Today is almost over, but it doesn’t have to be in vain.  Did you just survive today or are you making purposeful decisions to thrive today?

Take regular breaks from the daily grind to pursue what excites you most

This can be anything, but let it be something that allows your mind to wander and your imagination to grow.  Yes, there are days that I need to binge-watch my favorite TV show, but I’m not sure that can count as what excites me most (except after 1/2 marathon days – then not moving the rest of the day does excite me most). Even if you only have 15 minutes to spend, use it on something you enjoy and you’ll look forward to.  Today, I went on a run, I worked on designs and I spent time writing. I had to make purposeful decisions – and sometimes sacrifices – to make this time with my favorite activities happen.  But it’s worth it. You are worth it.

List your dreams, ambitions

What are you working toward? A few years ago, my husband and I talked about becoming an expert and what it would take to get there. I decided that I wanted to do what it took to make expert-level happen.  Since then, I’ve been speaking to groups, leading facilitation sessions and writing material – all based on my passion for organization.  Sure, it’s cool to be organized (like, really cool), but if I don’t share it with anyone, what good does it do me? My ambitions, combined with the drive to develop others and the understanding of working through the small steps; has started to make my dream a reality.

I promise you can do this too – list what would be amazing to accomplish.  Now work backwards to get to step one.  Now start there.

Don’t be afraid of Step Two

Discovering step one may be an awakening moment for you.  And it may be a little scary, but it’s a good place to start.  What is harder sometimes? Step two.  Step two means you’re starting to be committed, it means you’ve moved beyond beginner and are making progress toward your goal.  Don’t let step two scare you away from your happiness, your dream.  It may be hard, frustrating and you may have to give up things you like to pursue the thing you love. Do it. Do it right now – celebrate step two and all of the awkwardness and uncertainty that it brings.  It’s what you really need to move forward.

When you make the decision to live with intention and be happy on purpose, you begin to see that you deserve to have things in your life that make you happy.  You should reach for these things – your day deserves it. You deserve it.