To Inspire:

It’s not quite end-of-year list time –when everyone has a list of things they think you should watch or read or think. I am beating the rush and sharing a great list of simple, short habits that can improve your life.

So many self-improvement ideas require some serious, lifestyle-changing effort, but these are tiny little things that can have a positive effect on your day and your life. Some of them benefit just you, some benefit the community or the world. But all of them are pretty easy.

1. Forgive somebody for something they didn’t even know they did.
2. Pick up a piece of garbage that you didn’t leave.
3. Look for an opportunity to say, “thank you.”
4. Think of the annoying thing you don’t want to do today. Then just do it and be done with it.
5. Pray
6. Eat a piece of fruit.
7. Ask someone for a book, music, or show recommendation.
8. Think of two people you can introduce to each other. Then offer to do it.
9. Spend enough time in nature to notice a color you didn’t see when you first stepped outside.
10. Take pictures of things you don’t want to forget.
11. Cancel a subscription you don’t use.
12. Ask for a small favor from someone (research shows people appreciate being asked).
13. Throw out or recycle one thing you don’t use each day.
14. Pay someone an unexpected compliment.
15. Think of something beautiful that happened to you years ago.
16. Take a few minutes to list as many things as you can that you’re thankful for.
17. Drink a glass of water.
18. Say a prayer for someone who has died.
19. Make a list of things to watch so you don’t do so mindlessly (include those recommendations from #7).
20. Go out of your way to check in on someone who is older.
21. Delete old emails.
22. Do something creative – write, paint, draw – even if no one lese will ever see it.
23. Read a book, and keep a physical copy near where you might watch TV (Check out Matt Palmer’s recent article on the Benefits of a Good Book)
24. Look up what happened on this date in history.
25. Take five minutes to think about what you’d like to see, do, or accomplish tomorrow.

Keep This list handy for those moments when you don’t know what to do next. And if you want more ideas, the entire list from Inc.com is 101 things, you can find it here. Try out one or two this weekend. Such little things that can make such an impact on your life!

Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications