I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t want to significantly improve their life. The good news is: Every moment is an opportunity to become better than we’ve been in the past. This is a brief article on how to improve your life starting today. I challenge you to take action on each of these items; they will change your life if you do.

1. Become an Eclectic Reader

An eclectic reader is a reader who reads information from a variety of sources. Reading daily from a variety of authors with different backgrounds and beliefs is an excellent way to expand your mind and change your life. It’s not necessary that you agree with “everything” the authors say; you can learn something from anyone. Reading from a multiplicity of sources gives you the ability to take-on new concepts, thoughts, and principles that stretch your mind to greater dimensions and new perspectives, allowing you to receive ideas which have “never” been conceived before.

You shouldn’t just listen to people who you “agree” with; listen to individuals with unorthodox concepts and view points that you may oppose. There’s a quote that goes, “If everybody’s thinking the same, then somebody’s not thinking.” Don’t get caught up in “group thinking,” where your thoughts only mimic that of the greater population. Use reading as a tool to give you deeper insights so you can form more accurate conclusions.

How many books or articles are you reading a day? As many of you may know, reading is something that I love to do. I’m reading all the time; the information that I read comes from such a unique variety of authors that it would be very unlikely for someone to “in-take” this same combination of information. This rare combination of information provides me with new concepts which have never been thought of before.

2. Meditate and/ or Schedule Quiet Time

When I say meditate, I’m talking about taking 5-10 minutes, maybe more, to silence your mind, using this time as a form of relaxation and renewal.

You may choose to utilize this time as a way of quietly focusing your mind on the images that you want to experience. You may choose to utilize this time as a way of opening your mind to new ideas that will improve your life or solve certain problems that you’re encountering.

Your mind is always so busy; take a few minutes everyday to give it a much needed refresher. “Time-out” is always better than “burn-out.” Schedule “time-out” daily, if you do, you will be healthier, happier and you will have many more creative ideas to improve your circumstances and your life.

3. Start Working Out, or Increase Your Workouts

Are you giving your best efforts to your workouts? I could personally do more, I work out six days a week, but I know I’m capable of seven. Are you giving your best?

Working out improves your life’s expectancy, overall health, the way you look, and the way you feel about yourself. Why would anyone not do it?

If you’re not working out, get started today; try to do at least 4-5 days a week, even if it’s only for a few minutes, learn to cultivate the joy of working out. Don’t go around saying “I hate working out,” because you will begin to hate it. Affirm that you “love to work out,” and you will begin to love it.

4. Spend Quality Time With The People Who Mean The Most To You

Friends and family are truly an avenue which can create lots of joy in your life. Take time to really experience and appreciate the joy of being around the people who mean the most to you. I’m talking about daily pre-scheduled quality time, no cell phones, no computers, no distractions, no thoughts of being anywhere else, or doing anything other than experiencing and appreciating the people who mean the most to you.

Learn from them, teach them, laugh with them, discuss deep issues, and just “shoot the breeze.”

What’s your story? Who can you spend more time with? And don’t say your “poker buddies.” Maybe it’s your kid, maybe it’s your wife or husband, maybe it’s your nieces and nephews. Let people know how much you admire and appreciate them by giving them the price-less gift of your time.

5. Enhance Your Diet

The saying is true, “You are what you eat.” The only source your body has to re-create itself is the food that you give it, so don’t give it junk.

Do you realize that diseases can be caused as a result of poor movement of food through your body? Are you getting 100% of the fiber your body needs? Are you drinking enough water? Do you have a written diet plan?

Are you receiving a large portion of your calories from fruits and vegetables? I challenge you to do so, if you aren’t.

In concluding, make sure that you observe and implement these ideas today. You have the power to improve your life forever, starting right now.

Photo by Drewsky Mac