10 things you can do right now to improve yourself and your life to come up with fresh ideas for the future. This is your month to focus on creativity, what inspires you and facing your fears.
1. FACE UP: Sign up to do one thing that scares you—a singles happy hour, a skydiving course, a cooking class. Commit to pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
2. LIGHT THE FIRE: Schedule a brainstorm session to solve a nagging problem. Encourage all new ideas, even the off-the-wall ones.
3. LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Plan a family game tournament and prepare special treats for the event. Soak up the bonding time and save the to-do list for tomorrow.
4. ADD IT UP: Tonight, evaluate your spending habits. Choose one small weekly expense (one less cappuccino or one less restaurant meal) to cut from your budget. Tuck away those savings for a vacation next year.
5. GET INSPIRED: Pick a movie or book that inspires you this weekend. Watch it alone and jot down whatever crazy ideas pop into your head. Revisit your notes and act on the best ones.
6. DRINK UP: This week, commit to drinking more water and nixing the sugary drinks. Note the changes in your skin tone, happiness and energy levels.1
7. BUDDY SYSTEM: Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Schedule a coffee or lunch date to catch up and remember the importance of making your friends and family feel special.
8. TAKE STOCK: Tonight, write down your top three passions. Assess whether your current lifestyle matches or is headed toward achieving that list.
9. SPEAK UP: Whenever your creative genius strikes—a more efficient process, a new place for the company lunch, a crazy idea you’ve been scared to mention—act on it quickly. Relish your newfound confidence.
10. GIVE BACK: Find a local charity organization and schedule time to volunteer. Enlist family, friends and co-workers to join you.