Do you want to thrive and not just survive. I feel you. For way too long, I was stuck in a boring loop of work, eat, sleep, repeat. Life felt like I was sleepwalking through it. But over time, I found ways to add more spark and meaning to each day. Changes that made a huge difference in how I feel.

The game-changer? Realising I had a choice. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

If you’re ready to start thriving too, here are some powerful ways to make it happen:

1. Be Secure In Your Identity

You walk down the street and pass by a store window. For a brief moment, you catch a glimpse of your reflection staring back at you. In that split second, your mind races to take in the details – your hair, your outfit, your facial expression. You think, “Is this me? Is this who I am?”

It’s hard to thrive when you’re constantly questioning who you are or trying to fit into someone else’s mould. Figuring out your identity can feel like a lifelong journey of self-discovery. But it doesn’t have to be. With some deep self-reflection, you can become confident and secure in an identity that truly reflects who you want to be.

If you want to shift your identity, below is a fantastic video with really good actionable tips for you to work on to embody who you want to be:

2. Get Your Money Right

Having your finances sorted can lift a ton of stress off your shoulders. Take a good look at where your money’s going each month. Check those areas where you might be overspending, like eating out or shopping, and see where you can cut back.

Got high-interest debt? Make a plan to crush it. Start with the smallest balance while paying the minimums on the others. Once that’s gone, roll that payment into the next smallest. This snowball method really works!

Building an emergency fund with a few months’ expenses gives you a safety net. Set up a direct debit to your savings each payday. Even small amounts add up!

Find a system that clicks for you. Some people like cash envelopes for groceries and gas. Others prefer separate accounts for bills and spending money. Whatever helps you stay on track. Arming yourself with knowledge is one of the best ways to get a handle on your finances.

Resources that have been my financial fairy godmothers…

Okay, so first up, books. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez is a classic. They outline nine steps thing that completely flip how you see money. It’s not just about saving; it’s about figuring out what really matters to you. Life-changing stuff!

The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey is no joke—it covers everything. I mean everything. Getting out of debt, saving for retirement, all of it. Dave’s like that straight-talking friend who doesn’t sugarcoat things, but you know he’s right.

Oh, and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This book blew my mind the first time I read it. It really hit home how much we need financial education. Like, why don’t they teach this in high school, right?

For websites, I’m always on MoneySavingExpert. Martin Lewis, the guy who started it, is like this money-saving superhero. Whether I’m trying to find a good credit card or cut my bills, his advice is spot on. It’s practical stuff you can actually use.

Another site I love is The Balance. It’s my go-to for all things personal finance. They have articles on everything—budgeting, investing, you name it. When I was clueless about where to start with investing, their guides were a lifesaver.

And podcasts! These are my secret weapon for learning on the go. The Dave Ramsey Show is great. Dave just tells it like it is about budgeting, debt, investing.

Afford Anything with Paula Pant is another gem. She talks a lot about financial freedom, and she makes it feel doable, chatting about real estate investing and designing a life you actually want. Super motivating.

Last but not least, BiggerPockets Money. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not just real estate. They dive into all sorts of money topics and have really great interviews with experts.

3.Have A Clear Sense Of Purpose

Having a clear sense of purpose is key to feeling energized. Take some time to reflect on your unique gifts, values, and passions.

Think about big moments in your life, challenges you’ve overcome, and things that just make you happy. What tugs at your heart? What problems do you want to solve? These are big clues about what drives you.

Really nail down your core values and see if your current path matches them. If not, it might be time for a change. Also, think about your natural talents. How could you use them to help others in meaningful ways?

Picture your dream life – the kind that makes you jump out of bed. If nothing was holding you back, what would you be doing? Let this vision guide your goals.

4. Set Goals That Transform Your Life

This brings us nicely on to the subject of goals. Setting goals isn’t just about jotting down your dreams and crossing your fingers. To turn those visions into reality, you need a game plan—one that breaks down your big ideas into bite-sized tasks that keep you fired up every day. That’s where a 90-day plan comes in handy. Here’s how to nail it:

Pick Your Top 3-5 Goals: What do you want to crush in the next 90 days? Make them SMART—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Break Them Down: Each goal gets chopped into smaller tasks. It’s less daunting and easier to tackle day by day.

Weekly Checkpoints: Split those 90 days into weeks, with milestones for each. It’s your progress tracker and adjustment tool.

Daily Grind: Set aside time each day for your tasks. Consistency is king—even small daily steps lead to big wins.

3. Focus on Adding Value to Others’ Lives

One of the best ways to thrive is by helping others. Find ways – big or small – to brighten someone’s day. Text a friend who’s going through it volunteer for a cause you care about, surprise your partner with their favourite takeout. You get what I mean..

Adding value to others’ lives fills you with purpose. It takes the focus off you and grows compassion. And often, it comes back to you in amazing ways!

4. Look After Your Health

What we eat really affects how we feel. Processed or sugary foods can leave us sluggish and moody. But eating more natural, whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, grains, and healthy fats gives us steady energy all day. My go-to energizing meals? Oatmeal with fruit for breakfast, a big green salad with salmon for lunch, and roasted veggies with quinoa for dinner. Nuts, hummus, and veggies make great snacks too.

Also we know exercise is good for us, but it’s super important when you want to thrive. Regular movement not only makes our body stronger but also releases feel-good hormones. You don’t need intense workouts! Even a 30-minute walk, some yoga, or stretching gets your blood flowing.

5. Choose Gratitude Over Negativity 

This might sound basic, but taking 5 minutes each morning to write down what you’re grateful for is powerful. Our minds tend to focus on the negative, so shifting to the positive changes how we see each day.

Some days, I list small things like my cozy bed, hot coffee, or good health. Other days, it’s bigger stuff like family, friends, or new opportunities. However you do it, starting with gratitude puts you in a positive mindset and reminds you of all the little wonders that make life good.

6. Schedule “Quality Time” to Nurture Your Relationships

Connection is a huge part of thriving. The people in our lives really shape our mental health and energy. Make nurturing relationships a priority. Set aside dedicated time with loved ones. Share meals, have deep talks, go for walks – it doesn’t matter, just make the time. When we feel connected and supported, everything in life feels more joyful. Human connection is so powerful for our well-being.

7. Chase Your Passions

We all have things we love, but we often push them aside for more “important” or “practical” tasks. Don’t do that! Prioritize your passions. Whether it’s painting, dancing, cooking, or hiking – make time for what lights you up.

Chasing our passions gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It also helps us tap into our creativity and express ourselves in unique ways.

8. Get Help When You Need It

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we need extra support. Remember, seeking help from a mental health pro isn’t weakness – it’s a brave, proactive step towards better well-being. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are tons of resources like therapy and support groups, that can support you.