“Successful people are simply those with successful habits.” – Brian Tracy
Our lives are essentially a sum of our habits. Most of our daily tasks are routine actions, such as making that perfect morning coffee, relishing our favourite combination of toasts and omelettes, and working on a similar set of tasks that we usually do. These sequences of habits define us and determine who we are going to be in the future. But there is a beauty to this recurring pattern of small, daily habits that gradually help us move forward in life.
It is important to know that not all small habits are good for our wellbeing. For example, sitting for long periods each day while working can cause physical strain and overuse injuries. Given that we have a limited amount of time each day, we must find a way to maximise good habits.
Small activities such as keeping things organised, exercising, or drinking enough water can help put us on the path of self-improvement. In his book, The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success, author Darren Hardy wrote, “Psychological studies show that 95 percent of everything that we think, feel and do, and achieve is the result of a learned habit!” There is no denying the fact that our habits exert an enormous amount of influence on our lives. Hence, we must find a way to understand which habits we need to adopt and which ones we should abandon. To make things easier, listed below are a few small habits that will not only save your time and energy but can also transform your life.
Make your bed every morning
It might seem like a petty task, but making your bed can set the tone for your entire day. You get an instant feeling of success. In a 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin, retired United States Admiral William H. McRaven, who co-authored the book, Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World, shared his thoughts on the matter and said, “If you make your bed in the morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.” So, set a goal this week of making your bed every morning for the next five days. Remember, small steps lead to success.
Declutter your space
Decluttering goes far beyond organising and improving the space at home. It is essential to both your mental and physical wellbeing. Whether it is the stacks of paper covering your desk, or a large pile of unfolded clothes in your bedroom closet, seeing them disorganised every day can add to your anxiety and stress. When you clear the excess clutter out of your life, you will notice the positive effect it has on your mental wellbeing. You will also be able to increase your productivity because now your space is clean and organised. Start by getting rid of things you don’t need. This includes old magazines, clothes you no longer wear, or items you don’t use. This small habit can help you become organised and you’ll be able to handle the challenges that come your way effectively.
Add stretching to your exercise routine
Another daily habit you can adopt is stretching. It keeps the muscles strong, flexible, and healthy. You need that flexibility to maintain a range of motions in the joints. If you are not stretching after a workout, you are missing a key benefit of exercise. According to Glenn Shi, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, “Post-workout stretches are very important because your muscles, at that time, are warm and very responsive to stretching.” If your body is stiff and you are avoiding the discomfort that comes from stretching, set a small goal—even 30 seconds—to start with. It is like any other exercise; you would feel great after finishing it.
Making your bed every morning can set the tone for your day and give you a feeling of accomplishment. It encourages a sense of pride and motivates you to tackle more tasks throughout the day, leading to increased productivity and a positive mindset.
Decluttering not only improves the organization of your physical space but also positively affects your mental wellbeing. By eliminating excess clutter and disorganization, you can reduce anxiety and stress, leading to increased productivity and better handling of challenges.
Stretching after exercise helps keep muscles strong, flexible, and healthy. Incorporating post-workout stretches can enhance your overall exercise routine and leave you feeling great.
Writing ‘thank you’ notes is an expression of gratitude that not only acknowledges and appreciates others’ kindness but also fosters positive emotions, enhances relationships, and contributes to personal growth and happiness.
Taking breaks during work can reduce stress and improve overall performance.
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