Your Action Plan is a monthly to-do list of tips straight from SUCCESS magazine—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 not on dreaming, but doing. You know what you want; go get it.
1. Skillfully Crafted
Tonight list your skills and match them with your career goals. Which ones don’t align?
Read: Introducing the YouEconomy
2. Kind Words
This week replace all “I shouldn’t have… ” sentences with “next time I will… ” Embrace the effects of keeping a positive mindset.
Read: John C. Maxwell: 5 Disciplines to Beat the Daily Grind
3. Bonding Breaks
Schedule a coffee date with a friend. Commit to bolstering your social network every week.
Read: The Science of Friendship
4. Penny Pincher
Make a plan to start investing. Start small using helpful apps, such as Acorns, which invests the rounded amount of each purchase to the next dollar.
Read: 3 Common Money Myths Debunked
5. Lighten Up
Assume the best of people. Reassess frustrating situations with appreciation and understanding.
Read: What Happened When I Lived by Dale Carnegie’s Rules
6. Face Your Fears
Write down the top five fears holding you back. Focus on overcoming one per week and watch your confidence grow.
Read: The Mel Robbins Guide to Screwing Up
7. No Means No
Increase your focus and productivity by saying no when you’re too busy. Be honest but respectful.
Read: What Happened When I Lived by Dale Carnegie’s Rules
8. Collaborate
Schedule a monthly brainstorm session with your peers. Give honest feedback and value the varying perspectives.
Read: 4 Tips to Build Your Best Future From Elite Daily’s Gerard Adams
9. Change Up
Find a new recipe that gives a healthy twist to your favorite food. Commit to healthier replacements once a week.
Read: SUCCESS Recipes: Kale Caesar Salad
10. Jump In
Commit to taking a radical risk. Launch a passion project; challenge an outdated protocol; pitch your startup idea at a networking event.
Read: Are You an Original?
This article originally appeared in the August 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
