Change is inevitable, but often, we want it to happen faster, and in ways that truly transform our lives. When it comes to self-improvement, psychology gives us a treasure trove of techniques to tap into.

Imagine the possibility of living a different life in just a month. Sounds too good to be true? Well, as Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and aficionado of mindfulness and Buddhism, I’m here to tell you it’s entirely possible.

I’ve curated 8 simple ways – grounded in psychology – that you can implement to see profound changes in your life in less than 30 days. These aren’t magic tricks but scientifically-backed methods that require commitment and effort from your end.

Are you ready to jumpstart your journey towards a better you?

Let’s dive in.

1) Embrace mindfulness

Let’s start with something that’s close to my heart and inherently powerful: Mindfulness.

Psychology today supports the idea that being present and practicing mindfulness can lead to significant changes in our lives. It’s not a new-age fad, but a scientifically-backed practice that can help us live better.

When we are constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, we miss out on the beauty of now. We overlook the joy of the moment, the power of the present. This constant tug-of-war inside our minds can lead to stress and unhappiness.

Mindfulness, in its simplest form, is about being completely present in each moment. It’s about fully engaging with whatever you’re doing at any given time. It’s about appreciating life as it unfolds, without judgment or distraction.

Start by dedicating 5 minutes each day to mindfulness. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders – as it inevitably will – gently bring it back to your breath.

This simple practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which is an important first step towards change. By practicing mindfulness, you create a space between your thoughts and reactions, allowing you to respond more effectively to life’s challenges.

Changing our lives isn’t about grand gestures or dramatic shifts. Sometimes, it’s about simply being present.

2) Cultivate gratitude

Gratitude, in my opinion, is a vastly underrated tool in our quest for change. It’s a simple practice, but its impact on our lives can be profound.

Psychologists have found that gratitude can increase our wellbeing, reduce depression and stress, and even improve our relationships. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong with our lives to what’s right, creating a sense of contentment that paves the way for positive change.

One of my favorite quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Zen Master, encapsulates this perfectly: “The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”

The essence of this quote is about acknowledging the presence of suffering, but not letting it deter us from appreciating the good in our lives.

Start by jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day. They don’t have to be big or profound. It could be as simple as appreciating the warmth of the sun or the taste of your morning coffee.

By consciously practicing gratitude, we can transform our perspective and open ourselves up to positive changes. We create an environment within us that is conducive to growth and transformation.

3) Let go of attachments

Buddhist teachings are clear about one thing: most of our suffering comes from our attachments. We cling to people, possessions, and even ideas, and when they change or leave us, we suffer.

Psychology echoes this wisdom. Our attachments can limit us, fueling anxiety, stress, and unhappiness. They can prevent us from embracing change and growing as individuals.

Facing this truth isn’t easy. It’s raw, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s also liberating. Letting go doesn’t mean not caring about things or people. It means understanding the impermanence of life and reducing our dependence on external factors for our happiness.

Begin by acknowledging your attachments. Are you clinging to a relationship that no longer serves you? Are you holding onto material possessions that don’t bring joy? Are you stuck on an idea that’s limiting your growth?

Once you’ve identified these attachments, work on gradually letting them go. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But remember, personal growth lies just outside our comfort zone.

4) Practice self-compassion

In our quest for self-improvement, we often forget one crucial element: self-compassion. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, to constantly push for perfection, to berate ourselves for every mistake.

But this isn’t conducive to change. It only creates a toxic cycle of self-criticism that can hinder our growth.

Mindfulness teaches us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. And part of this is learning to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding.

Failure isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of trying, of learning. Mistakes aren’t moments of humiliation; they’re opportunities for growth.

When you feel the sting of self-criticism, take a moment to breathe and respond with self-compassion. Remind yourself that it’s okay to not be perfect, that it’s human to err.

5) Tame your ego

In my journey of understanding Buddhism and mindfulness, one lesson stands out starkly: the need to tame our egos.

Our ego, while necessary for survival and self-identity, can often become a roadblock in our path to growth and self-improvement. It can make us defensive, resistant to change, and blind to our flaws.

But taming the ego isn’t about suppressing it or denying its existence. It’s about understanding its nature and learning to navigate its influence on our thoughts and actions.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve into this concept in detail, offering practical tips on how to live a fulfilling life without being controlled by our egos.

Start by observing your thoughts. Notice when your ego is driving your reactions. Are you taking criticism personally? Are you resisting change because it threatens your self-image? Are you clinging to old beliefs that no longer serve you?

Once you recognize these patterns, you can begin to loosen the grip of your ego. This allows for more flexibility, openness, and ultimately, positive change.

6) Embrace impermanence

Impermanence is a fundamental principle in Buddhism, and it’s a tough pill to swallow. It’s the stark reality that everything we hold dear — our relationships, our possessions, our health, even our lives — is transient.

This doesn’t mean we should live in despair or fear. Quite the opposite. Embracing impermanence can liberate us from anxiety and attachment, leading us to live more fully in the present.

We often resist change because we fear losing what we have. But this resistance is based on the illusion of permanence. When we realize that change is inevitable, we can begin to accept it, even welcome it.

Start by observing the changes around you — the changing seasons, the waxing and waning of the moon, the daily rise and set of the sun. Recognize that change is a natural part of life.

This acceptance of impermanence helps us to let go of our fears and attachments, opening us up to new possibilities and positive changes. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a transformative one.

7) Practice acceptance

Change begins with acceptance. Acceptance of our strengths, our flaws, our current circumstances. This isn’t about giving up or settling for less, but acknowledging the reality of the present moment.

Acceptance is a central tenet in Buddhism and mindfulness. As the famous Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön once said, “You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”

This quote beautifully illustrates that our core being is unchanging and that our thoughts, emotions, and experiences are transient, like changing weather patterns in the sky.

We often waste our energy resisting or denying reality. We wish things were different, and we struggle against what is. But this struggle only leads to stress and suffering.

Instead, try practicing acceptance. Accept your current situation, accept your feelings, accept yourself just as you are. This doesn’t mean you can’t strive for improvement or change. But by accepting the present moment as it is, you create a solid foundation from which to grow and change.

Acceptance isn’t a one-time act. It’s a daily practice that requires patience and compassion. But its rewards are beyond measure.

8) Embrace uncertainty

Here’s something that might seem counterintuitive: Embrace uncertainty. We all crave stability and predictability. But the truth is, life is inherently uncertain.

Mindfulness teaches us to be comfortable with uncertainty. It encourages us to live in the present rather than worrying about the future or lamenting the past.

Uncertainty is not our enemy, but a catalyst for growth. It forces us out of our comfort zones and opens up new possibilities. It keeps us on our toes and makes life exciting.

The next time you’re faced with uncertainty, instead of reacting with fear or anxiety, pause. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself that it’s okay to not have all the answers.

By embracing uncertainty, you become more adaptable, resilient, and open to change. After all, the only thing certain in life is change itself.

Conclusion

Change is a journey, not a destination. And the path to change is as unique as we are. These eight steps offer a starting point, a roadmap to help you navigate your personal journey. Remember, change isn’t always comfortable or easy, but it’s always within our reach.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into these concepts deeper, providing practical tips and insights on how to live a life of mindfulness and minimal ego.

Change doesn’t have to be monumental to be meaningful. Small, consistent steps can lead to substantial transformations. So start today, start now. Embrace the power of now and embark on your journey to a better you.

The only constant in life is change. It’s how we navigate this change that defines our journey.