It can be scary when life puts us to the test. When we have to cope with defeat and pain. Then we have to leave old paths and enter new territory. But this is also a great opportunity: the chance to grow. To recognize what we are capable of and what really matters. Writer Walt Whitman once said: "To bar the door to change is to bar life itself."

Pay attention to our heart to feel what we really want

We make many decisions out of routine - because we have always done it that way. We enrich ourselves if we pay attention to so-called somatic markers instead. These are signals of pleasure or displeasure that our subconscious sends out after a new stimulus and that we can feel physically. Does our heart leap for joy when we think about an unusual hobby, a move or a career change? If so, we develop unexpected strength to work towards these changes - and experience real happiness.

Tackle small things to achieve a big impact

In Japan, there is a philosophy of life called "Kaizen", made up of the words Kai for "change" and Zen for "for the better". Followers of this philosophy do not believe in standing still, in doing the same thing forever. They believe that continuous improvement and transformation for the better is possible - not through one big, laborious effort, but through many individual small actions. Every step brings us forward, is a gain. So let's concentrate on what we can do today. Tomorrow is tomorrow.

Train the courage muscle to overcome insecurities

We need courage for a new start. Because we are entering unknown territory and don't know what to expect. That can be intimidating. But the good news is: courage is not a quality that is simply there or not. We can train it. We can start small here too: Let's start by acting full speed ahead for 30 seconds three days a week, as if we weren't afraid. During this time, for example, we make a phone call that is unpleasant for us or clarify something important with the boss. We soon realize how liberated we feel and how our self-confidence grows.

Clearing out sensibly to create new space

A Buddhist proverb says: "You can't fill a full glass." If we want to enrich ourselves with something new, we have to let go of the past, both spiritual and material. What do we really need? Which attitudes, which possessions are good for us? We lose nothing when we regularly declutter, on the contrary: we feel lighter, gain wings and reach new horizons.

Think creatively to find the best solution for us

When we see things as a picture in front of us, we find it easier to understand them. So let's draw a pie chart showing how much time we spend on which activities each week: the more time, the bigger the slice of cake. Are we satisfied when we see this pie? Or would we prefer to weight the pieces differently? Then we draw
our dream diagram right next to it - and work on implementing it. Now!

10 steps that will change your life

A brief instruction manual for more optimism, happiness and contentment

1 Set goals: Only when we know what we want to achieve can we take the right path and pursue it consistently.

2 Think positively: It is not external circumstances, but our attitude that determines how we feel. We have the power to re-evaluate unpleasant situations.

3 Practice properly: We don't need to know everything, but what really counts. So let's consciously practice the things that enrich us.

4 Use time: Does what we spend our day doing lead us to a fulfilled life? Are we prepared to make an effort to achieve something?

5 Pool our strengths: Let's listen to ourselves more often to feel what our body needs right now. Regular breaks are important so that we can tackle tasks with renewed energy.

6 Live your dreams: Everything is allowed, because wishes inspire our soul. Let's stop setting ourselves limits and restricting ourselves.

7 Do good: Every smile we send out returns to us. We give ourselves a gift when we are mindful and give our fellow human beings a gift - through words, gestures and deeds.

8 Act responsibly: The past is in the past. But if we do our best now, we can influence the future.

9 Accept obstacles: We have the choice between giving up and finding solutions. No matter how difficult it may seem, there is always a solution.

10 Believe in yourself: "I can do it!" should be our most important sentence. Believing in ourselves dispels clouds - and makes miracles happen.

You might also be interested in this:
Time to live Part 1: Who dares, wins!
Time to live part 3: "I am great!"
Time to live Part 4: Dare to say "no" more often
Time to live Part 5: Learning mindfulness
Time to live Part 6: About being happy
Time to live Part 7: Learning to let go
Time to live Part 8: The secret of serenity
Time to live Part 9: More me-time, please!
Time to live Part 10: Strengthening love!
Time to live Part 11: Become an optimist!
Time to live Part 12: 15 sentences for life
Time to live Part 13: Rituals make our lives easier
Time to live Part 14: Simply switch off for a while