So now what?

Ok, it’s time to get down to brass tacks (always wanted to use that saying). While researching and reading many other blogs, articles and forums on entrepreneurship, career and life changes I ran across this comment: “How do I change my life when I don’t have the money to do so?”
I decided to come up with a list of free things anyone can do to begin changing life for the better. This list is not all inclusive and I encourage people to comment with their own suggestions.

• Find your local library—Reading encourages personal and professional development, and for some of us it’s also fun and enjoyable. Public libraries may be cutting hours due to budgetary concerns but they still offer a collection of books and CDs most of us could not afford to own. If you are unemployed regular visits to the library can keep you from becoming isolated. The library often has free or low cost rooms you can rent for meetings and it’s frequently the place for lots of interesting group meetings and cultural events.

• Start a (free) exercise program—Exercise benefits the body, mind and (in my opinion) the soul. Start with walking. It’ free and almost anyone can do it. Consider good old fashioned calisthenics, yoga or stretching. These things require no special equipment and will make you look and feel better. Of course if you have health concerns check with your health care provider first.

• Seek something bigger outside yourself—Go back to church, synagogue, temple, your community activist group or volunteer program. One of the things that makes your life better is finding a focus on something besides YOU. Finding a place or group that means something to you will be fulfilling and connect you with others who share your values.

• Become a “white tornado”—Just in case you aren’t old enough to remember…the white tornado was the symbol of household cleaning in the 1970’s. Cleaning and organizing are absolutely free. A cleaner environment can aid you in many ways; you avoid buying extra stuff to replace things you’ve “lost” in the back of closets, it’s easier to find your resume, business plan or that killer proposal for your boss and organizing is the first essential step to budgeting and planning.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 2:07 pm and is filed under What Works. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.