It’s within our nature to favour routine. Whether that means we go to bed at a certain time or spend a certain amount of hours each week at work. However, while this can sometimes work to our benefit, it can also be detrimental when it comes to bringing about change - as we can get set in our ways pretty quickly. 

This means that from time to time, you need to be ready and willing to step outside of your comfort zone and work towards bringing about change - as opposed to simply going with the flow. 

With that in mind, here are some simple, straightforward ways in which you can enact positive change in your life. 

• Find a way to introduce exercise into your daily routine. This can be something as simple as walking to work instead of driving or participating in an online class a few times a week. Though you may feel as though this won’t make a difference, even small bursts of exercise can positively affect how you look and feel.
• Think carefully about your long-term professional goals in order to assess whether or not you are setting yourself up to achieve them. For example, if you feel as though you are working in the wrong industry - it may be time to start searching for jobs elsewhere.

  Alternatively, you could ask your employer to take on more work or shadow a senior member of staff in order to expand your knowledge and understanding - thus taking your career to the next level. 

• Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health and requires the same amount of care and attention as a result. Sometimes, on a bad day, it’s easy to feel as though there is nothing you can do to make things better - but this is simply not the case. Thankfully, there are various steps you can take to improve your mental health - from talking to others to spending time in nature. 
• Whether you have been smoking for a while or only began the habit recently, find a way to take better care of your health by reducing your nicotine intake.

  While this is easier said than done, there are numerous benefits associated with quitting smoking - and the sooner you start, the better. For example, you could switch out cigarettes for vapes - which tend to be a healthier alternative. You can even choose from hundreds of different flavours of vape juice, including variations that contain no nicotine whatsoever. 

• Let go of the limitations you have set for yourself. For example, many budding entrepreneurs sit on a good idea as opposed to running with it as they think that they don’t have the knowledge or brainpower to get them up and running.

  However, this simply isn’t the case - you just need to have a little faith in yourself and your idea. This confidence can also be acquired by putting together a strong business plan that covers all bases - from start-up costs to employee engagement.

• Find ways to build your confidence. This can have a genuinely positive effect on both your personal and professional life by elevating your insecurities and worries. Furthermore, you should also use this time to start being a little kinder to yourself in general. While we are often our own worst critics, treating yourself with kindness can help boost your confidence and encourage you to try new things. 
• If you are trying to enact serious changes in your life, find a way to hold yourself accountable for sticking to them. For example, instead of skipping a workout because you are feeling a little tired, work towards a suitable alternative such as a shorter workout or plan a long walk instead. Otherwise, the goals will always seem far away as opposed to being within your reach. 
• Ensure that you strike an effective work-life balance. Though this can be difficult, especially if you want to advance in your career and don’t want to disappoint your boss - it’s essential if you’re going to succeed. After all, if you spend too much time at work, you’ll soon suffer from burnout. As a result, your ability to do your job will decrease significantly. You’ll also find it harder to enjoy your downtime. 
• Whether you are looking for funds to launch a business, or simply want to increase your wealth to protect your financial health, then it’s important that you find a way to change your relationship with money.

  For example, many of us are guilty of payday spending - wherein we spend large chunks of money as soon as it arrives in our bank. While you do deserve a treat from time to time, cutting down this kind of behaviour means that you can start saving money as opposed to spending it. Thankfully, there are various ways in which you can do this, such as setting yourself a strict budget. 

• Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone at least once a week. The nature of this task will vary depending on your own confidence and abilities - but the more you challenge yourself, the easier it will become to do so.

  For example, you could begin by trying to be more inventive in the kitchen, cooking new and healthy meals from scratch. Alternatively, you could pick up a new hobby - focusing on something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time for. 

• Learn the value of saying ‘no’ when you need to - though the media celebrates ‘hustle’ culture (i.e. long working hours, heavy workloads etc.), you don’t have to work 40+ hour weeks to succeed. As mentioned previously, this could actually stop you from achieving your goals.

  Therefore, you must learn to say ‘no’ when appropriate - such as if you’re already busy at work and your boss wants to increase your workload. However, this can also stretch into your personal life - as you can turn down plans if you need to spend time alone, too. Remember, there is nothing wrong with putting yourself first.