To ask what was the most prolific thing you have done to change your life for the better?

[Dotdotlineline]

I'm in a bit of a funk today so want to know what other people do when faced with an idea of changing something.

Has anyone ever made a drastic or even a small change for the better? Whether that be spiritually / money wise or with themselves?

I keep thinking about the notion that 'life is what you make of it' and questioning where I am going wrong.

Having counselling/psychotherapy. It has made such a difference.

Interesting @EducatingArti

Was this for something specific to you or to change your outlook on life?

Started saving money
Started going to get my nails done regularly
Separated from husband
Stopped stressing the small stuff
Drank less alcohol
Realised that being alone isn't lonely, it's freedom
Accept that I'll have bad days but it's ok

All help to make me feel better

Daily yoga

@Dotdotlineline

Interesting *@EducatingArti*

Was this for something specific to you or to change your outlook on life?

Well, both really. I had some issues with depression and anxiety mainly stemming from a neglectful childhood ( etc etc) but of course over time it has changed my outlook on life tremendously. I think most people who even just feel a bit "stuck" in life can benefit from some sort of therapy to grow and develop their emotional/psychological side.

Six years ago, sold my house and bought a slightly cheaper one in the next road that I wanted badly as it was a cottage style property. I paid off the mortgage by doing that, had about £12,000 left over.

This meant I could drastically reduce my working hours giving me more time at home and then I retired nearly two years ago.

It's great!

Went back to university at 36. Did a degree, then a Masters, which allowed me to get into my dream job. And I'm about to start lecturing too!

I stopped drinking on New Year's Day 2021.

The money, energy, and time that saved allowed my life to turn 180° into the direction I had always wanted and thought somehow I didn't deserve.

In the last 8 months I got a much better job, paid 60% of my debts, got engaged, and will be hopefully starting a family soon!

I wasn't an alcoholic, it was just large part of my leisure/social time and was keeping me arrested in an aimless lifestyle.

Took up running after DS started school.

And left ex. Being single is much more relaxing and solved all my financial headaches.

I changed jobs.

From a well paid, managerial job to a lower paid, lower scale role doing something I really enjoy.
I feel very valued doing this job and have a better work/life balance.

I became a mother and changed career. Both decisions I have never regretted. Number 1 - on this forum I don’t need to explain why! No.2 - much, much more job satisfaction, status, treble the salary and great pension

A relationship one. I stopped reacting to my emotions. I am a very emotional and impulsive person and recently discovered I have ADHD. I would often go into black and white thinking which would result in self sabotage. If something upset me I found myself thinking "I may as well just end it" and would often act on it then regret it later. I still have those feelings but when I do I have found that the simple act of waiting and not doing anything has been utterly transformative.

Weightlifting (heavy weights) - I am not super muscly but the feeling it gives me is amazing. It is so good for you if you know what you’re doing and don’t injure yourself.

Cutting out people who drain me and put me down.

Stopped chasing a career and found a job I loved. And hired a cleaner and a gardener!

Left the UK aged 23, best decision ever. Got me away from my squabbling parents, my lethargy, opened my eyes to other possibilities (jobs, boyfriends, hobbies).

Stopped my menstrual cycles

Compromised to pay off all debt and now massively overpaying mortgage to work towards more freedom

Went part time at work

I'm a huge fan of small improvements (à la Atomic Habits by James Clear)

The smallest thing I've changed which had great impact is waking up early and not snoozing. Just that.

The big one which had an even bigger impact was to quit drinking, despite not having a "drinking problem".

The best thing to change my outlook on life has been gratitude and journalling. Its almost magic how you rewire your brain to see every situation in a more positive way.

Started running (couch to 5k) which I had always declared I couldn’t do. After completing my first 5k I wondered what other things I was actually capable of but lacked the confidence to achieve- I’ve never looked back!

Lost weight (3 stone)

Gave up a much loved but stressful career in public services. The utter suprize to me is the fact that I can earn almost the SAME amount doing cleaning and domestic support.
I get left alone. I get paid. I dont spend my life worrying what might happen to my client,their family etc. Its a different life for virtually the same pay.

Got out of debt
Started the 50 book reading challenge - now in my 5th (?) year.

Quit my job, started a business, lost 15kgs, got divorced.

All with 12 months. With 2 kids under 5.

Fucking terrifying. All absolutely the right decisions. Got myself back.

Most drastic
Emigration

Middle drastic
Uni as a mature student

Least drastic
Ensuring my living is adequate to my income so I have spare money. Moving to not so great, but actually absolutely ok area to massively lower outgoings. Every shit postcode has a nice part. Provides a peace of mind so one can concentrate on other things. I could cover my outgoings by myself and on NMW if situation required it.

Faced my childhood demons. This has enabled me to retrain my codependent brain, establish healthy boundaries and let go of a marriage where I was flogging a dead horse.

Educate myself on White privilege. I thought I didn’t need to as I have a black husband and children. . It’s deepened our bond beyond words and made me the parent and advocate my black children need.