Your December Action Plan: 10 Ways to Be a Better You

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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.

This month, spend some quality time with your family, and then some introspective time with yourself and your hopes and dreams—and become a better you in the process.

1. Character First

Consider the character traits that will allow you to be the best version of yourself, and work to improve a different facet of your character each day this month.

Read: John Wooden’s Legacy Is a How-To Guide for a Successful Life

2. Tally Up

Write down the top 10 motivators that drive you to succeed. It could be family, legacy or influence. Now identify what items on the list haven’t been receiving the time and attention they deserve.

Read: John C. Maxwell: 4 Steps to Create Balance in Your Life

3. Influential Roots

Who taught you the strongest life lessons? Who do you influence? This week, focus on those people and commit to positioning yourself as a positive role model.

Read: John Addison: Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Family

4. Draw the Line

If you and your spouse both run successful individual operations, take time to establish professional boundaries, but still leave room for shared goals. Talk through any doubts you might have.

Read: How to Find Success in Marriage and Business

5. Conquer It

What do you fear? Focus on that fear, write it down, and then construct a plan to overcome it. Sometimes putting our greatest fears in perspective gives us the mental power to get rid of them.

Read: What Climbing a Mountain Taught Me About Setting Big Goals

6. Spread the Love

Spend this month finding ways to give back to others. It can be as simple as buying coffee for a stranger or donating clothes and blankets to your local homeless shelter.

Read: 4 Smart Money Rules for Couples Living on One Income

7. Memory Lane

Dig through old family photos. Remind yourself how many reasons you have to smile. Stick your favorite one on the bathroom mirror as a daily source of happiness.

Read: The Day That Changed My Life

8. Nice to Meet You

Strangers can change your life. Venture out of your comfort zone today and make a goal to meet and interact with five strangers for at least five minutes. Ask questions, listen and embrace unexpected conversation.

Read: I Drove for Uber to See How Strangers Can Impact My Life

9. Branch Out

Reach out to an extended family member—a distant cousin or aunt you haven’t seen in years. Write a letter or pick up the phone. Reconnect and revel in the power of the family bond.

Read: What I Learned About Myself While Researching My Family Tree

10. Give Happiness

You have the power to turn a negative situation around. Respond positively to that co-worker who complains too much. Happiness is contagious. Pass it on.

Read: 3 Ways to Spread Positivity

 

This article originally appeared in the December 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine.

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