How to get your life together: 10 tips to help you thrive
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Discover 10 mindful tips to help you get your life together. Plus, make a plan for how to deal with any setbacks that come up along the way.
You know those moments where you look around you and it seems like everyone else has the things you want? The career, the relationship, the house — maybe even the shoes! Sometimes this is just your brain playing the comparison game, but other times it could be a sign that your’re in need of a little glow up.
If you’re feeling like your life is out of control and that you’ve lost sight of your priorities, it can feel both overwhelming and stressful. Maybe the changes you want to make are small, like organizing your space, managing your time better, or setting clear goals. Or maybe the changes are bigger like finding a job that you really love. No matter the size of the prize you’ve got your eye on, taking small, mindful steps can help you move forward and start thriving.
10 tips to help you get your life together
Most of us have heard the story of The Tortoise and the Hare that teaches us that slow and steady wins the race. But this isn’t just a kids tale: Small changes can lead to big improvements over time.
So, when it comes to getting your life back on track, channel that tortoise. Try to let go of any need to rush change, and just keep moving forward one small step at a time. These 10 tips are a great place to start.
1. Set clear (and manageable) goals
Write down the goals you want to achieve and then break those goals into small, manageable steps to make them less overwhelming.
If you want to improve your fitness, maybe start with a goal to exercise for 20 minutes three times a week. If you want to be better about cooking your meals, try meal-prepping one day a week. From there, you can build on these smaller experiments and create longer-lasting habits.
💙 Stay motivated by keeping close to The Why Behind Your Goals with Jay Shetty.
2. Create a daily routine that works for your schedule
It might feel cheesy (or boring), but planning out your day can help you feel more in control of your time. Sticking to a routine helps you build good habits and stay organized.
But, don’t forget to make time for fun, rest, self-care, and being social — all important elements of your life.
💙 Looking to improve your daily routine? Check out these 10 habits to build a better day.
3. Declutter and organize your space
We’ve all had those days, weeks, or even months, where our offices or bedrooms always seem to be messy. It happens, but if you feel like it’s getting out of hand, it might be time to wipe the slate clean.
A tidy environment can reduce stress and help you focus better, so start with one room or area at a time, and consider selling or donating items you no longer need or use. Once you’re done, you might find that your home feels more spacious and inviting. Need some motivation to clear your space? Check out these six tips to help you declutter your space for good.
4. Practice managing your time wisely
Planning out your days works in tandem with planning out your time. If time management is challenging, try using a planner or calendar to keep up with your daily tasks or to help you time-block out your day.
Avoid multitasking to stay focused and efficient and consider trying a time management technique like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.
💙 If you feel overwhelmed by all you have on your plate, try to Settle Down by Single-Tasking with Jay Shetty.
5. Take care of your mental and physical health
Your mental and physical health work together to help you thrive in all areas of your life, so it’s important to take care of both. Eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep so you don’t crash and burn. Taking breaks when you need them and asking for help are also vitally important.
Good health boosts your energy and mood, which will help you stay productive and reach your goals.
💙 Practicing Mindful Movement with Mel Mah can be a great way to keep your mental and physical health in tip-top shape.
6. Spend time with your favorite people
When life feels a bit swirly, ground yourself by hanging out with positive people. Share your goals and progress with them as their encouragement can keep you motivated. For example, if you want to run a 5k, tell your best friends and family about your goal and plans. Their support throughout the process might give you the boost of motivation you need to cross the finish line.
If you don’t have close access to your family or friends, you can also join a group or community with similar interests, whether it’s a book club, sports team, or online forum.
💙 Looking for ways to build a support system? Learn how to Create Your Community during this session of the Daily Jay.
7. Get creative or try something new
When life feels stagnant, you can get into a better flow by leaning into your creativity. Try taking up a hobby or learning something new like cooking, gardening, or maybe a pottery class. New activities can keep your mind sharp and add excitement to your life.
8. Practice mindfulness to connect with yourself
Reconnecting with yourself can be a crucial part of getting your life back on track, and mindfulness is a great way to do it. Try spending a few minutes each day meditating or doing deep breathing exercises, especially during times of stress or overwhelm.
While it’s great to be focused on improving your life, don’t forget to take breaks and give yourself time to rest and regroup. Exhausting yourself won’t help anything in the long run.
💙 If mindfulness practices are new to you, explore the Mindfulness for Beginners series with Jeff Warren.
9. Set boundaries when you need to
We know it’s tough, but learning to say no to things that don’t align with your goals is important. When you’re striving to get your life in order, protecting your time and energy will help you stay focused on what truly matters.
This could mean turning down extra work, limiting time with negative people, or even setting limits on social media use. Only you know what will actually help you reach your goals.
💙 Check out this Daily Calm session on Boundaries if you find it difficult to set them with others.
10. Stay open to being flexible
Whenever you’re trying to make a big change, flexibility is key. Relax into the journey and be sure to celebrate your successes while also learning from your setbacks.
If it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going well, or pinpoint what’s not working so well, try keeping a journal.
💙 If you’re not sure where to start, try these seven tips to make journaling a habit.
How to deal with the setbacks we all face
While they can be discouraging (and super annoying), setbacks are a natural part of life and an opportunity for you to learn and grow. While you’re working to make these changes, it’s important to go easy on yourself so you stay resilient and continue moving forward.
Acknowledge your feelings to process them
It's okay to feel upset when things go wrong. Trust us, we’ve been there! When you feel discouraged, take a moment to sit with your feelings and process them. If you find yourself dwelling on what’s gone wrong, give yourself a time-limit on feeling your frustration, then try moving onto the next task or activity in your day.
Analyze the setback to avoid repeating mistakes
If you find yourself stuck in old patterns, treat it like a science experiment. Try identifying what went wrong and why. Then take some time to reflect on the situation, and maybe even ask yourself questions like, "What could I have done differently?" or "Were there any warning signs I missed?"
Stay flexible and make a new plan
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes your initial plan won’t work out, so be flexible and open to change. Reevaluate your goals and come up with a new strategy if you feel like you’re hitting a wall. You can also break down the new plan into small, manageable steps to make it easier to follow through.
Seek support to reduce overwhelm
Big life transitions are the times to lean on your support system. Talk to friends, family, or a counselor when you need some support because sometimes just talking about your problems can make them feel less overwhelming.
Be proud of past achievements to stay resilient
You are not your mistakes. You are a whole and complete person! So remind yourself that setbacks are temporary and part of the learning process. Focus on your wins by writing down things you’ve accomplished and challenges you’ve overcome in the past. This can boost your confidence and remind you of your ability to bounce back.
Take care of yourself to keep moving forward
During tough times, it's important to maintain your physical and mental health. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and finding time to relax. Do things that make you happy and help you unwind, like reading, going for walks, or spending time with loved ones.
Learn from others to gain motivation
Sometimes a little motivation from your heroes can help when you’re feeling tired or over it. Try reading a book or article or watching a documentary about how others have overcome similar setbacks. This can provide inspiration and practical tips. Books, articles, and podcasts about personal growth and resilience can also offer valuable insights that motivate you to keep going.
Be patient with yourself to build confidence
During hard times, you must be your biggest cheerleader. Remember that getting back on track takes time. So don’t rush the process — and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t improve immediately. Celebrate small victories along the way and give yourself credit for the effort you’re putting in. You deserve the recognition and you got this!
How to get your life together FAQs
How can I start getting my life together when I feel overwhelmed?
When you’re making major changes, it can feel daunting and stressful. Try giving yourself a leg-up by breaking the process down into small, manageable tasks. It’s important to look after your health and wellbeing as part of the process as this will help you maintain a positive mindset and reduce stress levels.
Make a simple to-do list of the tasks you need to accomplish.
Focus on one thing at a time instead of trying to tackle everything at once.
Prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance.
Delegate or ask for help if needed.
Set aside some time each day for self-care activities like reading, taking a walk, or meditating.
What should I do if I feel like giving up on getting my life together?
When life feels tough, it can help to take a step back and reassess your situation. This might look like allowing yourself to take a break and do something enjoyable to clear your mind. Or reflecting on your initial goals. It can help remind yourself why your goals are important to you. If difficulty persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mentor for support and encouragement.
Sometimes, talking through your challenges can provide new insights and motivation. Adjust your plans if necessary and set more realistic, smaller goals to regain your momentum. Remember that setbacks are part of the process, and persistence is key to achieving long-term success.
What are some effective tools for tracking progress toward my goals?
There are a wide range of tools out there to support you in tracking your progress. It’s worth trying some out and seeing what works for you. Regularly reviewing and updating your progress can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Here are a few of our fav tools:
Planners and calendars are great for organizing your schedule and keeping track of deadlines.
Apps like Trello, Asana, and Todoist offer digital platforms where you can create lists, set deadlines, and track your progress.
Journals can be helpful for reflecting on your daily achievements and identifying areas for improvement.
Are there specific books or resources that can help me organize and improve my life?
Yes, there are several books and resources that can provide insights and strategies for organizing and improving your life.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear offers practical advice on building good habits and breaking bad ones. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo provides a step-by-step guide to decluttering and organizing your space.
Online resources like blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels focused on personal development and organization can also offer ongoing tips and inspiration.
How do I stay motivated when progress seems slow?
Staying motivated when progress seems slow can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help you stay focused and driven—even when the journey feels long.
Set short-term, achievable goals that can give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you moving forward. Celebrate these small wins to maintain a positive outlook.
Keep a journal of your successes, no matter how minor they may seem, to remind yourself of your progress.
Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and motivate you.
Visualize the end result and remind yourself why you set these goals in the first place.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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