5 Life-Changing Habits That Will Improve Your Future

Throughout life, we’re always creating habits. A habit is when you do something out of routine or practice that just becomes second nature to us without much thought. For example, every single morning I get out of bed and make coffee. That one is clearly a good habit because, without coffee, I’m not sure what I’d do.

While some habits aren’t always good for us, let’s focus on the ones that can change our lives in the best way and improve our future.

Note: The five positive habits that I list in this post might be the opposite you currently have in your life. That’s perfectly okay because it’s possible to break a negative habit and turn it around! In fact, I lived with the opposite habits for all of these for a long time. That’s why I’m sharing this post with you all.

Recognize toxic people in your life

There are some people in our lives that we need to increase boundaries with or shouldn’t even keep around because their behaviors and actions are hurtful to us. No matter if they’re your friends, significant other, or even family, you don’t deserve to be treated negatively. Believe it or not, sometimes we can be totally oblivious to this and that’s where recognizing toxic behaviors can become a habit.

Gaslighting

This is a form of manipulation that will make you question your feelings, experiences, and reality. It’s emotional abuse that is hard to recognize because, over time, that person will make you doubt yourself in every aspect.

Here are some examples of things they may say:

• That never happened
• You’re so sensitive
• You’re crazy and everyone knows it
• I’m sorry you think I would do that
• You should have known that’s what I’d do
• Do you hear yourself?
• You’re imagining things

If you’re a victim of this emotional abuse, it’s important that you remember the truth from the lies you were made to believe. Seeing a therapist might help with this. But it’s also so important that you distance yourself from the abuser as it’s not likely they’ll change their ways.

You’re always there for them but they’re never there for you

In any kind of relationship, it’s important that you are both there for each other. There are times when one person may need extra support but it should never only be a one-sided relationship.

For example, whenever they’re upset or going through something, they go to you to talk about it and ask for advice. It’s likely you sit there, listen, and give advice. But when you’re going through something, they’re too busy or you can tell they don’t really care.

I’ve had a friendship like this and it went on for years because I let it. Talk to them about it and if nothing changes, let them go.

Constant judgment

In life, we don’t want to be put down. We need to be lifted up. Especially when it comes to the people we let in our lives. If someone in your life is judging you more than loving you for you, I would definitely sit down with them and let them know that they’re hurting you. Their response and action afterward should tell you whether or not to let them go. Do they apologize and plan on making changes or do they point out how sensitive and dramatic you are?

Use Positive Affirmations

If you’re tired of negative thoughts and being trapped in self-doubt, I encourage you to practice positive affirmations! This has become one of my favorite habits that I practice every single day. Since using affirmations, not to sound cheesy, my mental health improved so much.

I realized my worth, started completing my goals, and even got my dream apartment. The reason they’re so powerful is that they help unlock your best self.

Where to start:

1. Recognize areas in life you need help in or doubt yourself in.
2. Write down any negative thoughts you’ve had about yourself.
3. Turn those negative thoughts into positive phrases. Write them down.
4. Imagine your dream life without all of those negative thoughts.

Ready to make this a daily habit? Challenge yourself to write down 5 affirmations every morning in a journal.

• Today will be a good day
• My potential to succeed is infinite
• I am walking into today with confidence
• My ideas are amazing
• I am doing my best

Start Saving Money

It’s important that we start practicing good money habits. I plan on posting about this topic in greater depth later but let’s start small first, saving money.

This is a habit that could potentially save your life one day. Here are a few simple ways you can save money starting right now.

• Cancel any subscriptions you don’t need. Trust me, I am a sucker for subscription plans but when my makeup hoarding got too much, I canceled my Boxycharm. That’s an extra $15 in my account every month! Do you NEED the subscription right now?
• Buy generic brands. Did you know there’s a chance you’re paying more just for the label on some items? There’s usually a product that is nearly the same exact thing from a generic brand costing less. For example, Walmart’s brand is “Great Value” costing less.
• Eat out less. Bad habit. I know that ordering UberEats or stopping by McDonald’s is quick and convenient but your bank account disagrees. That money you’re spending adds up quickly. You’ll save so much money if you prepare food at home more often.
• Use cashback apps. Do you shop online often? Well, good news, you can get cashback from most websites using Honey! Honey finds the best coupons and then gives you “gold” you can redeem just for shopping!
• Autosave. What if you could automatically save $5 each week and not even think about it? Acorns has been my saving grace (haha, get it?) with this lately! You can also invest spare change with purchases. It all adds up without a second thought.

Give Yourself a Goal Every Month

Every month, I like to give myself one big goal to focus on. This not only makes me look forward to each month but it gives me something to work towards every day. This is a really good habit to pick up.

The goals you make might have multiple steps before it’s complete, so I recommend getting a planner so you stay productive and on track!

Some goals you can try making for each month are:

• Save “X” amount of money
• Redecorate a room
• Buy something you’ve been needing
• Plan a vacation
• Learn 5 new recipes
• Learn a new skill
• Start a blog

Say No With Confidence

Saying no is hard. It’s something I’ve struggled with for most of my life but it can get you into a lot of trouble. This is a habit that is so important because it does get easier.

When should I say no?

• You feel uncomfortable
• You have other priorities
• You’re busy
• You just don’t want to (that’s okay!)

No matter if you’re being invited out to dinner or someone’s peer pressuring you into something, you have every right to say no. Also, explaining yourself isn’t necessary. Although, there is a fine line between being a jerk and saying no with confidence.

Examples:

“I’m going to pass on tonight. We can find time next week though!”

“No, I’m not comfortable with that.”

“I don’t feel up to it today.”

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Ready For New Habits?

These are five good habits that could improve your future if you put the work in. You are capable of everything that you want in life. Remember, a habit becomes a habit with practice. Whatever you need in life, it will become easier to achieve with enough determination.

What habit(s) are you most excited to start working on developing? Let me know in the comments below!