What if you can make today a good day? And every day after?
In this fast-paced, goal-oriented world we live in, many people wake up expecting to just get through the day. Having a good day is an afterthought that can wait for the weekend or after a project is done.
I don’t think that’s how we’re meant to spend this precious life we’ve been given. That said, let’s get started and find out how to make today a good day!
What would make today great?
We all have goals – things we want to achieve and have in this life. Goals like moving into a bigger house, getting a promotion, or being debt-free.
They’re all great and necessary to motivate us and give us purpose. But many of us spend our days tired and miserable in pursuit of our goals.
There is another way to achieve goals. And it doesn’t need a lot of effort. What would make today great for you?
A few minutes to enjoy your coffee before the chaos starts in the morning, wake up feeling refreshed, or get out the door on time? It’s all achievable and possible.
Check out some of the many ways you can make today a good day.
Steps to make it a great day in your finances
Americans are stressed by money issues to the point of it affecting their health. Instead of worrying about money, you can make today a good day by taking control of your finances.
Start with these few steps that only take minutes to do.
1. Create a budget
Make today a good day by getting your finances in order. And that starts with a budget. Although budgeting requires preparation, planning, and persistence, it doesn’t have to be restrictive and complicated.
Creating a budget and sticking to it, first and foremost, helps you see what you’re spending your money on. Budgeting can help you save money to pay off debt or build wealth through investing.
There are many budgeting methods you can try. Try them all until you find a system that works for you.
Give yourself a goal to help you stay motivated. If you aren't clear on where to begin, check out these budget challenges with our free courses for resources.
2. Meal plan
Getting started with meal planning is a great way to make today a great day. It will help you eat healthier while being intentional with your spending.
With a weekly meal plan, you can allocate a grocery budget and stay within it. When you know what you’re making for dinner, you won’t be scrambling at the end of the day. And this helps you avoid impulse food buys that can stretch your budget.
Plus, if you make your food at home, you’ll be in control of what you’re eating. So, it makes it easier to make choices that support your health goals.
3. Start an emergency fund
Life can surprise us at any moment. But what happens if it was an unpleasant surprise like your car breaking down or getting let go from your job? Do you have a rainy day fund to tide you over?
A recent Bankrate study revealed that only 41% of Americans would be able to cover a $1,000 emergency expense using savings.
What would make today great is for you to stack or start building your emergency fund. Having savings means you’ll have something to fall back on when unexpected expenses arise without taking on debt.
4. Learn how to start investing
Having savings is a good start to getting your finances in order. But investing is how you grow your money.
There are many ways to invest including participating in the stock market, buying real estate properties, or starting a business.
Either way, investing allows you to have your money work for you. Whether you’re buying stocks or real estate, growing your money involves a long-term strategy. That’s why it’s best to start investing as soon as possible to give your investments time to grow.
Make today a good day, and become an informed investor.
Ways to make today a good day with your relationships
Humans are social creatures. We are wired for connections and relationships. However, our responsibilities can take over our lives, and we forget how much we value our people.
But you can always do better today, start with these tips below.
5. Spend time with your loved ones
Research shows that spending time together with friends and family makes us happier than earning more money. And even better, it’s one of the best ways to create memorable experiences.
So, make it a great day and fill your happiness bucket. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive either.
Linger at the dinner table after the meal and tell new stories or recount old ones. Maybe break out a board game or go for a walk together.
6. Reach out to a friend
With all the responsibilities of family and work, it can be difficult to maintain adult friendships. But think about the last time someone reached out to check in on you. Didn’t it feel good?
Reach out to a friend and make today a good day for both of you. You don’t have to invite them to something or offer anything.
You could just say something like, “Hey, I saw something today that reminded me of you. I hope you’re doing well.”
It’s simple and unintrusive. Your friend doesn’t even have to reply if they’re busy.
7. Do something nice for someone
Multiple studies found that giving in practically any form benefits the giver as much as the recipient. Doing something nice for someone gives you a better sense of well-being.
Giving also makes you happier. So, any day you’re asking “what would make today great?” the answer is an act of kindness. And it doesn’t have to be grand.
It might be opening the door for someone or letting someone go before you at checkout. You could take over bath duty today from your spouse to give them extra time to relax.
Tips to make today a great day in your career
Another thing that gives us purpose is our work. For some, it’s just a means to earn money. But if you need to spend a huge chunk of your days at work, it would benefit you to cultivate a love for it.
So, why not make it a great day today with these tips?
8. Work on something meaningful to you
Sometimes our jobs aren’t always aligned with our passions and what we enjoy doing. Knowing we’d rather be doing something else can make us unmotivated and wane our enthusiasm for life.
But you can still follow your passion outside of your job, whether as a side hustle or a hobby. Make today a good day and try to find ways to share your talents with the world.
For instance, if you like designing jewelry, make one for yourself and then venture into selling some pieces. If you’re musical, you can volunteer at a senior’s home or teach people how to play musical instruments.
9. Do one thing at a time
Unfortunately, multitasking is a myth. No matter how much we like to believe we can do two things at once, our brains aren’t capable of it.
When you multitask, you’re actually switching between two tasks at lightning speed. And doing this uses up a lot of energy and brainpower.
What would make today great is to do yourself a favor. Do one thing at a time, you can be twice as productive and you won’t overtax your brain.
10. Learn a new skill
Aside from giving you a competitive advantage in the workplace, it can also be a way to challenge yourself. Plus, you might meet new people and have fun in the process.
Try something you’ve always wanted to do like learning a new language, public speaking, or speed reading. You can also try something not related to work such as baking or woodworking.
Ways to improve your health and make today a good day
Our health is our greatest asset. If we’re not healthy, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy all the success and money in the world. So, here are a few ways to take care of your health today.
11. Get outside
Even in your busy schedule try to find time to get outside. Instead of hunching over your desk, eat your lunch outside when the weather permits it.
Spending time outside improves our overall health. Its benefits include a stronger immune system, better sleep, and reduced stress.
Make today a good day and connect with nature. Go for a short walk outdoors, get some fresh air, and watch the sky. Maybe even do your exercises outside if possible.
12. Move your body
Exercise is another thing we should make time for. When you move your body, you build more muscle and increase your stamina.
Exercise also helps your body relax and boosts brain health. And it improves your body image even when you don’t lose weight.
Make sure to move your body today to reap all these benefits. Dance, stretch, or walk the longer route home. A small start is a start nonetheless.
13. Meditate
There are many ways to meditate, including journaling, guided meditation, tai chi, and yoga. Meditation is a term that encompasses all the ways to achieve a relaxed state of being.
All forms of meditation are great ways to clear your mind and calm you down.
For instance, when you’re worried about something, instead of being caught in the loop of thinking about the worst possible scenarios, write them down.
Journaling allows you to get your thoughts out and examine them objectively.
You can get started with guided meditation through free apps. And YouTube has many channels offering online yoga classes.
Steps to improve your mood and make every day a great day
Life can be hard and people can let us down. But ultimately, we’re in charge of ourselves. No matter what’s happening outside, you can choose how you feel.
You can choose to be angry and wallow in misery, or you find something to be grateful for and hold on to what truly matters.
14. Find something to be grateful for
Practicing gratitude is not just looking at the bright side or celebrating big wins. It’s a change of perspective that’s more intentional.
It’s being grateful for the air you breathe, the water as you take a drink, and the roof over your head.
You can practice gratitude by keeping up with a journal of things you’re grateful for and sharing good things that happen each day with someone. Making sure you thank people when they do something for you is another way to show gratitude.
15. Be present at each moment
Being present in the moment is much easier said than done. After all, there’s work and responsibilities to worry about. And the days seem to be all the same anyway.
But thinking about things you are supposed to be doing when spending time with your family and friends doesn’t get them done. All it does is make you miss sweet and joyful moments.
Make today a good day, be present and notice the little things.
Every new day is a gift; make it a great day!
However your day started today, you can still turn it around and have a great day. Whether you’re drowning in paperwork or laundry, having a great day is a choice you can make.
While you’re focused on achieving career or life goals, make sure you find some time to exercise, practice gratitude, and be present. And make every day a good day, so you can truly enjoy life!