According to ancient wisdom, micro habits are the cheat code for either success or failure, and I couldn’t have said it better.
Why?
Habits run your life.
They are small actions you repeat daily yet hold potent keys that unlock monumental doors of transformation.
At the beginning of every year, we write our goals and resolutions. But how many of these goals survive to see the end of the year’s first quarter?
Hamm.
Mama, the nature of our goals isn’t the problem, but us. Failure begins when we don’t go the extra mile to create a solid pathway towards our goals.
But what is this solid pathway that leads to success?
The daily micro habits.
Practising micro habits for self-improvement is like taking a dose of drugs consistently. The micro habits have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
In this article, I delve into the power of micro habits and how they can improve your life.
In fact, I share about the very micro habits that have completely changed my life for the better. So buckle up because, by the end of this read, you’ll be well on your way to a brighter future.”
17 Micro Habits That Completely Changed My Life
1. I started Demanding More From Within Than Without
Demanding more from myself, rather than relying solely on external factors, has been a game changer in my productivity journey.
Demanding more from within is all about self discipline. You starts by making promises to yourself, then keeping your word, and finally Showing up for yourself.
It’s all about deciding how to treat yourself and being a little harder on you, especially if the situation calls for compromise.
Demanding more internally has improved my discipline and self-control.
It has enhanced my creativity and innovation by forcing me to think outside the box.
Furthermore, I have developed a high sense of focus and clarity with minimal dependence on external validation, which can be erratic and unpredictable.
And that is what has drastically levelled up my life.
The art of demanding more from within isn’t easy, but you must keep trying.
The micro habit of demanding more from within is a powerful mindset that leads to holistic life improvement.
Why? Because you’ll start taking responsibility for your growth and well-being, ultimately contributing to a more meaningful and purposeful existence.
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2. The Micro Habit of Learning to Control My Thoughts
Learning to control my thoughts is a transformative micro habit that has positively influenced my mental and emotional state.
It has improved my emotional regulation and enhanced my focus on what matters. These are the key factors in growth formulae.
With a great sense of emotional regulation, I can respond to situations calmly. It is also easier to navigate interpersonal relationships and handle conflicts more effectively.
Learning to control my thoughts is a skill I borrowed from a high-end motivational speaker, Florencia Andres.
In one of her motivational speeches, Florencia advocates for listening to your thoughts, stopping the negative ones and speaking positively to yourself.
By so doing, you cultivate mindfulness.
This awareness of the present moment reduces anxiety about the future and regrets about the past, promoting a more fulfilling and focused life.
Mastery over your thoughts is a critical component of personal growth. You become more aware of your thought patterns and actively work to cultivate a positive and growth-oriented mindset.
3. Reframing Apologies Into Gratitude
Reframing apologies into expressions of gratitude is a micro habit that fosters a positive mindset. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or shortcomings, I have learned to focus more on the lessons and the positive aspects of the situation.
I no longer feel guilt about my failed projects but rather thankful that I tried and learned something.
Gratitude-based apologies encourage deeper self-reflection.
Instead of solely focusing on the mistake, you consider the broader context and the positive aspects that can be derived from the experience.
Most of the time, I manage my emotions by narrating the whole ordeal to myself. I talk about how I feel about the whole situation, the overwhelmed and hurtful part and finally write down the lessons.
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4. The Micro Habit of Starting my Day on a Solid Morning Routine
A consistent and purposeful morning routine is a powerful catalyst for enhancing daily productivity.
I mean, you beat the confusion and procrastination when you own your mornings.
By structuring the start of my day, I set a positive tone that permeates through subsequent activities. Having a well-designed morning routine gives me an allowance for intentional practices.
Most people fear creating a routine for fear of lack of commitment. Overtime I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be complicated or perfectly followed.
You may start with something as simple as
- early wake-up times
- sipping some warm water
- getting into meditation
- journaling
- a few physical exercises
- Some sunshine moments
- and finish with a healthy breakfast.
Having a solid morning routine can foster your mental clarity.
It provides a structured foundation, reducing feelings of chaos and stress and establishes a sense of accomplishment early in the day.
5. The Micro Habit of Taking Small Walks
Incorporating short walks into my daily routine has enhanced my productivity immensely. In fact, ever since I read from CDC that we need 10,000 steps each day, I have made it a habit of moving as often as I can.
Walking is a simple exercise that promotes joint and muscle health. It helps maintain flexibility, strengthens muscles, and supports overall body function.
But that is not all.
Incorporating small walks into my routine has helped me stimulate creative thinking.
If you’re facing a mental block or need inspiration, a short walk may help generate new ideas and perspectives.
- I usually begin counting my steps in the morning through jogging
- I also find opportunities to walk during breaks at work or home.
- Sometimes, I park my car further from your destination to add extra steps.
- I opt for the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
- I walk around whenever I have a long phone call
- I end my day with a brisk walk in the evening
- I walk around after dinner
Walking 10,000 steps daily is a great goal for improving your overall health and fitness. If you can’t reach this goal, aim for 5,000, which is about 2 miles. Ensure you wear a pedometer or use a fitness tracker (like a smartwatch or smartphone app) to count your steps. It helps you keep track of your progress throughout the day.
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6. Writing Down My Goals and Read Them Before I Sleep
Writing down my goals and reading them loudly before I sleep has been a game changer.
It has forced me to clarify and articulate what I truly want to achieve, providing a clear roadmap for my aspirations.
Putting your goals on paper reinforces your commitment to them.
Reading your goals allows you to visualize your desired outcomes, a powerful tool that can reinforce your belief system in your ability to achieve your goals.
The period before sleep is when your subconscious mind is highly active. Reading your goals during this time can embed them in your subconscious, influencing your thoughts and actions over time.
7. Reducing social media time
Less time on social media means more time for productive activities. Reducing social media time has helped me to focus better on work and personal goals.
I mean
Social media can be a time sink. By cutting back on unnecessary scrolling, I have gained more control over my time, allowing for better prioritization of activities that align with my goals.
Cutting down on social media can improve mental health. Why? Because it reduces exposure to unfavourable comparisons and unrealistic standards.
Additionally, limiting social media use encourages engagement in real-world activities.
Whether it’s exercise, outdoor pursuits, or hobbies, reducing screen time promotes a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Here are a few tips I used to reduce social media time
- Turn off notifications, especially while working or sleep time.
- Leaving my phone on silent mode, especially during dinner time or while with my kids
- Deliberately put it away for some time in a phone lock box.
8. The Micro Habit of Decluttering and Reorganizing My Space
Decluttering and reorganizing space is a micro habit that has been one of the game changers in my life.
Clearing out unnecessary items and organizing my space have created a calmer environment for work.
I resolve to put everything in a designated place. This helps me to spend less time searching for items and more time being productive.
Remember, this process doesn’t just apply to physical spaces.
It can extend to digital clutter, too—organizing files, emails, and digital documents can have similar benefits for your productivity and mental clarity.
For my decluttering process;
- I Identify specific areas or rooms I want to declutter and reorganize.
- I Tackle one area at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. It could be a drawer, a room section, or a specific category of items (like clothes, books, or kitchen supplies).
- I Categorize my belongings into three groups. Keep, donate, sell, and discard.
- I Focus on keeping the essentials and things that bring value or joy into my life.
- Once I’ve decluttered, I organize the items systematically. I have invested in storage solutions like shelves, baskets, containers, or organizers to keep things tidy. I also group similar items together for easy access.
- I Develop a maintenance routine to prevent clutter from building up again.
9. Reading a Chapter of the Self-Improvement Book Weekly
Reading a chapter weekly is a micro habit that has immensely exposed me to diverse ideas, perspectives, and insights.
Undoubtedly, reading is a proactive and enriching micro habit that can positively influence your mindset and skills.
It is a powerful tool for personal development because it shows a positive shift in attitude and perception regarding life.
Additionally, It establishes a habit of self-reflection, learning, and application of knowledge, leading to continuous improvement over time.
The issue, however, is commitment. To beat procrastination about reading, I decided to;
- Start by reading one page of the book daily and graduate gradually. Many have done it, why not me?
- I choose books that genuinely interest me. When you’re passionate about the topic or story, it becomes easier to stay engaged.
- I also set a specific time each day for reading. This can be lunchtime or before bed.
- I divide the chapter into smaller sections or set a specific number of pages to read each day within the week.
- I decide on my take away from each reading session. It could be understanding a specific concept, summarizing key points, or simply enjoying the story.
- I have also joined a Book Club or Reading Group for inspiration.
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10. Travelling to See Different Places
Travelling has exposed me to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. Experiencing diverse ways of life has broadened my worldview and fostered a more inclusive and open-minded mindset.
It encourages self-discovery as you navigate unfamiliar environments and seek new experiences, fostering a more dynamic and engaged approach to life.
Taking a break from routine and experiencing new places can reduce stress and provide mental relaxation.
Exploring natural landscapes, historical sites, or vibrant cities offers a welcome escape from daily pressures.
11. The Micro Habit of Calling My Buddies Instead of Texting
Calling my buddies instead of texting is a micro habit with several advantages.
One, it contributes to more robust and more meaningful connections. I mean, I have always wanted to make my friends feel that I care.
Over time, I realized hearing someone’s voice adds a layer of emotional connection that text messages may lack. The tone, inflexion, and nuances in speech convey emotions more vividly, fostering a more profound understanding between friends.
Phone calls provide a platform for more in-depth and meaningful conversations. With Phone calls, we can discuss complex topics, share experiences, and engage in genuine dialogue, strengthening the quality of your friendship.
Furthermore, regular phone calls contribute to higher relationship satisfaction.
The effort invested in making a call demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the friendship, making both parties feel valued and appreciated.
12. Knowing It’s Okay to Put Myself First
Putting myself first meant practicing self-compassion. It’s about speaking up for your needs and advocating for what you believe is fair and just.
Asserting myself in what I believe has helped build a foundation for a more fulfilling life.
I am simply acknowledging that it is OK to set boundaries. It’s okay to manage stress, and address my emotional needs without feeling guilty.
Establishing clear limits helps protect my time, energy, and emotional space. Doing so prevents burnout and foster a healthier lifestyle.
Putting yourself first is an essential component of personal growth that doesn’t necessarily mean neglecting others.
It only ensures that you are in a healthy and balanced state.
It allows you to pursue your interests and goals, contributing to a sense of fulfilment and purpose in life.
When prioritizing your well-being, you can engage more authentically and compassionately with others.
Putting yourself first means prioritizing your needs, well-being, and happiness in various aspects of your life. It involves recognizing and valuing your worth, and it doesn’t mean being selfish or disregarding others.
- Create healthy boundaries
- Learn to say no where necessary
- Be kind to yourself
- Prioritizing self-care activities like getting enough rest, exercising and eating healthy
- Speaking up for your needs
- Letting go of unnecessary guilt associated with prioritizing yourself.
13. The Micro Habit of Eating a Fruit or Coloured Veggie with Every Meal
If you want to improve your health, start with eating one piece of fruit or coloured vegetables with every meal.
Incorporating at least one fruit or vegetable with every meal is a simple yet powerful dietary micro habit that positively impacts my health.
This small step toward a more plant-centric diet can contribute to long-term well-being and enhance overall quality of life.
To begin with,
- Start by snacking on fruits instead of sugary snacks
- Begin with eating your greens first before proteins and carbs
14. The Micro Habit of Updating My Success Wall
Creating and updating a success wall can be a powerful motivational tool contributing to several positive aspects of your life.
I created a success wall to represent my big and small achievements visually.
Regularly updating it allows me to see my progress, reinforcing a positive self-perception and boosting confidence.
Seeing a collection of your successes on a wall can boost your self-confidence. Regular updates to your success wall allow you to track your progress over time.
This tracking mechanism helps you identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement, guiding your future efforts.
Your success wall can include not only past achievements but also current goals.
Updating it with new objectives or milestones reinforces your commitment to personal growth.
This visual representation constantly reminds you of your capabilities and journey, contributing to ongoing personal and professional improvement.
15. Learning a Fun Skill like Dancing, or Writing
Engaging in a fun and creative skill can serve as stress relief. Whether playing a musical instrument, painting, or learning a new dance, these activities provide a healthy outlet for stress and tension.
Learning something enjoyable triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This can increase happiness and satisfaction.
Fun skills often provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests.
Joining clubs, classes, and online communities related to my chosen skill has lead to new friendships and a sense of belonging.
Incorporating a fun skill into my routine promotes a balanced lifestyle. It has encouraged me to make time for activities that bring joy and fulfilment alongside work or other responsibilities.
Many fun skills involve a creative element, whether playing a musical instrument, writing, or crafting. Engaging in these activities fosters creativity and allows you to express yourself in unique and fulfilling ways.
Engaging in enjoyable activities provides a welcome distraction and a positive way to navigate difficulties.
16. The Micro Habit of Working with a Checklist.
A checklist has been a powerful tool for my organization and productivity.
Checklists provide a structured way to organize tasks and activities. By listing items systematically, you gain a clear overview of what needs to be done, helping you prioritize and manage your time effectively.
Having Checklists has allowed me to focus on the most critical and time-sensitive items, ensuring I address high-priority activities first.
Additionally, they act as a reminder of your commitments. They hold you accountable for completing tasks, making it less likely that essential items will be forgotten or neglected.
Try to have magnetic calendars like this one to kick-start your organization’s journey.
17. I Started Being Intentional about My Sleep Quality and Quantity
Establishing good sleep habits has been like an investment in my long-term health and quality of life.
Quality sleep is linked to better physical health.
It supports the immune system, helps regulate hormones, and contributes to overall wellness. Adequate sleep reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
That is why I choose the to have at least 7.5 hours of deep sleep daily.
I realized that a good night’s sleep enhances mood, concentration, and memory. It is also crucial for emotional regulation.
Furthermore, sleep is associated with improved creativity and problem-solving skills. A well-rested mind is more adept at approaching challenges with innovative thinking and finding creative solutions.
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Up next:
- 21 Healthy Lifestyle Habits For Every Woman With a Growth Mindset
- 6 Power Principles That Will Make You Unstoppable Woman
