I feel this year has been off to a different start in a good way. I feel more motivated to complete goals and try to make improvements in my life. Even though we are only three months into the year, I feel I can already see the changes that are occurring.

Because I am so focused on my goals this year, I’m finding that I focus on the decisions I make even more. For example, I’m trying to lose weight, so I am much more conscious about what I eat. When I pack my own lunch for work during the week, I usually include at least one serving of fruit and other healthy options. I try to keep healthier snacks on hand. I make hard-boiled eggs often. I find nutritious options when I’m cooking dinner. This has even extended to going out to eat at restaurants. I’ve discovered that I’m less likely to choose the heaviest option. I lean more towards soups, salads, or sandwiches. Some other options just no longer sound good to me.

That’s just one example. I could give others as well. It is so interesting to me to recognize this because I don’t feel I am making a lot of progress on my goals themselves. However, I see the change in the decisions I make to lead me to those goals. These decisions may be small, but they are more mindful, conscious, and aware so that I can become the person I want to be.

Changes are small, or big changes are going to take time. Sometimes it’s not the changes themselves that you make that matter, but the decisions that help you along the path. Once you set yourself up for success on the right path, then you can find that the decisions can be easier. Those decisions are the first step to approaching goals.

I noticed that I was falling into the trap of scrolling mindlessly on my phone through social media, especially after work. I’d waste the afternoon doing nothing and quickly losing any motivation I might have had. I did a little bit of research of how I could limit myself externally on social media without completely deleting the apps. I discovered that my phone has the ability to set timers on certain apps. (It’s called Digital Wellbeing on Android if you’re curious). Once I have reached the set time on any combination of the chosen apps, the apps completely disable for the rest of the day. I have to manually change the timer and add time if I want to access those apps.

This mindful decision has helped me to reduce my screen time and do more things that I enjoy. I’m getting more into crafting. I’m trying to read more (that one is a work in progress). I’m working to be more active and learn new things. I recognize that the route I took and the decision I made to limit my screen time may not be for everyone, but I like the way that it is helping me.

I want to be more mindful, aware, and conscious of my decisions. I’ve already seen some that have worked. And I’m sure there are others I will continue to make or find. I trust that I am on the right path for my life. I may not say a lot about all of things that I’m doing, but trust that I am working hard on what I’m doing.

If you came here looking for advice on how to make mindful decisions, there’s not much I can say. The best advice I can give is to think through the decision and how it helps or hurts on the goals. A burger every now and then isn’t bad. A burger every day could turn bad. I’m not saying you have to only eat salads and fruit. I like everything in moderation. But because I’m making healthier decisions at home, I don’t want some of those unhealthy things as often. It’s a snowball effect.