[This is a post by Omar Negron who is the Co-Creator of www.PixPirations.com. A site created to share “Images That Inspire” all across the web. If you need some extra motivation and inspiration feel free to visit his site. You can also connect with them on Twitter.]
You’re not alone in feeling like you haven’t done enough when you look back on your day before going to bed. If you feel like this every day, you’re putting yourself at risk of being depressed for a long time. There are certain things that you can do to ensure that you will feel as though you’ve had a quality day.
1. Prioritize what you need to do every day
Start your day by asking what things have to be completed first. It’s quite common to make long to-do lists that include things that don’t really contribute to accomplishing your weekly or monthly goals. Make sure your daily list is made of relevant tasks. A short checklist of the most important things would be easier to complete. It’s easier to feel accomplished every time you see a task crossed off your list. Bathe in that feeling for a minute. Stretch, refill your cup of coffee or get a snack to celebrate. This will reinvigorate you as you’re about to start another task.
2. Be realistic
Don’t overload your days thinking that you can do so much where you overwhelm yourself. While it’s good to always be ambitious, don’t overdo it and balance it with reality. Ask yourself how many tasks you can get done to feel good. If you have major tasks at hand, plan just two of them for a day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. But you can look at three to four smaller tasks to avoid feeling inundated.
3. Acknowledge your achievements and those of others
Due to how fast paced life has become, so many people seem to go about their day on autopilot. They do what they always do, but this also seems to develop the culture of failing to acknowledge even the smallest victories and celebrate them. Don’t take your accomplishments for granted. Tell your loved ones and friends about them and encourage them to tell you about their accomplishments as well. This is not being arrogant because you’re showing your willingness to share in their success also.
4. Do something you love every day
Don’t throw yourself fully into work without giving yourself a break. Take your time to enjoy a brisk walk, a fun talk with your colleagues, or a few minutes of good music. Be attentive to even the smallest yet pleasant things around you. Take the time to reward yourself because this will help you continue and remain consistent.
5. Be creative
Give yourself some time to be creative. You might be surprised at how many fun and unique ideas you have bottled up over time because your daily race to accomplish a long list of tasks to do. Aside from expressing yourself, you might feel proud of yourself for contributing something to the world. You can always start with the basics in painting, music, song writing, poetry writing and any other productive and unique activities. Feel free to challenge yourself by doing different things all the time. This will also help boost your self-esteem.
6. Be charitable
Look at the people around you who need help. While you may have problems of your own, there are always people who are suffering more than you are. Be sensitive to those who are hungry and ill. You can always help them through simple ways, such as serving in the soup kitchen, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, or teaching kids in after-school programs. Make a difference in other people’s lives and it will make a whole lot more difference in yours.
If you feel accomplished at the end of your day, this will lead to increased confidence and self-esteem. As a result, it will help you accomplish more each and every single day.
Question: Can you add to the list? How do you feel accomplished every single day?
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.