that practicing kindness and self-compassion reduces worry [2].
So, try to forgive yourself and keep your head straight when you make mistakes instead of being too hard on yourself. To dig deeper and reconnect with what really matters in life, try these 45 self-reflection questions to ask yourself.
8. Practice Gratitude
Reflect on something you’re grateful for in life each day. According to researchers from the University of California, by reflecting on something you’re grateful for daily, you start focusing on the positive, which can reduce stress and negativity [3].
The simplest way to start practicing gratitude is through journaling. Write down one thing you appreciate each night before bed. This habit encourages a shift in perspective, allowing you to notice and appreciate the good in your life, leading to more optimism, better relationships, and a greater sense of fulfillment.
9. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Do small, positive things for others. For example, compliment a stranger or open the door for someone to brighten their day. Studies confirm the power of kindness because it improves life satisfaction [4].
Goal Setting & Achievement
10. Set SMART Goals
Focus on breaking big life dreams into small, achievable steps. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each life goal should be well-defined, trackable, realistic, aligned with your priorities, and within a clear timeline.
For example, it could be: “I will save $500 over the next three months by cutting back on eating out and reducing shopping expenses.”. According to University of New Hampshire researchers, this framework helps ensure your goals are actionable and reachable [5].
11. Track Your Progress and Create a “Done” List
Use a habit tracker app or simple checklist. This helps visualize your progress in life and stay motivated over time, as supported by three studies [6].
12. Limit Multitasking
Our brains are not set up to multitask, Brown University researchers found. Multitasking makes us more easily distracted and increases the likelihood of mistakes [7]. Thus, focus on one thing at a time for better efficiency.
For example, instead of checking emails while working on a report, focus solely on finishing the report first. Or, if you’re having a conversation with a friend, put your phone down and listen rather than scrolling through social media.
13. Schedule “Me Time”
Feeling like “I want to change my life”? Make sure to dedicate time just to yourself each week. Taking regular “Me Time” in daily life allows people to reflect on their emotions and improve their emotional regulation, making it easier to make rational decisions, according to studies by Brigham Young University [8].
14. Take Breaks at Work
Taking breaks from work can boost performance by improving focus, mood, and motivation in life. According to different studies on productivity, breaks are especially important for tasks requiring sustained attention, as they help prevent mental fatigue caused by overusing cognitive resources [9]. You can set timers to remind yourself to step away and recharge.
15. Create a Vision Board
How can you change your life? Visualize your life goals by creating a vision board. For instance, pin up images of your fitness or career aspirations on a board to keep you motivated, focus on the goal, and leave your comfort zone.
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Money & Finance
16. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Tracking your income and expenses can significantly change your life today. To make it easier, use an app or spreadsheet for strategic planning. It can record monthly expenses like rent, groceries, and entertainment and compare them to your income to ensure you stay on track and avoid overspending.
17. Automate Bill Payments
To ensure they’re always paid on time set up automatic payments for your bills. For instance, link your utility, phone, and credit card bills to automatic payment through your bank account or service provider so you never miss a due date and avoid unnecessary late fees.
18. Start Saving for the Future
Put aside a small amount into savings or a retirement fund each month. You can start small and automatically transfer $50 from your checking account into a high-yield savings account or retirement fund at the beginning of each month to build your future financial security.
19. Try Meal Prepping
If you think, “I want to change my life,” try to plan your meals for the week to save time and eat healthier. You can spend an hour each weekend chopping vegetables, cooking grains, and prepping proteins for the week. Then, assemble your meals into containers so all you have to do is reheat them during the week.
Physical Health
20. Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps to control appetite, boost mood, and improve sleep, confirmed at Harvard University [10]. So, aim for 30 minutes, 3-4 times weekly. In addition, standing up and stretching every hour is also a great habit, especially if you have a desk job.
Exercising regularly doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. For example, you can take a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood or do an online yoga class from home.
If you prefer something low-impact, try stretching or doing bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups in your living room. These small steps can significantly impact your health, keeping your body active and your mind refreshed.
21. Drink More Water
Carry a water bottle and aim for 6-8 glasses daily. It’s one of the most important habits that helps you stay hydrated and feel better.
22. Eat Healthier
Mindful eating helps you realize what you eat and what benefits it brings to your body. Instead of simply satisfying your hunger, a healthy relationship with food comes in life.
For example, instead of rushing through meals, take the time to savor each bite and notice the flavors. Try to choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and pay attention to how they make you feel after eating rather than mindlessly snacking.
Research shows that mindful eating significantly improves mood, reduces stress levels, helps develop healthy eating habits, and gets rid of excess weight [11].
23. Get Enough Sleep
Consistently getting too little sleep can affect your thinking, reactions, work performance, learning, and relationships in life. Research shows that good sleep helps the brain rid itself of toxins that build up during the day, so getting seven to eight hours of quality rest is incredibly important for your overall health [12].
Thus, if you think about how to change your life, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. You should also set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
Daily Routine & Healthy Habits
24. Create a Morning Routine
Focus on spending 15-30 minutes every morning doing things like a short workout, stretching, drinking water, or positive affirmations for women for self-empowerment.
25. Declutter for 10 Minutes Daily
Researchers found that consistent decluttering helps create a calm, organized space, increasing productivity and quality of life for most people [13]. For example, you could choose one area to focus on daily, like your desk, kitchen counter, or bathroom. In 10 minutes, sort through papers, put away items and wipe down surfaces.
By the end of the week, you’ll have made noticeable improvements, and your home will feel more organized and peaceful.
26. Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Emails
How much time do you spend finding the letter you need or deleting everything unnecessary? Do you find it irritating? One of the less obvious but practical ideas on how to change your life is reducing email clutter by unsubscribing to non-essential newsletters, promotions, or junk mail.
27. Do a Digital Detox
Taking a break from screens allows you to step away from the constant flow of information and reduce stress caused by social media or work emails.
For example, spending a few hours or an entire day without your phone can help you reconnect with the present moment, recharge, and focus on real-life interactions.
28. Limit Social Media
Research shows that seeing others having fun or achieving things you haven’t can trigger stress and feelings of inadequacy [14]. Thus, setting a time limit on social media can reduce worry and stop comparing. This, in turn, allows you to focus more on your own experiences and happiness.
It may be difficult at first, but try limiting yourself to 30 minutes of social media daily. Use apps or built-in phone settings to help with this. In addition, avoid screen time 30 minutes before sleeping for better rest. Over time, it can improve your sleep and productivity.
Personal Transformation & Learning
29. Learn One New Thing a Month
Pick a new skill or hobby to explore each month. For example, one month, you might learn to cook a new cuisine, such as Italian or Thai. The following month, you could pick up a musical instrument, like learning basic chords on the guitar.
Each new skill or hobby you take on may broaden your abilities and give you a sense of accomplishment in life. Research supports the idea that continuous learning has multiple benefits.
Another study by the University of California found that adults who engage in new learning activities have improved cognitive function and are better at adapting to life changes. Learning something new can also increase feelings of fulfillment and happiness, as it helps you stay curious and open to new experiences [15].
30. Invest in Personal Growth
For instance, if you’re wondering how to change your life by improving your career path or changing jobs, you might take an online course in project management or leadership skills through platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
If you’re interested in personal development, consider attending a weekend workshop on mindfulness, communication skills, or financial planning. Listening to motivational podcasts for women can also be inspiring and give you valuable insights on how to be your better version.
31. Read for 15 Minutes a Day
Reading for just 15 minutes a day can boost your knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking skills, improving problem-solving and spark inspiration.
When reading books, take notes, write down quotes, and draw parallels with your own life. Taking notes or thinking about what you read may help you understand and relate it to your life. Eventually, making this a habit can boost your personal growth, improve your focus, and give you a sense of achievement.
32. Ask for Feedback
To be the best version of yourself, seek feedback from friends, family, or coworkers. This way, you can avoid repeating those same mistakes in the future and make more thoughtful choices moving forward. Write down the reasons for your failures, analyze them, and reflect on how to avoid them in the future.
33. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Even untimely and unplaceable ones. Typically, asking questions can encourage curiosity and learning. This will allow you to reduce your worries and confusion and find solutions. Consequently, this habit can build confidence and deepen your connections with others.
As a result, it can also lead to personal growth, as you’re more open to learning and less afraid of seeking help or advice.
FAQ
1. Why is change so painful?
We asked Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, why change is so painful.
Change can cause discomfort and pain because it disrupts the familiar and predictable patterns we’ve grown accustomed to. As a therapist, I believe this is a natural response rooted in our human tendency to seek stability and safety. Change challenges our sense of control and security when we encounter change, whether by choice or circumstance. Emotionally, it can stir up uncertainty, fear of the unknown, and even grief for what we leave behind. Despite the pain, change also offers opportunities for growth and a chance to discover new strengths within ourselves.
2. Where do I start if I want to change my life?
If you’re wondering how to change your life for the better, start with small habits that can make a significant impact. Consider what you want to change and break it down into simple steps. Then, create a routine with healthy habits like exercising or eating better, and try to shift your mindset by practicing gratitude and being kind to yourself.
Besides, you may pick up a new hobby, make new friends, or reach out to the old ones or a mentor for support, and just take action—don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Start with one or two things, leave your comfort zone, and build from there!
3. What are the best habits to change my life for the better?
“The best habits to improve your life align with your values and nurture your well-being. Engaging with small, intentional changes creates a lasting impact over time. Prioritizing self-care is crucial, as is developing a habit of self-compassion when self-criticism arises. Cultivating a growth mindset—embracing challenges as learning opportunities—can lead to greater resilience and confidence as you learn to care for your emotional balance,” – Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC.
Sources
- Ricky N. Lawton, Iulian Gramatki, Will Watt & Daniel Fujiwara. Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? March 2020
- Lara Kristin Mey, Mario Wenzel, Karolina Morello, Zarah Rowland, Thomas Kubiak, Oliver Tüscher. Be Kind to Yourself: the Implications of Momentary Self-Compassion for Affective Dynamics and Well-Being in Daily Life. January 2023.
- ResearchGate. Functions of Positive Emotions: Gratitude as a Motivator of Self-Improvement and Positive Change. July 2017.
- Cregg, D.R., Cheavens, J.S. Healing through helping: an experimental investigation of kindness, social activities, and reappraisal as well-being interventions. 2022
- Les Macleod. Making SMART goals smarter. August 2013.
- Betty P I Chang, Thomas L Webb, Yael Benn, Chris B Stride. Which Factors Are Associated with Monitoring Goal Progress? March 2017.
- Jennifer E. Davis. Multitasking and How It Affects Your Brain Health. January 2023.
- Lisa Prescott Dixon, Brigham Young University. The Impact of Spending Time Alone on Emerging Adults’ Mental Well-Being. 2020.
- Patricia Albulescu, Irina Macsinga, Andrei Rusu, Coralia Sulea, Alexandra Bodnaru, Bogdan Tudor Tulbure. “Give me a break!” A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. August 2022.
- Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise & fitness.
- Jeanne Dalen, Bruce W Smith, Brian M Shelley, Anita Lee Sloan, Lisa Leahigh, Debbie Begay. Pilot study: Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL): weight, eating behavior, and psychological outcomes associated with a mindfulness-based intervention for people with obesity. November 2010.
- National Institutes of Health. Brain may flush out toxins during sleep. October 2013.
- Caroline J. Rogers, Dr. Rona Hart. Home and the extended-self: Exploring associations between clutter and wellbeing. February 2021.
- Aarif Alutaybi, Dena Al-Thani, John McAlaney, Raian Ali. Combating Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) on Social Media: The FoMO-R Method. August 2020.
- Alexandria N Weaver, Susanne M Jaeggi. Activity Engagement and Cognitive Performance Amongst Older Adults. March 2021.
