Stuck in a bit of a rut? Need to get a fresh perspective on life? While dropping everything and moving abroad, or quitting your job and pursuing your dream, are two very commendable ways to shake-things up, sometimes it's a smaller scale solution that we really need.

Things we could do perhaps, without revolutionising every single aspect of our lives all at once. Easy tweaks that come with fewer ramifications. Sound like the kind of thing you're looking for?

Well then you’ll be happy to hear that well known blogger and life coach Marc Chernoff, has written an entire post about this very thing.

On his blog, which he runs with wife Angel, Marc discusses simple ways to change the way we do everyday things, that’ll help to foster a more positive outlook on life, and change the way you approach everything from relationships and work, to your dreams and ambitions.

While Marc’s pointers are 30-strong, we’ve hand-picked out five of our favourite snippets from his brilliant list, which you can start putting into practice today…

1. Start being honest with yourself about everything

Being more honest with yourself about your wants and needs, will help you to better understand what’s really going to make you happy. “Be honest about what’s right, as well as what needs to be changed,” writes Marc. “Be honest about what you want to achieve and who you want to become. Be honest with every aspect of your life, always.”

2. Start competing against an earlier version of yourself

While it’s a good idea to appreciate, learn and be inspired by the achievements of others, competing with them can be a fruitless exercise. Instead, Marc suggests competing against an earlier version of yourself, so that you're always focused on self-improvement and real progress. “You are competing to be the best you can be,” he notes. “Aim to break your own personal records.”

Simple ways to change your life for the better