Life is so precious. It goes by so quickly. This is why it’s important to be intentional with the way you live your life. If you have specific goals on your heart, take the steps toward those goals. You only get one life. There are no do-overs. If you’d like to make serious life changes for the better, it’s best to focus on these four practices.

Become Self-Disciplined

If you’re not disciplined, it’s going to be very difficult to maintain the life you truly desire. With most worthwhile dreams, you’ll have to develop some level of discipline. It’s best to start small. Typically, the results you’re desiring is found in the work you’re avoiding. In order to really move the needle in the areas that need work, start to commit to the tasks you don’t really like doing. You might need to turn on some music or create a reward that you can enjoy once the task is complete. If you have to study for three hours, buckle down and get it done. As you work on discipline with the smaller tasks, you’ll have an easier time committing to everything else you don’t really want to do.

Make Wise Financial Decisions

If you’d like to live a long, prosperous life, you’ll want to make sure that you’re committed to developing good financial habits. Your decision-making abilities will have a lot to do with your finances. If you make bad choices, end up in jail and need to pay bail, that bail bond money is a large amount that you didn’t need to spend if you stayed out of trouble. If you made sure you had enough money to cover your bills, you won’t have to worry about overdraft charges hitting your account. Learn how to maintain a budget, build wealth, and protect your financial assets.

Cultivate the Right Relationships

Most motivational speakers talk about how relationships play a major role in your ability to make good life choices. Take a look at your five closest friends. If their lives don’t mirror the experiences you’d like to have, it’s time to make some different decisions in friendship. Be a mentor to those behind you. Get mentored for the areas of your life you’d like to improve as well.

Remain Informed and Educated

Yes, degrees are nice. However, it’s also important to continue your education outside of the classroom. Read books. Take online courses. Go to seminars and conferences. Learn more about your career field. Develop your expertise. The more you learn, the more you can potentially experience.

As you develop a rhythm and system to change your life, you’ll have to make some tough decisions. You’ll have to change your circles, friendships and unhealthy practices. There will be tension. However, it’s best to remember the end goal. Once you do this, life will present you with the best experiences, relationships and rewards you desire.

Author's Bio: 

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700