One is never staying still - there is always change, growth, transformation, and challenge. It's the nature of the universe -- we continue to breathe in and out, our cells continue to divide and die off, and our heart continues to pump. Similarly we must continue to be active in our changes and to consistently manage the growth that happens in our lives.

Are you being stagnant? Or are you being persistent about the changes in your life?

Here are my seven tips for keeping the energy moving and flowing:

1) Declutter.

Always get rid of things that do not serve your purpose anymore. By holding on to physical objects, you remain "stuck" with their energy -- this is good if the objects inspire you, give you positive "vibes", and keep you happy. If not, get rid of it! Clear out the clutter by recycling or donating items you haven't used in the last year and a half. If you haven't used an object in the last 18 months, there's a more than good chance that you won't use it again. 

It can be helpful if you put questionable items into a sealed box with the date. If you find that a year has passed and you don't need anything in that box, go ahead and donate the entire box to the Salvation Army. Someone else can use your items better than you are.

2) Focus on people, not things.

Having a people focus means putting your attention and energy into relationships. Objects will not give you pleasure (or will only give you temporary pleasure). Change your perception so that people, not things, make you happy. For example, schedule a coffee date with a good friend. Take time to bring your child or grandchild on an outing. Make a payment towards an enriching activity like summer camps, music lessons, or tutoring.

3) Be ruthless about cutting off deadweight.

Certain relationships and situations will no longer serve your highest aspirations and needs. Get rid of toxic influences as soon as possible - there is no need for you to feel denigrated, shamed, abused, or used. You must rid yourself of any poisonous relationships and remove yourself from negative positions, for your own health and sanit.

4) Pay attention to your diet.

Organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and locally-produced, sustainably-created, and unprocessed foodstuffs are terrific for your overall health and well-being. By switching to less-processed, more wholesome ingredients, and reducing sugar, alcohol, partially hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup, you will start to see an immediate increase in your energy.

5) Exercise.

Something as simple as setting a date to work out with a buddy on a regular basis can do wonders for your outlook. Start easy and work your way up - and by going with a partner, you build in accountability. Schedule it in as an important appointment, and hold to it. Even 20 minutes twice a week will make a big difference.

6) Strive for healthier choices.

Now is the time to reconsider your bad habits such as obsessing, worrying, smoking, and depending on alcohol or drugs to get through the day. Consider that replacing a habit with another one works better than quitting cold turkey. Add instead of take away. If you add in some additional stress-releasing activities, you will reduce the time and energy spent with bad habits. If you add in better nutrition, you have less room for junky, sugary foods. If you add in more positive relationships, you have fewer hours in the day to spend with negative people.

7) Focus on the positives.

What you water, grows. When you take even a moment each day to focus on happiness and positive energy, you increase the "feedback loop" and you start to pay more and more attention to your optimal state of health and wellbeing. Begin with journaling your gratitude, updating your status with happy thoughts, or using the Happier application to remember happy events. Take a moment every day to remember why you're grateful, and you'll start to find even more reasons to be grateful, happy, peaceful, and energized.

For thousands of years, humans have evolved to have a system that responds best to positive and healthy inputs. While you may be able to hang onto destructive behaviors and relationships for a while, over time they will literally eat you apart. Make the strong commitment to yourself that you will choose a life of peace, health, happiness, and prosperity... and then make it so.