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 on creativity, what inspires you and facing your fears.
1. Face Up
Sign up to do one thing that scares you—a singles happy hour, a skydiving course, a cooking class. Commit to pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Read: I Tried Stand-Up Comedy—Here’s What Happened
2. Light the Fire
Schedule a brainstorm session to solve a nagging problem. Encourage all new ideas, even the off-the-wall ones.
Read: John C. Maxwell: 5 Tips to Spark Creativity in Others
3. Let the Games Begin
Plan a family game tournament and prepare special treats for the event. Soak up the bonding time and save the to-do list for tomorrow.
Read: Stop Feeling Guilty About Work-Life Balance
4. Add It Up
Tonight, evaluate your spending habits. Choose one small weekly expense (one less cappuccino or one less restaurant meal) to cut from your budget. Tuck away those savings for a vacation next year.
Read: 9 Smart Spending and Saving Tips
5. Get Inspired
Pick a movie or book that inspires you this weekend. Watch it alone and jot down whatever crazy ideas pop into your head. Revisit your notes and act on the best ones.
Read: A 4-Question Guide to Unlock Your Creativity
6. Drink Up
This week, commit to drinking more water and nixing the sugary drinks. Note the changes in your skin tone, happiness and energy levels.
Read: Do You Drink Enough Water?
7. Buddy System
Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Schedule a coffee or lunch date to catch up and remember the importance of making your friends and family feel special.
Read: 3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Relationships
8. Take Stock
Tonight, write down your top three passions. Assess whether your current lifestyle matches or is headed toward achieving that list.
Read: 3 Ways to Leave Your Job and Start Your Career
9. Speak Up
Whenever your creative genius strikes—a more efficient process, a new place for the company lunch, a crazy idea you’ve been scared to mention—act on it quickly. Relish your newfound confidence.
Read: Stop Underestimating Your Great Ideas
10. Give Back
Find a local charity organization and schedule time to volunteer. Enlist family, friends and co-workers to join you.
Read: How This Guy’s Racing to End Hunger by Selling Paper Plates and Cups
This article originally appeared in the July 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine.