Dear Tony, what are some small steps I can take today to help me lead a more successful career and fulfilling life? 

Make a decision today to change your life for the better. Years ago, I started a habit of writing down 6 daily affirmations. I got a notecard, wrote them down, signed and then dated it. They helped me in my career to manage my motivation, stay positive, and believe in myself.

My 6 affirmations were:

1. Eat Right and Feel Great
2. Exercise Daily and Have High Energy
3. I am constantly getting better and better
4. I do the homework necessary to succeed
5. I am positive and constructive in all I do
6. I am 100% responsible for my life

Here are 10 additional ways for you to improve your life and your career by installing small habits into your routine.

1. Write down what you are thankful for.  Journaling what you are grateful for has many other positive effects on your life.  It allows you to replay the positive events of your life, it helps you develop metacognition, and it creates a system of records of your life. Pro-Tip: Even if you or no one ever reads your journal writing, the act of journaling itself can be therapeutic and help you lead a better career and life. Try it today.

2. Networking. Try to meet someone new each week.  Have a goal to meet someone and learn about them.  You may surprise yourself how it changes your behavior in social situations when you have a goal to meet someone new. 

3. Eat Right. Maybe start with drinking enough water in the day (half to 2/3 of your body weight in pounds in ounces. Drinking enough water is the foundation for health, energy, and vitality in your life.  Where to start?  Put a large glass of water next to your bed and down it when you wake up (before coffee). 

4. Movement. A small habit can be taking the stairs every time there is an option to take an elevator.  If you are watching TV, resolve to sit crisscross on the floor instead of on a couch (doing so gives you flexibility and trains your body for full range of motion). 

5. Set a goal. Doesn’t have to be earth shattering but set a goal to accomplish something.  Then, set another, and another.  Where to start? Write a goal that you can accomplish in the next week or 10 days.   Watch how it changes your behavior. 

6. Learn something. Commit to re-ordering your life by tweaking what information goes into your mind.  Find something positive and constructive every day that doesn’t take hours and hours to do.  Where to start?  Pick a motivating e-mail to receive daily. 

7. Money matters. Pay yourself first.  Make one decision, however small it might be, to save X% of your income today.  Over time, saving a small amount each pay period can provide big benefits in the future. 

8. Be smart about how you use your time. Have a plan and then manage your life with a plan in mind.  Where to start?  Next Sunday get a calendar out and take 10 minutes to review what is all ahead of you for the week.  Where are you wasting time?  What changes can you make to better use your time?

9. Good mornings. That’s right, every morning is a good morning.  An opportunity to create a new life. An opportunity to re-write a page in your life.  You decide.  Where to start?  The night before, place a positive note next to your sink so you can read it while brushing your teeth.

10. Make your bed. The book “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William McRaven does a great job of explaining the power of small habits in our life.  Making your bed is a great habit to kickstart your day. 

However you manage your motivation, or the stories you tell yourself, I would recommend being consistent, positive, and aspirational. Find a message and a process that works for you and I'm certain success and fulfillment will come your way.

Check out my website for FREE resources & more: The River (http://therivercoach.org)

Got a question? Send your question directly to Tony at [email protected]