Change is good. It challenges you, tests your limits, helps you move forward. Check out this article for a few examples of smart decisions you can make today in order to change your life for the best.

Feeling stuck, unmotivated, bored? Having the same routine day after day can slowly get to you. That’s why the impulse to make a change from time to time is a healthy one. Change makes you more flexible, allows you to grow, and helps you push your limits. Without change you’ll feel stranded in your comfort zone. And everyone knows that the magic always happens outside of it.

The key to make a positive change in your life is determination. Decide that it’s time, make a game-plan, and put it into action. Here are four life-changing decisions you can make today in order to significantly improve your tomorrow.    

Get in Shape

Even though the number of Americans getting sufficient exercise has increased over the last few years, the number of obese citizens continues to climb. Exercise reduces stress, benefits your health, and can even give you more energy. 30 minutes of exercise every day is enough to boost your metabolism and help you get into shape. A smart combination of cardio and weight-training is key to burning more calories and toning your body, so find an exercise routine you enjoy doing that incorporates both.

I used to loathe the idea of working out. That’s because I always associated working out with running, and I was never a good runner. I was also too lazy (and, at that time, too poor) to join a gym, so I did a little research online and discovered Jillian Michaels. Her workouts are excellent, since they allow you to work your entire body in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, they rarely last more than 30 minutes, so you can fit a session in whenever you have some free time.  You don’t need any fancy equipment – just a pair of comfortable workout clothes and the desire to improve your health and get into shape.

If you’re not a Michaels fan, the Internet is full of effective workouts to try out. The Fitness Blender and BeFit YouTube channels are a good place to start your search.  

Start a Healthy Habit

Building a new habit takes two things: time and consistency. If you start slow and you persevere, your brain will have more time to adjust to the change. As a result, you’ll have a better chance of making your new, healthy habit stick.

For instance, let’s say you want to wake up earlier. If you regularly wake up around 9, don’t abruptly set your alarm for 6 one day. Instead, start by setting it to 8:30. Next week, set it for 8 – and so on, until you reach your target wake-up time. Be kind to yourself and allow your body and brain to slowly adjust to the change.  For more on how to make habits stick, take a look here.  

When it comes to choosing a healthy habit to stick to, there are plenty of options available, and only you know what will make you happier or more productive. You can set your mind to drink more water each day, start meditating, eat more fruit, read more, call your friends more often, etc. Depending on your current needs and wants, form habits that would benefit you the best.   

Revive Your Social Life

No matter how busy life gets, you shouldn’t abandon the idea of having some sort of social life. Besides the fact that social ties are good for your health, feeling that you’re part of a community will significantly improve the quality of your life. Having friends and acquaintances will bring you plenty of benefits. It will improve your self-confidence and self-worth, boost your happiness, and reduce stress. So find some new people to talk to. Share your stories and be interested in what they have to say. People can often surprise you, so give them the chance.

If time allows you to, volunteering is a great way to meet new people. Alternatively, you can join a small group that shares your interests. Do you love to read contemporary romance novels? There has to be a book club in your area. Do you like to try new recipes? Join a cooking club!  It’s easier to bond with people if you already know you have something in common. Use Meetup.com to search for interesting groups in your area.

Pursue Your Dream Job

Think about it for a second – how many people do you know you who love their jobs? Half, maybe less? According to a study, only 53-percent of Americans actively enjoy what they do. And that’s a shame, since we spend roughly a quarter of our lives working. If you dread going to work every day, it’s never too late to pursue your dream job. Rest assured, we’re not advising you to quit tomorrow so you’ll have the fear to keep you motivated. But there are small steps you can take to get you moving in the right direction.

Search for jobs on the side. Teach yourself a new skill that will benefit you at the dream job you’re fantasizing about. See if you can’t turn one of your hobbies into a full-time career. If you want to thrive in your professional life, you need to be passionate about what you do.

Starting is easy. Unfortunately, keeping yourself motivated throughout the entire process can be more difficult. Maintain a positive attitude and regularly remind yourself of what drove you to make the change in the first place. If you’re determined enough, nothing can stop you!