7 ways to change your life in the next 7 days
Life change may seem to take years to achieve but there are steps you can walk today and in the next week that perhaps can change your life forever.
Most are little steps, but when combined together they can create big and lasting change.
Here are 7 ways to change your life in the next 7 days.
1. Change your words and phrases
One of the most effective ways to change your life is to change your attitude and mindset. And the best way to change your attitude and mindset is to remove certain words and phrases from your vocabulary and to replace them with others that are more positive.
It might take some time to remove negative phrases and words because you’ve gotten so used to them. But once you start using new words and phrases that are more positive, you’ll be surprised at how almost instantly people around you react differently and how you look at the world around you in a fresh way.
Your entire life changes without you having to change everything.
Here are some words and phrases to stop using:
- “It’s just one of those days.”
- “Same s**t, different day.”
- “Same old, same old.”
- “Pretty good.”
- “What’s the world coming to?”
- “Kids these days.”
- “I can’t.”
- “I don’t know.”
- “The good old days.” (thanks Tyler!)
- Hate – It’s such a powerful word that has become too common in our vocabulary.
- Retarded – I don’t know why people insist on using this word to describe something they don’t like or understand.
- Gay (requested by Max based on the same negative use as “retarded”)
For some ideas on what you can start saying to improve your life and make lasting, positive change, please read our article: 50 things to say before you die.
2. Count your blessings
We all get caught up and forget to reflect on how fortunate we are. So in the next 7 days take an hour and think about:
- What you’re glad to have experienced – sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s a bad experience, but it’s shaped who you are. For me, one thing I’m glad I experienced was poverty.
- What you’re fortunate to have – family, food, shelter.
- What you’re fortunate to not have – it could be sickness or debt.
3. Dust off your bucket list
Take out your list of things to do before you die and find something you can do in the next week. Or write something new down and do it.
4. Wake up claiming the Best. Day. Ever.
One day can positively change your entire life. And that one day needs to start with one good morning.
During the next 7 days wake up claiming that it will be the best day ever and try your hardest to maintain that attitude all day.
5. Try something you think you’re bad at
Perhaps you think you’re horrible at singing, writing, basketball, or some other talent. But perhaps you’ve just never really given yourself the time to attempt and if you do, you might find a new talent for yourself.
6. Declare your life’s purpose
It can certainly be done in a week with focus and a bit of work.
To help you, here are two articles you might be interested in reading:
- 5 easy pieces to piecing together your purpose in life
- What do you want on your headstone?
7. Recognize change happens constantly
Every single day your life changes no matter what. Even if you go through the same routine over and over again, no two days are ever the same. Recognize this and even the days of adversity and pain will become bearable because you know that “good new days” lie ahead.
(Number 5 was rephrased. It first read “Try something you’re bad at.” Number 7 was also rephrased. Both were changed to get the points across more clearly.)
Photo by Lincolnian (Brian)
89 Responses to “7 ways to change your life in the next 7 days”
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Hi Andrew,
thanks for the post! For all those people who tend to want to stay in one place because the alternative is too “complicated”, this short, easy to implement list is just the thing.
I think I understand it, but can you elaborate on the 7th point?
Thanks again!
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
Sure!
Well even if someone doesn’t take any action, their life is still going to change but most likely not in the way they want. So everyone has the choice to either wait for change or create in the way they desire.
Does it make a little more sense?
-Andrew
Thanks for this article Andrew. Really needed it today.
Awesome! Glad I could help you.
Thanks for reading,
-Andrew
Great article…worth reading every morning to have the right perspective on the day
Awesome list of phrases to avoid, “kids these days” or in general whining about kids these days is a real eye-roller for me. Especially when it comes from parents. “The good old days” is another self-defeating phrase you could have added. On the surface it’s not so negative but it is usually used to mean “the bad new days” from people who are having trouble keeping pace with the world.
Thanks for the post!
Thanks Meredith!
Oh yeah Tyler! I forgot all about “The good old days.” People use that phrase all the time. How about the good NEW days ahead?
-Andrew
Great article Andrew! I think you should consider reworking list item number seven. Here are some thoughts:
As soon as I read the first item on the list, I clicked the I LIKE IT button on Stumble because I know what you said here was the truth. I read through the next 5 with equal pleasure. Each one was true to your promise in the title. These are things I could DO!
Then I got to number 7 and I have to say that I almost wish I could have undone the stumble press. Your title gave the reader power, control, and options. Each one of the first six was a simple but powerful technique that, if applied, would result in the reader’s life changing because the reader did something.
The last one, number 7, was different. It essentially took away the power and control the first 6 gave the reader. In short, it said that nothing really matters. I’m sure you probably had some dramatic twist in mind with this abrupt switch. However, what it actually does is to take away the “Gift” you gave the readers with the first 6 things on the list.
Please allow me to suggest that you consider rewording number 7 so that you get your point across in a manner consistent with the first 6 items on the list. In other words, give the reader another positive action that can be taken first. This keeps with the promise in your title. Once your promise has been kept, you can provide the reader with the counter-point. If your promise has been kept, then the reader is more likely to take the time to consider your counter-point seriously.
If your true intention was to say that life changes each day no matter what you do, then I would suggest that you reformat the entire article – especially the title – to let the readers know what to expect as a return for the investment of their time.
Hi Joe,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
I agree with you. I didn’t exactly like the way I titled number 7 and I was wondering how I could edit it so that I could get my point across better. And thanks to you, I just got an idea and I’ve edited it.
Please let me know what you think.
-Andrew
You know to change our lives it really takes to a mindset shift. Hopefully a lot of men will see this and step up to be better role models.
Definitely Torrey. Changing your mindset changes everything.
-Andrew
simple but great tips.
u got all the point there.
thx for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it robb. Thanks!
-Andrew
For words to avoid, going with the same reasoning for “retarded”, should include “gay” too.
[...] 7 ways to change your life in the next 7 days | Lyvedlyved.com [...]
I am on the verge of changing the job which I worked for more than 2 year and I was little upset and nervous but after reading your article I gather all my confidence and ready to start my new week with the tips you had provided. Thanks dude hope your formula works for me.
Hi Andrew,
I love this thoughtful article. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming for a life changing shift to happen. Life moves forward one small decision at a time. We are what are choices are.
I would love to print a copy of this on my blog, my readers will love this!
Love,
Catherine
I’m going to print this list off and tape to my wall where I can see it everyday. Thank you
Thanks A Lot….!!!
I am surely gonna implement all these ways in my life.
I am currently 19 and suffering from too much depression and fear about future.
These lines will really help me.
Very Nice.
@Max – That’s a great addition as well! I’ll add it for you.
@Sohel – I hope it works for your as well. It might take a lot of work but I’m sure you’ve got it in you. Best wishes!
@Catherine – I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, we don’t have to overwhelm ourselves to change our lives. One little adjustment can change everything.
Also, feel free to share my article on your blog. I just ask that you give proper credit and a link back to this page or site. Thanks!
@aclambart – Sounds like an awesome idea.
@Rishabh Sharma – Great to hear that! I hope it helps you.
@Abhishek – Thanks!
-Andrew
Easy for you to say, obviously your life doesn’t suck as bad as mine.
Great Article,
As i was reading through, i feel my life changing instantly!
really helpful,
but 1 thing i found difficult was the point 1, changing words and phrases will surely take time.
thanks again
W.B.R,
Satyam
Habits we should have.
[...] 7 ways to change your life in the next 7 days – Life change may seem to take years to achieve but there are steps you can walk today and in the next week that perhaps can change your life forever. [...]
It’s funny that I stumbled upon this page, because I was just thinking, there are words I should be removing from my vocabulary. Being a New Yorker, I have the habit of dropping the F bomb nearly every other sentence. This is a negative word, and somehow it’s part of my daily vocabulary. I use it in everyday conversation. “Hey you feel like fu**in’ going to the movies?” or “Man, that’s the best fu**ing milkshake I have ever had!” It’s amazing how our culture affects us so much. From now on, I will do my best to replace that word with something a little less harsh.
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@Jerome VanHoff – Well I used to think my life sucked until I took control and started to change things. I doubt that your life really sucks that much compared to other people’s lives. You do have internet access. Right? Some people don’t even have electricity.
@Satyam – Glad you enjoyed it and took so much from it! Yeah it definitely does take some time to change your words and phrases but once you do you’ll be so surprised at how much things will change for you.
@Johnny – I hear you on the F word
It’s a tough one to stop. Even if we don’t mean something in a negative way that’s how it comes out when you use f**k.
-Andrew
I’m glad I checked out this one more link before calling it a night. Thanks for tweeting!
Hey DzhaA – I’m glad you took a few minutes to read the post! Nice to meet you. I’m happy you enjoyed the post.
-Andrew
This is my first visit to your site and it came via StumbleUpon. This is a great article and it will inspire every reader to be a more conscious and aware person. That is so needed in the world.
Thank You Andrew,
Joseph
http://www.explorelifeblog.com
Thanks so very much Joseph! I sure hope that it inspires every reader to be more aware and conscious.
You’re welcome,
-Andrew
Great article. When I feel down or overwhelmed at how much energy and work it will take to reach my goals, I think “Even baby steps will get you there eventually,” then try to do one small thing from my list. These are the small things that will help move you toward your goals.
Hi dava,
Thanks for the compliment.
What you’re saying is very true. Baby steps when added up turn into big steps.
-Andrew
[...] – 7 ways to change your life in the next 7 days – Self Improvement- Link. [...]
Hi,
I stumbled on your site and glad I did. Great points for change! I especially like the one about cleaning up your mouth. This is most people’s biggest problem.
Hey, if you get a chance drop by my site.
Kellie
Hi Kellie,
I’m glad you stumbled upon it as well. It’s great to meet you! I’m checking out your site right now and it looks great.
Keep up the good work and thank you for the compliments.
-Andrew
Thank you for your request to not use the “R” word. People do not realize how hurtful that one word is to people with special needs.
You’re welcome RI!
-Andrew
[...] 7 Ways To Change Your Life In The Next 7 Days. My favourite is #3 – dust off your bucket list. It’s time I wrote my bucket list – especially since my weekend involved ticking off the 57th item on the bucket list of a friend. Which meant an 18 mile bike ride in Burlington, Vermont. [...]
Hello Andrew. This is surely one of the best articles I have read on internet. Very motivational indeed.
Thank you so much Ravikant! I really appreciate your compliment. It put a smile on my face.
-Andrew
Nice posting dear. Good job…
thanks
must confess, the first suggestion is the toughest here but who talked about giving up
A different take on this –
Saying “I don’t know” instead of trying to always have the answers brings in opportunities and outlooks that might otherwise not have been heard.
Say “I don’t know” and invite new input!
@mahesh – Yes, it is probably the hardest, but also the most rewarding.
Thanks for sharing your opinion Margaret! That’s a very interesting take upon “I don’t know.”
-Andrew
This is essentially the how-to behind a thing known as the Law of Attraction. You literally manifest into your life those most dominant and emotive thoughts, and the best way to make use of the law is to be in a grateful mindset and honestly expect that good things, even specific things, will (and already have – but that’s quantum mechanics) happen. Give it a try
Thanks Andrew for the wonderful post. You are right, attitude makes all the difference.
If I may add another the eight way to change your life – ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT.
This improves our personal relationships and brings a lot of peace, directly impacting our life.
Rather than assume that someone intends to harm me, I have learned to first assume that I misunderstood. I assume that they meant something other than what I heard, or that they are struggling to communicate their thoughts and feelings. By assuming the positive, I have found that I feel less stress, less frustration, and less irritation with others. Because I feel less stress, I am better able to work to understand their perspective without feeling compelled to force my perspective on them.
Have a great day!!
Daljeet Sidhu
http://www.tradeseam.com
Glad you liked it Daljeet! And thanks for sharing – I really like what you said about positive intent.
-Andrew
Thanks for posting this. Found it really helpful.
Even if my english is not as well as you are I am trying to make sense of the article. Something is changing in our entire life—or already has changed—and it could be something pretty important to us.
Instead of just sitting and waiting, I’m going to change my life making my own choice in the way I want and I desire. So this article taught me much things
Thanks a lot Andrew.
Cahit
You’re welcome Ben.
Hi Cahit – that’s great that you’re going to take charge and create change in your life instead of waiting for it. I’m really happy that this article taught you some things.
-Andrew
[...] To find out the other five ways, click here [...]
You have NO idea how much this article meant to me when I ran acrossed it this morning!
To be quite honest, after MANY months (years actually) of struggling and finally hitting rock bottom, I had told myself I would give it one week…seven days…to change. I had no idea how it was going to do that considering nothing had changed in years. But seven days was all I was giving it.
Then to just find this? I really don’t think it was a coincidence. I’m going to start these right away.
(((hugs))) for posting these.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m so glad that you found this article! It’s definitely not a coincidence. I believe everything happens for a reason.
It’s great that you’re giving yourself a second chance. With these tips I know for sure that you can start heading in a more positive direction.
Thanks so much for the compliments and for reading.
Keep in touch,
-Andrew
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Love this post! We need more people spreading positive messages online!
Hey Susan,
I’m happy you love it! We need more people spreading positive messages offline too!
-Andrew
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I’m so glad to have found this site.
Thank you.
I’m just updating you all about the changes since I last posted. I cannot believe what a difference attitude makes!
I’ve tried very hard to keep from saying the negative comments each day. It’s a hard habit to break-I didn’t realize how many times I start a sentence with “I can’t” until I started listening to myself. And I would ALWAYS answer the question “How’s it going?” with “Same ol’, same ol’” then proceed to give a rundown on how horrible things were.
I’m happy to say that I’ve (almost) stopped saying most of the things listed above. I also started looking at each day with a more postive attitude.
And I’ve gone from unemployed to having TWO jobs. And both jobs came from meeting people and talking to them with a positive attitude.
Numbers 1, 2, and 4 are what I’ve really focused on these past few weeks and they have been a lifesaver!
Thanks again for posting such a wonderful site!
Hi Joann – I’m glad you stopped by!
Jennifer – Thank you so much for writing a follow up. I always wonder how my readers are progressing but few write in to tell me.
It is hard to break the habit of using negative words and sayings. I’m still working on it as well. We’ve all grown up with it so I guess that’s why it’s so hard to change it.
That’s amazing that you now have 2 jobs!!! Employers don’t want to hire negative people who claim to be a victim of the economy. They want to hire people it’s a pleasure to be around.
I’m so happy for you! Congrats on everything. Keep up the great work and please keep in touch.
-Andrew
Great article! I really like #5, “Try something you think you’re bad at”. I have a lot of fear so I don’t try many new things because I’m afraid of failing. So this will actually be a good thing to try; maybe I’ll actually find out that it’s not so bad to try new things after all.
Hi Tnya – I’m glad you like this article, especially number 5. Many of our hidden talents are within things we think we’re bad at.
-Andrew
[...] To find out the other five ways, click here Share with Friends! [...]
Dear Andrew, I’m glad to see someone trying to put positive thinking on peoples mind instead of, who or where can we go and pay someone to change things for us! I’ve found that my “FAITH” in my religion, (Wiccan-Pagan) has helped me stay more positive about my “lifes situations”. Today it seems we as a society have forgotten what is real, and what is important, everyone has there priorities really screwed up! But we got to have faith in something or else theres no real answer to the how and why of our changes. My religion has taught me so much, I just want to share it with the world, because I keep my Faith to the upmost that I really don’t use the word Faith anymore but the word “Pistic” because it refers to having pure and genuine Faith, and that is what I have! I really plan on looking into Pistology: the branch of theology that studies the characteristics of Faith. One of the best sayings I just learned is: “Lifes not about having what you want, but wanting what you have”! This was an eye opener for me! It made sense! People now days are so materialistic, and that is so sad! Because most of them really think that the best things in life are expensive, but that as you and I both know is far from reality! Cost has nothing to do with luxury in life, to have real luxury you must have Faith so maybe you need to add a #8 as to EVERYONE must have Faith in something, or else they are missing out on the reasons they need to or why they had to make the change. They must be ready and be all willing to accept the changes it’s going to make in life. Change is what life is about, people need to realize and have Faith in themselves as well! Change is good, it makes our “Journey” here on earth alot less complicated, because if we couldn’t make change we would live forever, our “Journey” could never end. It helps us learn alot about ourselves as well as other people when we see how the change effects them or how they treat you afterwards. Faith in yourself will get better when the changes you made start making a difference in your life. Anyway you get an A+ for this contribution to society on improving their lives for a positive change instead of something always negative! Thank you Andrew, your a wonderful person for having a website that is not an advertising scam or part of some marketing scam! We need more people in the, what I will now start calling “Positive Positions” in this society, because as I see it, society sucks! People are so lost, and haven’t a clue that a small change to something positive like your suggestions can make a world of difference if just given a chance! You get an “ATTABOY” from me! Thank you from everyone! We needed this reminder!
Hi “Witchy Woman,”
First off, thank you so much for all the compliments! I’m glad you’re enjoying Lyved. It’s my pleasure to add more positivity into the media and society and hopefully positively impact people along the way.
“Lifes not about having what you want, but wanting what you have” – This saying is amazing! And so truthful.
I completely agree with you about change. If we weren’t supposed to change we would basically be robots. Change is a reason for living.
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. Keep spreading the positivity! I can’t do it alone
. Together we can certainly make difference.
You’re very welcome for the reminder and positivity.
Keep in touch,
-Andrew
Dear Andrew Galasetti,
W O W !
TY!
This is amazinggg!
I don’t know how to thank you! (Honestly!!!)
Keep up the good work!
& M A Y G O D B L E S S Y O U N O W & A L W A Y S,
ANONYMOUS
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found it amazing
-Andrew
Thank you so much for this post. I’m going through a very hard time in life right now and this helps a lot. Thank you again!
Hi Kimberlee,
You’re very welcome! I hope that this article can make things a little bit easier for you.
If you can, please stay in touch and write back when the tides turn.
-Andrew
Thanz andrew i have had this page as my home page for weeks now and it really helps
great job man
peace
Hey Jamaal,
That’s a great idea of using a motivating article as your homepage. I’m glad it’s been helping you.
-Andrew
Great post and soooo true the horror of “ I can’t” and many other negative words. I suppose the individual who keeps saying I can’t most certainly will struggle in most areas of life, until they change their perceptions and belief they can.
“I can’t” can be very damaging. I used to say it all the time even before I attempted something and it certainly affected my success.
I’m happy you like this article.
-Andrew
[...] – “The good old days.” (thanks Tyler!) [...]
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[...] – “The good old days.” (thanks Tyler!) [...]
[...] in englischer Sprache: Lyved – Life and living it! 7 rules to understand people 7 rules to sniff [...]
[...] http://www.lyved.com/body_soul/7-ways-to-change-your-life-in-the-next-7-days/ [...]
hello
glad to see ur article,,,i m trying my best to act upon it,,but one thing if u r not intresed to change urself,no one can make change in u,,
think positive,do positive,and always hope on God
by
That’s very true! If you don’t want to change, others won’t be able to change you.
-Andrew
the funny is i tried ther seven very ‘origanal’ tips before i came across this page. my relevatino to become happy and nice and positice was when at a sleepover my friends gave me a cd( including that thay hate my i am the devil in disguise, i am wierd, paraniod, altogether bad) called me a bitch and told me they hated me. i was really nice and smiled and evything was good. untill like girls so i found out aoubt somehtings they were syaing aobut me… that i am fake, not real, i lieing bitch, i dont tell the truth, i’m not me, i am acting wierd, i am soffucation, i kill the conversation everytime i come around, ECT. this did not work for me AT ALL! thanks! then when i threw up they called me anorexic, htey thougt i was going to camp to loose wight, the rumers go on and on. huh just thought you might wwanna know
liza, very sorry that happened to you. That’s tough. But you were certainly the more mature individual in that situation.
-Andrew
I really agree with the first one and clearing up the bucket list.
I love just doing what I want to do sometimes too!
Hey James – Glad you liked this post! Yeah, sometimes all we have to do is rework our goal lists and then we’re remotivated to tackle them.
-Andrew