Creating Your Ideal Day: Practical Steps to a More Fulfilled Life

A few days ago, I had a heartfelt chat with a client who was feeling down, overwhelmed, and far from living a life she loved. We spent an hour discussing ways to improve her day-to-day experience, and I wanted to share some insights from that conversation, hoping they might help you, too.

Creating Your Ideal Day

The first step we took was defining what an ideal day looks like. Here’s a simple exercise you can try:

Visualise Your Ideal Day

Imagine a weekday where you feel content and productive. What time would you wake up? For instance, my client wanted to wake up at 5 AM, inspired by a book, but found it unrealistic. We settled on a more comfortable 8 AM.

Plan Your Morning Routine

What would you do in the first hour of your day? Sketch it out, whether it’s walking your dog, enjoying a quiet coffee, or some light exercise. For my client, this meant a relaxed start with her dog.

Work Blocks and Breaks

Define your work hours and break times. My client chose to work from 10 AM to 1 PM, then take a lunch break, followed by more work until 6 PM. Breaking the day into manageable chunks can make it less daunting.

Evening Activities

Think about how you want to spend your evenings. This could be personal projects, hobbies, or spending time with family. Planning these activities ensures a balanced and fulfilling day.

Overcoming Daily Obstacles

Identify what’s currently stopping you from living your ideal day. For my client, it was the habit of scrolling through social media in the morning and at night. We tackled this by installing an Opal app, which blocks distracting apps during specific times. This small step made a significant difference.

Envisioning Your Ideal Week

Once you have your ideal day, expand this vision to an ideal week. This helps you incorporate activities that may not fit into a single day. For example, set aside time for friends on Wednesdays, family on Saturdays, and personal hobbies on Sundays.

Start Where You Are

It’s essential to accept your current situation without judgment. This acceptance is the foundation for positive change. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight; start with small, manageable steps.

Action Steps: One Small, One Big

Every week, aim to take one small and one big action step towards your ideal day:

Small Step

Download a productivity app, set a daily walk, or prepare your meals in advance.

Big Step

Commit to a significant habit change, like waking up an hour earlier or scheduling regular exercise. These steps generate momentum, leading to more motivation and a continuous improvement cycle.

Final Thoughts

Remember, a fulfilling life begins with small, consistent changes. I encourage you to try these exercises and see how they can make a difference in your daily life. You can create a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle by visualising your ideal day, tackling obstacles, and taking incremental steps.