6 ways to overhaul your life (minus the cheesy quotes).

Start doing these things today, and your future self will thank you.

You’re busy – I get that.

And so you tend to keep putting off all those important things you know you SHOULD be doing, but don’t have the time/energy/motivation to start today.

But guess what? There are some things that you should always, always make time for – because tackling them head-on right now will make your future that much brighter. Trust me.

The good news is there are some simple steps you can take today that will make a HUGE difference to your future self (and they might just give your life that kick in the butt it needs).

Here’s my suggestions.

1. Learn how to negotiate a pay rise.

I spent years just waiting for pay rises to land in my lap, confident in the fact that when I deserved them, they’d happen. But that’s not how it works, after all.

“The best way to negotiate a pay rise is to ask for one,” some genius once told me. So request a meeting to discuss your position and come equipped with evidence that supports your pay increase. Keep it positive. Reiterate how much you enjoy working for your company, how you wish to pursue a future with them and why you feel you deserve a pay rise.

Just do it.

2. Figure out how to get a promotion.

Every promotion I’ve even been given, paid or unpaid, has been because I have put my hand up for challenges. I’ll never forget putting my hand up for my first solo shift, assuring my boss I knew exactly what to do, then making a complete mess of it (but slowly getting better at it).

Also, make your intentions clear. If you have an aspiration, share it with your superiors so they know which path to put you on.

3. Repeat daily affirmations.

Think about the areas of your life you struggle with and write an affirmation that addresses it. If you’re into the more spiritual stuff, you might like to try “You are loved”, “You can do this” or “Have no expectations. Whatever happens, happens, and that’s okay.”

Or, if you’re the tell-it-like-it-is type, a stern “Get it together – you got this” always does the job…

4. Look after your super.

Superannuation in most people’s minds is something that happens without us having to think about it. Our employer pays it for us and somehow we will be left with enough money for retirement.

Sadly, that’s not always the case. You don’t have to become a super expert though. As long as you are with an industry fund, you can trust them to do the best job for you. Then, go that extra step and contribute to your future. Most of us can spare, say, $20 a week, right? How about you put that towards your super? You’d be surprised what a difference that makes to the total balance after 10, 20, 30 or 40 years.

It’s a small investment with big rewards, and it just makes sense. After all, you’ll happily put money in a savings account when you are planning a holiday or a big purchase, so it pays to think of your super in the same way.

5. Boost your confidence.

Confidence is in the mind, but there is so much you can do to boost it. Start off by dressing in a way that makes you happy. Stand up straight, hold your shoulders back and your head high. Stand with your hands on your hips regularly, which is known as the “power pose” – it’s so simple, but studies have shown it does work to boost your confidence levels.

Even if you don’t feel a confidence boost at first, you can start off pretending by mimicking a confident person. Becoming more confident will have a huge impact on your future – you will find it easier to make decisions, and attract people to you like a magnet.

6. Learn how to network like a boss.

Look – networking is essential, but most of us are quietly petrified to strike up a conversation with our bosses or colleagues and clients we don’t know well.

To nail the art of networking, have some generic conversation starters up your sleeve – such as questions about current events, reality TV, or new books and movies that you are dying to check out. Remember, very few people are confident talking to strangers, so you’re not alone.

Then, be bold. If you are open to new career opportunities, tell them. If you admire their career or achievements, tell them. Genuine admiration is a great ice breaker, and it will help to get you noticed.

See? I told you these tips were simple. So start today, and see how easy it is to build a better future.

What do you do to achieve your career goals?

Here are some of our favourite high-achieving women, should you need some more inspiration…

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