After a few decades of life lessons I know this to be a helpful tip: you are in control of how you live your life.
Daily habits, especially the small efforts, have a huge impact on the bigger picture you're trying to make happen for yourself.
By taking consistent action, even micro steps, you can transform your life beyond your wildest dreams.
All you have to do is figure out which habits are worth doing so, I've rounded up 9 habits for you to explore adding into rotation because it's time you start living your best life.
What Kind Of Habits Change Your Life?
Life changing habits are ones that set you up for success like "anchor habits". Anchor habits connect new habits to existing ones and help establish a new routine.
Here's an example of how to anchor a habit:
- Identify a new habit or behavior you'd like to do
- Choose an anchor-moment which is a deeply established moment in your routine
- Attach the new habit onto the anchor-moment
How Long Does Habit Building Take?
Habits can take as long as 21 to 60 days to become a consistent part of your routine. However, you are unique and will build a new practice in the amount of time that is right for you.
9 Habits That Will Change Your Life
1. Use The 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule was suggested by Joseph M. Juran, a quality management consultant. Also known as the "Pareto" rule. Juran applied the 80/20 principle to business management and named it after Vilfredo Pareto, a 19th century Italian economist.
Pareto is credited with observing that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by only 20% of the population. He also observed the pea pods in his garden and determined 20% of those pods contained 80% of the peas.
The overall take away is that the 20% is referred to the "vital few". In modern terms it is the effort that creates the most important consequences or results. In a way, it goes back to basics which means when you focus on the actions that give you the best, highest results that is where your energy should flow.
For example, test out what results you get by working only on activities that generate the biggest impact toward your life goals. The percentages may not always be exact but the core idea stays the same: 80% of the results comes from 20% of the efforts.
2. Create A Morning Routine
Morning routines set the tone for your day. From a 10-minute stretch in the comfort of your bed to journaling about your next big adventure, there is a routine for everyone. Not only does an AM routine give you time for yourself, you're also accomplishing personal objectives early on before the day gets busy.
3. Make Exercise A Priority
Exercise offers healthy benefits that can change your life in the short and long term. In response to exercising our brains releases hormones that can help raise our mood and boost energy levels. When your energy is at an optimal level you're living as your highest self and that's about as good as it gets.
4. Control Your Time
When you take control of your time, you take control of your life. One way to honor your availability is by saying no to opportunities that don’t support your goals. Time is precious, so make a plan for how you will respond to requests for your time.
5. Read Books To Expand Your Knowledge
Make space to read every day. Fifteen minutes per day will grow your mind and ideas significantly. For example 15 minutes of weekly reading is a total of one hour and fifteen minutes. In that time you will have learned new concepts and gathered new ideas that you can apply to your own lifestyle. In essence, knowledge is power and access all in one.
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6. Write Down Your Goals
Writing down your goals is the best way to stay connected to making them a reality. A report published by Science Daily explains that handwriting notes onto paper “…strengthens the learning process…”. Consider journaling or keeping a notepad for jotting down all the important ambitions you desire to achieve.
Shop the best notepad for writing down your intentions and goals on Amazon.
7. Manage Emotions
Managing emotions influences how effectively you work through circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, the art of managing feelings is a kind of emotional wellness. Over time, the better you can manage your reactions and expectations your quality can improve exponentially.
8. Practice Spirituality
Developing your spirituality encourages connecting to your Creator. This spiritual connection or relationship typically occurs through meditation or religious ceremonies such as prayer. Being spiritual is a portal to embracing the essence of who you are while exploring the deeper understanding of why you exist.
9. Create A Nighttime Routine
Night routines help prepare your mind and body for rest and relaxation. Here are a few ideas for creating your nightly wind down session::
- Take a short walk breathing in the fresh air
- Recuperate in a warm shower or bath
- Drink non decaffeinated herbal tea
- Write in a journal
- Light a candle
- Listen to music designed for relaxation
Final Thoughts
The habits you choose to adopt can profoundly impact your well-being and overall happiness. You have the power to transform your life and become the best version of yourself. Trust in your ability to create positive change, and you can do it by using habits.
Remember that each step you take brings you closer to the life you desire. For more inspiration read my blog post,"7 Ways I Show Up For Myself (and How You Can Too)"
Here's to living with intention, purpose, and joy, one habit at a time.
Xoxo,
Nicole