21 Tiny Habits, Big Changes
When pondering our bigger goals/dreams, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the time and effort necessary to realize them and give up before we start. But that would be a shame if those dreams turn to regrets as we get older. Just about anything in life is easier to obtain if broken down into easy manageable steps. This concept got some real attention when James Clear published his book, “Atomic Habits”. In the book, James sets out a plan with consistent small steps leading to big changes over time.
Even if it takes two years to realize a dream goal in small steps, it’s better than not attaining that goal two years later. Time passes either way, why not make tiny habit shifts consistently and see big life changes over time. If you’re ready to see real meaningful change in your life, I’ve compiled a list of 21 tiny habits to see big life changes to get you started.
1. Water
Drinking water upon waking is an easy way to improve your health. Rehydrating after sleep improves cognitive function, energy levels and metabolism throughout your day.
2. Meditation/Focused Breathing
Taking a few minutes to meditate and focus on deep breathing before getting out of bed is important. Bolting out of bed in a rush can start your day with a stress response that just builds. Take the time to acclimate yourself to a new day with calm breathing and a five minute meditation.
3. Stretching
A little simple stretching or yoga can start your day with less tension in your body. Just a few minutes of stretching consistently can improve flexibility and ease tension throughout your day. If you work at a desk all day, make sure to get up and walk around periodically as well.
4. Journaling
Waking early enough to do a little journaling is a great way to write down those goals and dreams you’re trying to bring into your life. There are so many beautiful journals these days or even a basic composition notebook from the Dollar store will work. If you’re a creative trying to reach an artistic goal, try writing Morning Pages, as explained in Julia Cameron’s book, “The Artist’s Way” to open up your mind to new ideas.
5. Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is on so many self improvement lists, and with good reason. Appreciating the good things in your life while you’re on your way to those dreams is a way to enhance positivity. Sometimes we’re so focused on where we want to be that we forget all the good things already in our lives. Being thankful for what you have, and dream big.
6. Fresh Air
Getting some fresh air can improve your health substantially. Opening a window and letting fresh air in improves the air quality in your home. Similarly, going outside to sit on the porch or balcony to read and relax is another way to get some fresh air and Vitamin D.
7. Forgiveness
Unforgiveness drains the energy we need to obtain our goals. Holding a grudge against someone actually only harms our wellbeing not the person who hurt us. I know, you’ve probably heard this before but it really is true. Letting that old anger and resentment go frees you to enjoy your beautiful life.
8. Accentuate the Positive
Like the song lyrics go… One of the best things you can put into daily practice is positivity. Focusing your thoughts on positive outcomes, like seeing yourself reaching your dreams and goals is key. If you’re focusing on winning, you’ll naturally be encouraged to reach for that dream, one step at a time.
9. Eliminate the Negative
Similarly, it’s essential that you actively push negative thoughts out of your mind. By allowing negative thoughts to build, you’re putting spiritual blocks to your achieving your good life. Replacing negative thoughts, that are against what you want with life affirming positive ones is so important.
10. Truly Listen
A happy life is due in large part to the good relationships we have with the important people in our lives. One of the best ways to have good relationships is to truly listen. Most people don’t slow down long enough to give our loved ones the time to really connect, to talk to us. Getting where you want to be in life, realizing those dreams is so much better with someone by your side.
11. Vitamins
Obviously, eating well balanced meals, through whole foods is the best way to get our nutrients. Sometimes though, we can’t get enough and need to supplement with vitamins and herbs. Educate yourself on the vitamins and herbs your body needs at your stage and circumstances of your own life. If it feels overwhelming, consider a service that will put together supplements after taking a quiz to pinpoint exactly what you need. Be consistent, taking the supplements every morning.
12. Goal Setting
Manifesting our dreams always begins with goal setting. We must map out a plan to achieve whatever we want in life. While you’re journaling, plot out a set of to-do’s in a checklist so you know where you’re heading. I’ve always liked using a Bullet Journal to write out future plans because it’s totally customizable and unique to me. If you need help setting up your own bullet journal, follow the link here. Work out your plan, step by tiny step and one day you’ll have accomplished those goals you’ve set.
13. Organize your Workspace
This one is a simple one, organizing your workspace will eliminate the mental clutter and help you work better. Aim to keep your workspace organized, so you’ll have a clean space to work any time inspiration strikes.
14. Focus on 3 MITs
Focusing in on your 3 MITs (Most Important Tasks) daily will help you keep on track. This advise doesn’t only apply to your dream/goal list, but also your day to day routine. Narrowing down your tasks to 3 main will help you knock things off your list daily and keep you on track.
15. Invest in Yourself
Making an investment in yourself is always a good idea. Let me say that one again…Always! Taking classes online or in person is an investment that always gives dividends. Alternately, stretching yourself by learning a creative skill, trade or even watching a Ted Talk will open up your life. There are so many classes online, and likewise youtube vids that are instructional or educational.
16. Visualize
Focusing inward on what you are aiming for will help that dream take shape. Taking even 5 minutes a day to close your eyes and visualize what you are trying to manifest into your life, will help alongside actionable steps. Get a picture inside of that dream as if it’s already been realized and focus on it intently. You could do this during your morning meditation with or without music.
17. Read
Reading something for even a half hour a day will calm your mind and maybe even give you a quick little escape to another world. Whether it’s fiction, non fiction or purely instructional it will enhance your life in good ways. Learning something new or just disappearing into a fictional world will slow things down and relax you.
18. A Place for Everything
Having a place for everything where you can put things back after use will eliminate a lot of wasted time cleaning your home.
19. Save a Little
Putting even a tiny bit of money away each week or month and you’ll be surprised how it quickly adds up. It really doesn’t take much, $25, $50 and soon you’ll be pleased at the nest egg that’s growing. Take it off the top of the money coming in and you won’t even miss it, I swear!
20. Scrolling Cut Off
Scrolling on your phone at the end of the day, can be the block to enjoying a peaceful nights sleep. I know, I’ve done this, a lot. I have gone down the rabbit hole of scrolling on Instagram, which can be fun but also I lose track of time and lose sleep. Also, if I stumble into the news feeds I’m stressed out and fearful by the time I close my eyes. Having some sort of cut off time, even a half hour before sleep can calm your mind and give you better rest.
21. Before Days End
Before days end, cleaning up and putting away things will go a long way to waking with a more calm mind. Washing and putting away dishes, folding and storing blankets, clothing will keep your space clean. It’s much easier to maintain daily rather than overwhelmingly all at once, especially if you’re tired from your work week. This will free up time on the weekend so you can spend your time relaxing and having some fun.
I hope this list helps get you started and gives you inspiration, so you can achieve your dreams and live out that dream life.
