Zig Ziglar said that, “Motivation doesn’t last, but neither does taking a bath. That’s why we recommend it daily.”
Personal development and lifestyle design can be huge topics and cover and apply, but just by taking a tiny proportion of them and putting them into practice daily you can succeed.
The six things you should be doing daily.
1. Everyday upon waking you should by say out loud three things that you’re grateful for.
This immediately puts you in a positive frame of mind for the day. When parts of your day are going wrong, repeat these with a positive tone, smile on your face and a confident posture.
2. You should be reviewing your affirmations daily.
If you’re serious about success, then you should already have a list of affirmations. These may be written down or they may be recorded on some sort of Mp3 listening device. You should be reading or listening to these and saying them out loud. This helps you to morph into the person you want to become.
3. You should be reviewing your major goals daily.
What are your biggest five goals? Read them out loud daily, several times if you can. This will keep you focused and moving toward their completion.
4. You should be using visualization daily.
Here you don’t read or listen. You sit in silence with your eyes closed picturing yourself the way you want to be and as if you’ve already accomplished your goals.
5. You should be meditating daily.
Meditation has so many mental and physical benefits that we’re pretty stupid if we don’t meditate. Meditation relaxes your mind and body and only needs ten or twenty minutes per day.
6. You should write a daily to do list.
A to-do list is ideally written the night before the day the tasks need to be done. This has two benefits. Firstly, it gives you a path to follow throughout your day to get things done productively and secondly it makes for a better night sleep. Once you’ve written down what you need to get done, you don’t need to worry about forgetting them. You can put them out of your mind and go to sleep. They’ll be waiting for you on that to-do list the next morning.
Your Suggestions.
What are your suggestions for things we should be doing daily? Let us know below.
By the way, when you’ve finished leaving your comments and sharing this post on Twitter (Did I tell you that I love you?), you can check out my guest post over at the World’s Strongest Librarian here.
Related posts:
- The Three “F” Words You Must Know To Succeed.
- Create Powerful Affirmations For Lifestyle Design.
- Why Meditation Is The Rocket Fuel For Lifestyle Design And Personal Development.
- How Self-confidence Can Strengthen Your Lifestyle Design And Personal Development.
- Powerful Written Goal Statements For Lifestyle Design.
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G'day! I'm Gordie, founder and editor-in-chief of Lifestyle Design For You. I want to welcome you to the center of the universe when it comes to lifestyle design and personal development blogs. We're a team of ten writers providing you with articles to help nourish your mind and improve your life. Lifestyle design is about designing your life so you can do what you want when you want. 
{ 68 comments… read them below or add one }
The twist ending of this sentence made me laugh for some reason: “Meditation has so many mental and physical benefits that we’re pretty stupid if we don’t meditate.”Hehe. I don’t necessarily think we become stupid, just ignorant or unaware of what’s going on around us.
I agree with your all of your points though. The tips that you’ve mentioned are fundamental ways to stay on track to our goals. Thanks for reminding us of them. One thing I would add to the daily list would take a break in between work to do something that makes you happy.
Hulbert´s last blog ..Are You Hungry Enough for It? – 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Hi Hulbert,
I agree that taking a break between certain tasks with some fun is a cool way to unwind a bit.
Check, Check and Check.
Do you know what I’ve done around my else to help me in the process of speaking my goals and motivating myself? I’ll tell you, call me a little crazy, but I printed out goals and dozens of motivational quote in different fonts and sizes, cut them up and taped them all over. On my cupboards in the kitchen, on the mirrors in the bathroom, all the walls.
I have a 100 dollar bill pinned to the ceiling over my bed with 3 zero’s added to it so every morning when I see it I can visualize what it will be like when I have 100,000 dollars.
Hi Mike,
I like your style. Empty wall and door space is such a waste anyway. Why not use them to motivate us. Cheers!
If I had enough money to tape a $100 bill to the ceiling, I wouldn’t need motivating…
Stuart´s last blog .."Me First" Mentality Has To Go…
I’ve been working to find the best way to construct my to-do list. I used to have a running list of A LOT of tasks to do, but I’ve recently decided to only put down 3 main things for the day, which helps lower tension.
Thanks for the list of 6 things we should do on a daily basis. It’s a great reminder.
Ken Kurosawa´s last blog ..Are Men Really From Mars and Women Really From Venus?
Hey Ken,
Yeah, you know what works best for you. Three important tasks is plenty to get done in a day.
Hmm… well, room for improvement for me then lol. So far I can account for one (and a half) out of six; Until a few days ago I was getting out of bed with barely enough time to get ready before college (Winter. I always struggle more when it’s still dark in the morning, but enough’s enough and I’ve been waking at 7am again now. Body is protesting
).
I’ll probably try incorporating all of them bar 2, I don’t know why, but affirmations have never really worked for me. Possibly I’m just phrasing them wrong of course.
And since you asked so nicely, I will RT and read the guest post
Sounds like fun anyway!
Heather´s last blog ..*Fixed* Wordpress – Help!
Hi Heather,
I sleep in later in the winter due to the early morning darkness. I think it’s natural to do that and think our paleolithic ancestors probably did that too.
You’re very kind to RT this post for me. Thank you!
No probs Gordie
Keep thinking I don’t RT enough in general, and this was worth it!
Seems a lot of people struggle with getting up earlier in winter… Once I am up though, I like it still being dark
Heather´s last blog ..*Fixed* Wordpress – Help!
Gordie,
Very good advices, thanks for sharing them!
Another thing that I would add to this list?
Visualize that you could die at the end of today, not only know it, but feel that you could be dead by tomorrow. Then, decide that you will enjoy this day and do not allow anybody to ruin this marvelous day that could be the last one. The funny thing is that some day, that assumption will become true…
Boris´s last blog ..I disagree with… Steve Pavlina
Yes, that’s a good attitude to take. Do something enjoyable every day. It could be our last.
Wow, nice post. I’m real impressed with your list. Who can argue with these simple tips?
For me it comes down to 1) having a goal; 2) taking effort every day to achieve that goal, and; 3) actively doing things that keep your body-mind in a state of relaxed awareness.
Somehow your goals don’t seem like goals any longer and life just works. I’m definitely gonna be reading more of your blog, thanks!
Welcome, Alex!
I’m becoming a bigger believer in the link between the body, mind and actions. A simple, holistic, practical approach is what’s needed by us.
Hope to see you back here.
Gordie,
I’m not actually too fond of the to-do lists because to me (yes I got this from my favorite author, Larry Winget at LarryWinget.com) it seems that to-do is just stuff you want to be doing throughout the day.
Instead, make a things that have to get done list. Longer name but more amazing results in my opinion. It’s like the whole time management thing… Get what absolutely has to be done first and time will take care of itself.
I know everyone does things differently and this certainly may NOT work for some people but this is just how I look at things and it works pretty well for me most of the time.
Just something else to think about.
Good article!
Eric´s last blog ..The Way I Blog With Ease
Welcome, Eric!
It certainly adds some urgency to the list of tasks. I think the main thing is that we put the most important things on the list first.
How about the “Must do or die list? “:)
Gordie,
Exactly, put what absolutely has to get done on the list first so that it gets done.
I like the Must do or die list. That’s cleaver. I’d say that adds even MORE urgency to the name! LOL
Eric´s last blog ..The Way I Blog With Ease
Hey Eric,
Feel free to use it man.
These are powerful tips Gordie. Some of them I practice daily like being grateful, affirmations and visualization. However I would like to add that giving our best each day can accelerate our journey to success.
Walter´s last blog ..Criticism: the unwanted mentor
Hi Walter,
I’m waiting for Michael to do his post on meditation next week. I asked him to do one teaching us how to do basic meditation.
Nice Gordie.
I’ve start meditating daily recently which means I’m now doing all six. It’s become a big and important part of my daily routine.
Ben Lumley´s last blog ..The Keys to Unlocking Success: Part 5 Determination
Awesome, Ben!
In a few months time share with us how it’s affected your life.
Yeah will do!
Ben Lumley´s last blog ..The Keys to Unlocking Success: Part 5 Determination
Hi Gordie,
This is a great simple list, and I can not disagree with a single one on here. Sadly, I can also not say that I am currently not doing most of them! Perhaps this post will be the kick in the ass to get me back on it…
I would add “do something that makes you laugh everyday” – too many people go through the motions or put their all into their work and goals (which is great) that they forget to enjoy the journey.
Thanks!
Definitely laugh everyday. Relieves stress big time. Nothing worse than going through life in an anal retentive manner.
I work each day at thinking positively about situations in my life. I was raised very negatively and it has been a struggle to change. Thinking in a positive way about what goes on in my life has helped to change things greatly!
Steve @Life Change For You´s last blog ..The Law of Attraction: does it really attract?
Welcome, Steve!
Great to hear you’re overcoming a negative upbringing. Being grateful for a few things when starting the day off is a simple way to start.
Hope to see you again, Steve.
Very nice points Gordie! The analogy to bath is amazing
I have really experienced that if I don’t keep reminding my mind about the goals and objectives – it soon starts forgetting it
One tip – carry a small card (of the size of a visiting card) in the wallet with Short term goals written on it. See it every time you open it!
Ashwin / Thoughts Unlimited´s last blog ..Start a Blog Series : Starting on January 23 2010
Hey, Ashwin.
Good to see you here again!
Good idea. Put reminders of your goal in your pocket, in your wallet, on the corner of you your car windscreen, etc are a great way to get your goal ingrained into you.
Gordie,
Interesting blog. I just came over from the World’s Strongest Librarian blog.
The one thing that jumps out at me is that none of the items on your list are about actually taking action. In my opinion, success really results from the actions that we take.
Here is one thing that you should do daily in order to succeed:
Take some kind of meaningful action towards accomplishing your most important goal.
Mark Cancellieri´s last blog ..The Week in Review
Hi Mark,
Good point. These things without action aren’t too useful. What was I thinking? D’oh!
You’re welcome back anytime my friend. I need someone like you to keep me accountable.
That’s one of the best things about blogging — it helps keep us accountable. That is why I plan to share more about my plans on my own blog. It will force me to walk the talk.
I will definitely be back. I have subscribed to your blog.
Mark Cancellieri´s last blog ..The Week in Review
Yeah, blogging can definitely help to keep you accountable.
Visualising and being thankfull, my biggest motivators.
That and being alive for another day.
Clever post this one and well worth a re-tweet!
TheInfoPreneur´s last blog ..Problogger v Gary Vaynerchuk
Glad is was of use, James and thank you for the retweet!
Great list Gordie, simple things but can make a huge difference. I do all of the above besides daily to do list. I know I really should start doing it:) One thing I would add is to have fun while doing all of that, not just do it because you think it will help you in reaching you goals. Enjoy the process along the way. Otherwise for some people it might become another dreaded task on their to do list that they do just because they should, not because they want or enjoy. I think that kind of vibration could actually postpone you reaching your goals.
Lana-Dreamfollowers.com´s last blog ..One Thing Everyone Wants
Hi Lana,
Yes, if you can see the positive points in these and also add something fun that they must do to the to-do list. That was at least one task will be really fun. Mind you, if we’re moving towards our goals then hopefully we enjoy doing most of the tasks we set ourselves.
I don’t do all those things even though I recognize that they are all good to do. What is crazy is the reason I don’t. I keep telling myself that I don’t have time. It is much the same as telling myself each morning that I don’t have time to exercise. I’d be embarrassed to tell you what I do find time to do each day.
Ralph´s last blog ..Getting Organized
Welcome, Ralph!
Time is a reason to do things more hurriedly and also an excuse not to do things. That’s why we have to prioritize things. Like Brian Tracy said, do your most difficult or most disliked task first thing in the day. That’s a great habit to develop.
Gordie, I agree with everything but the to do list. Not that it’s a bad thing, only because in my life things always tend to go wrong and I would be totally pissed off if I had one and wasn’t able to complete it.
It’s sort of like when the wife rings and asks what time I will be home. I always tell her when I get there because I know if I give here a time and get home late, the shit’s gonna hit the fan and I don’t want to go there.
Sire´s last blog ..The Honest Truth About The SFI Affiliate
Lol! In your case I can understand. Being non-committal can have it’s advantages.
Honestly mate, it has it’s ups and downs.
Sire´s last blog ..Leveraging Everything Your Blog Has
Hi Gordie,
Very similar in purpose to your meditation and affirmations I suspect.
Thanks for some great advice. I like to start my day by giving it all to God. I ask Him to help keep me going on the right track. I also ask for lots of patience
I’d also like to add smiling to my list of daily stuff. This links in with be thankful of course but I’m a much nicer person to be around when I’m smiling
Great post. Re-tweeting now.
Eleanor
Eleanor Edwards´s last blog ..1 Minute Motivator: Shake Your Bootie
Hi Eleanor,
Smiling is a good and I it has a psychological effect of making you feel better too.
Wow! That took some time to scroll through the comments. I do all of those bar the meditation. So can you help? Crazy though it sounds, I don’t know “how” to meditate.
Mike CJ´s last blog ..Saturday Discussion – Video Logging is the Future
Hey Mike,
Michael post on Wednesday will teach us how to meditate. I want to learn too so I can put what I preach into practice.
Great post Gordie and I am going to be shameless and promote my post on “A Simple Structure That Will Change Your Life” as it gives you a base for achieving all the comments you make above, every day.
Jonny | thelifething.com´s last blog ..One Week Till Launch
Cheers, Jonny.
Excited to have received your second post and looking forward to putting it up on Monday.
Gordie, Awesome post! Thanks for sharing! This is so simple and easy way to keep everything in perspective! I have been looking for something like this for a while. I will definitely use daily starting today…… I’m grateful this morning for your post and info!!! Thanks a ton!!!!
Welcome, Alexander!
Hope applying these has a great effect on your life.
I will for sure do a daily to do list. I usually do it for longer periods of time but I will try your idea.
Isaac – Life is simpler´s last blog ..5 tips to optimize your time
Great, Isaac.
Keep your longer plan lists too and add the daily ones.
Great post, Gordie!
I cover that list fairly well daily, with the exception of meditation. After reading Michael’s guest post here it raised my interest in trying it, which I will.
The biggest thing for me each morning is realizing that I was fortunate to rise from my slumber and have another opportunity to do something positive. Keeping a tight focus on what is really important in life and not loosing sight of your goals are critical.
Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Computer Glitches – Weirdness in Wonderland
Hey Jimi,
Yes, I think the Buddhists say, be grateful every morning that you didn’t die in your sleep.
Great list! For me I would like to do it all with the traditional pen and paper method.
Me too.
Great list, Gordie.
The visualization tip and writing down your action and to-dos is the right clincher, in my opinion. Being able to see exactly what you want and visualize the positive changes in your life can speed up results. The act of writing your goals and todos daily allows you to focus on the task that must be done. There’s no getting around having to write down what you need to do that day, in order for it to get done.
Keep ‘em coming!
Karen
Karen´s last blog ..Just For Today Challenge, Day 24: Plan Your Meals
Hi Karen,
I have to say that I’m really enjoying your 30 day challenge series.
Thanks very much, Gordie.
I’m sorry to see that there is only a few more days left in the 31 Day Challenge.
I hope I get inspired between now and the end of it
Thanks,
Karen
Karen´s last blog ..Just For Today Challenge, Day 28: Just Say No
Great list Gordie. The only thing I would add is exercise. I feel 100x better when I excise or at least go for a walk than if I don’t.
Ryan @ Planting Dollars´s last blog ..An Interview With Neal From Wealth Pilgrim
Yes, Ryan.
I was considering it and then thought I’ll leave the list at six. There’s so many things we could be doing. Physical exercise is very important.
Gordie, this is a pretty good list. I could probably add to or take away from, but that’s no never mind.
A larger principle is forming habits that you can rely on when you don’t have the energy to think. These are all good habits. My current best habit is writing for one hour every morning.
Dave Doolin´s last blog ..MasterMind Power III: W5 Of a Successful Mastermind Group
Hey Dave,
That’s a very concrete and practical habit that will have tangible results long term. It’s a good one.
Hi Gordie, after interacting with you and your nuts (or was it crazy) self over at Sire’s blog I had to come over and check you out.
Great post, I have lately been doing the “grateful for” thing in the morning, as finally in my long and quite not so easy life I do have a lot to be grateful for.
Thanks for the other tips, very inspiring, will bookmark this page to remind myself.
I have also added your blog to my List of 132 Comment Luv Blogs as you guys are spreading the luv.
JR ´s last blog ..Hi, My Name is Dick and I’m Addicted to SERP Analysis
Cheers, JR.
Yeah, I’m happy to spread the love. Glad you were inspired. Not many people tell me that.
Nice list, Gordie. I especially try to adhere to #6, as it lends itself to a good night’s sleep and a smoother work flow due to having a plan at the start of each day.
I am currently focusing on #1 very hard – it’s so easy to lose one’s gratitude when the focus is always on ‘more, better, faster’. We need to take a moment or two each day to be grateful for all that we have, or we run the risk of never feeling we have enough, you know?
Best to you,
Scott
Self Improvement Guy´s last blog ..Goal Setting and Gratitude
Hi Scott,
Yes, if we don’t reflect on what we’re grateful for, we can become bitter and tired as we always think the good things are far off in the future. We should celebrate each little success.
Gordie,
I definitely agree with you about celebrating each little sucess and reflecting on the positive things in life we are grateful for.
Without that, it’s so easy to slip into a negative mindset and fall into a pattern of complaining about what you don’t have. When in reality, there are so many things that you DO have!
This is my first time here, but so far I’m loving it!