That’s why I’ve compiled this list of good habits. In fact, all here to inspire and motivate you, and hopefully, encourage you to make some positive changes in your personal life.
I’ve categorized habits to make this page a simple to read and easy to use the resource. Peruse this list of good daily habits to find the routines that will change your life!
This list can be used in a variety of ways. You write a few down and try to do them throughout your day.
Many of these items may seem a bit like "common sense" but when you try to combine a few of these that you do not currently do on a routine basis into a daily routine, you may be surprised to see how big of an impact these small good habits can have on your life.
Build the Perfect Morning Routine: Discover the 11 good habits that are part of every great day.
Learn more by downloading the checklist and free report:
The Morning Routine for Peak Performance
No matter what you decide to do, try to incorporate some of these daily habits in your life. If you want to get results with these routines, then it's best to do them on a daily basis.
Let's get to the good habit list.
Wellness Habits
If you want to be happier…
If you want to be happier... try walking for at least 20 minutes
Talk with a positive person.Write down three good things that happened to you each day.
Laugh – even if you have to force it. The mere action of laughing releases endorphins.
Get some sun (or a happy light, if it’s a gray day.)
Move your body (walk, exercise) for 20 minutes or longer.
Walk a dog or pet an animal.
Ask for a hug from one person a day.
Call an old friend or relative.
Invest 30 minutes a day doing a hobby you enjoy and find relaxing.
Buy something new (even something small, like a new type of coffee.)
Books on Happiness
If you want to manage stress more effectively…
Breathe deeply for at least two minutes. Focus on your breaths.
Stretch different body parts for ten minutes.
Listen to something calming and distracting (news, music) unrelated to whatever is stressing you out.
Cuddle (with a lover, friend or even a pet – physical touch is comforting.)
Detach from the source of stress (excuse yourself from a meeting, take a break from a project, remove yourself from an argument) for a five-minute break.
Sniff lavender or geranium essential oil (both lower blood pressure.)
Sit in the sun (outside) for five minutes.
Paint a picture.
Talk to a friend for ten minutes, even if just to hear about his or her life.
Spend ten minutes grooming (nails, bath, hair.)
Take a nap.
Chew a piece of gum.
16 Stress Busting Strategies
Best Stress Management Books
If you want to be more confident…
List three things you genuinely like about yourself. Read those three things out loud. Do this daily.
Stand up straight. Let your hands hang naturally at your sides.
Dress in clothes that flatter you.
Outline your thoughts/words before you enter an intimidating situation. Being prepared will help you feel more confident. Bring cheat notes if acceptable.
Refuse to fidget. Instead, go to a private place (car, restroom) where you can stretch and get out the jitters. Then focus on relaxing.
Pay attention to the other person instead of your own insecurity.
Repeat a mantra in your head.
Take a small risk daily. Find something that makes you a little nervous, like talking to strangers, and strive to do it one time every day to build your confidence.
Ask for compliments from a trusted friend or relative.
See 11 Confidence Habits
If you want to become more spiritually minded…
Devote 15 minutes a day to reading a spiritual text (Bible, spiritual book, spiritual workbook.)
Walk in the woods.
Perform one thoughtful act of kindness for a stranger.
Give up one physical pleasure or material possession.
Join a group of like-minded individuals from whom you can learn and be inspired.
Look up at the stars.
Enjoy a sunset or sunrise.
Write out how a person you encountered that day could enrich your life journey.
If you want to be more mindful…
Pay attention to the details of now. What color is that butterfly? How does that salad taste? How many shades of green can you see right now?
Consciously let go of worry or regret. Tell yourself “Future Me will take care of that” or “The past is the past.”
Focus acutely on an immediate sensation, like how great it feels to be tucked into your comfy bed, or how invigorating that brisk wind is.
Invest emotionally in a current interaction. How does your friend feel about her problem? What emotions are you feeling right now? What can you do comfort/inspire/rejoice with the person you are with right now?
To be more mindful, find a quiet place, set a timer and spend 15 minutes focusing on your breathing.
Social Goals
If you want to make a new friend…
Make a conscious effort to smile.
Make eye contact with someone new.
Introduce yourself to someone new.
Ask open-ended questions about this new person’s preferences.
Talk about common ground issues.
Find a way to laugh together. Tell a joke, make a self-deprecating statement or engage in an activity that makes you both laugh. Laughter is bonding.
Want to become more social? Make a habit to introduce yourself to someone new every day
Invest an extra twenty minutes a day in personal hygiene. Don’t leave home without being showered and groomed.
Smile often.
Refuse to gripe, complain or talk about anything negative.
Relax. Roll your shoulders, sit up straight and open your stance. Uncross your arms and let your palms rest open, facing up. All of this sends the vibe that you are confident and approachable.
Establish and maintain eye contact. Hold the other person’s gaze longer than you usually would, but not so long as to stare.
If you (women) want to be perceived as sexier…
Show a little skin. Choose your favorite spot (shoulders, legs, arms, decolletage) and wear clothing that shows off that one area.
Wear red. Try red lipstick, a red shirt, red shoes, red nail polish… studies report that men will think of you as sexier and more attractive.
Lean closer to him.
Brush up against him.
Wear heels.
If you (men) want to be perceived as sexier…
Stand tall (straight posture.)
Roll your shoulders back.
Initiate gentle touch without hesitation. Brush up against her; touch her arm during a conversation. Touch the small of her back as you hold the door open for her.
Wear slightly dressier clothing that is required in each situation.
If you want to be a better lover…
Want to connect with your significant other? Let them see your
Pay attention to how your lover is responding.
Hold off on eating anything substantial in the two hours before you expect to make love. If you must eat in that time frame, keep it light and easy to digest.
Engage in prolonged eye contact.
Set up a sensual environmental. Clean up the bedroom; light candles.
Get in touch with your playful side. Laugh; relax; have fun.
Nervous Habits to Avoid
Fitness Goals
If you want to lose weight, why not try six SMALL meals a day to keep you satisfied
Eat six small, healthful meals a day to keep satisfied and on track.
Eat that first meal within 30 minutes of waking up to jumpstart your metabolism. One thing you can try is to consume a green juice powder first thing in the morning.
Move your body for ten minutes or longer first thing in the morning. A brisk dog walk or ten minutes of an exercise video is a perfect way to increase your metabolism. Basically, any type of walking plan can have a positive impact on your health.
Work out for a total of an hour a day, five days a week. If you can break that up into two workouts, you will benefit even more (since you will create two spikes in metabolism that day.)
Drink a glass of water before each meal. (Here are 3 of the best water filter pitchers to help you do this.)
Fill your plate with vegetables and lean meat; use fat, grains, starch and sugary foods as condiments.
Replace something white (starch, processed foods) with something green, orange, red or brown (vegetables, protein, lentils) at every meal.
Try a new physical activity (rock climbing, whitewater rafting, yoga, dance class.)
Walk your dog (or a neighbor’s dog,
Park in the furthest parking spot.
How Walking Can Help Weight Loss
Nervous Habits to Avoid
If you want to gain muscle…
Make protein the focus of every meal.
Perform a set number of squats every morning before work. Increase the number of squats every week.
Perform a set number of pushups every morning before work. Increase the number of pushups every week.
Lift a set number of weights each morning before your shower.
Learn how to make changes that last.
Discover the best and smartest strategy to form lifelong habits. Understand why people naturally make their bad habits unstoppable while making good habits impossible to form.
If you are new to exercise and want to get fit…
Write down your exercise goal and actual achievements each day. Increase the intensity of your workouts slowly.
Take your pulse while exercising. Calculate out your exercise heart rate so you know what zone to shoot for while exercising, and stay in the recommended zone.
Pay attention to how you feel while exercising. Push yourself to the point where it’s tough, but not miserable, each day.
Schedule exercise like you would appointments.
If you want to get fit, you need to schedule exercise like an appointment that cannot be missed
Exercise and Fitness Books
If you want to improve in a sport…
Achieve one micro goal per day. You will need to map out your plan to building up to your final goal, breaking this plan down into daily exercise goals. For example, you may decide to perform specific swimming or running drills.
Check in with a mentor each day. This can be a workout buddy, a coach or even a check in through an online forum or service.
Spend ten minutes a day reviewing (in your head, using visualization) pointers you’ve learned from someone who is better than you. Practice with someone who is better than you once to twice a week.
Read on a sport-specific forum each day.
Invest in a book on your sport and read a specific amount of time each day.
Health Goals
If you want to fall asleep on time, stop drinking caffeine after 2PM
Do not drink alcohol; instead, drink a cup of herbal tea in that hour before bed.
Exercise, but not within two hours of bedtime.
Go to sleep at the same time each night.
Wake up at the same time every morning (including weekends and holidays.)
Dim the lights in that half hour before bed.
Take three to five milligrams of melatonin a half hour before bed.
Do not drink caffeine after 2:00 p.m.
Deliberately visualize something pleasant and calming as you relax in bed.
Snuggle (with a person or pet) – the rhythmic breathing of another living being will help you relax.
Tense up all of your muscles, and then relax them, repeatedly, until you feel completely relaxed.
10 tips on how to sleep early
If you want to sleep soundly all night…
Cover (or move) all LED lights in the room.
Turn on a sound machine (ocean, rain, white noise) for the night.
Meditate, pray or journal for ten minutes as part of your nightly bedtime routine.
Keep daily activities out of the bedroom; retire to the bedroom a half hour before bed, using the bedroom for sleeping and bed-related activities.
How to get a good night sleep
If you want to eat more healthfully…
Plan your meals ahead of time.
Pack (from home) what you need to eat for each day.
Eat one piece of fruit or one serving of raw vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumbers) mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Don’t carry money for vending machines. Instead, eat a snack you brought from home. Pretend vending machines don’t exist.
Pack a healthy snack for the ride home from work. Pretend fast food restaurants don’t exist.
Shop from the outer rim of the grocery store (produce, meat, dairy), avoiding processed foods.
Split restaurant meals in half. Take half home for later, and only eat half of the meal in the restaurant.
Ask a friend or coworker to split meals with you when eating out.
Order meals off the healthy section of the menu. Tell yourself you cannot eat anything on the menu that isn’t listed as healthful.
Order a child-sized or senior-sized meal off the menu.
11 Portion Control Tips for Healthy Living
If you want to drink healthier beverages…
Replace soda with seltzer water.
Replace cold sugar-sweetened drinks with iced herbal teas or iced coffee (sans cream and sugar.)
Replace high-fat hot drinks with flavorful hot tea or flavored coffee.
Replace regular juice with low sugar juices or flavored seltzer waters.
Avoid cream and sugar.
Ultimate Daily Water Intake Guide
If you want to rev up your metabolism…
Drink a glass of (unsweetened) green tea three times a day.
Exercise vigorously for ten minutes each morning before work.
Eat within 30 minutes of waking up.
Eat six small meals throughout the day.
Sprinkle cayenne pepper or cinnamon on foods and beverages.
Add ice to cold drinks.
Exercise in the cold.
Green Tea Benefits on Metabolism
If you want to live longer…
Floss every night before bed.
Walk for a half hour every day.
Hug someone every day.
Eat something live (fresh fruit or vegetables) every day.
Try a new healthy recipe every day.
If you want to rev up your #metabolism, why not try #exercising in the cold
3 Truths about Kindness and Living Longer
If you want to lower your chances of getting cancer…
Fill your plate with fresh, colorful vegetables one meal per day.
Drink green tea every day.
Make it a point to avoid smoke (including second-hand smoke.) This may mean you ask a roommate to smoke outside or you decide it’s time to quit smoking.
Stop eating fried food.
Career Goals
If you want to be more productive at work…
Take a break every hour. Stand up, stretch, use the restroom or get a drink.
Schedule your toughest task for your most productive time slot (whenever you typically feel your best) of the day.
Arrive at work fifteen minutes before you are expected each morning.
Sequester yourself for 45 minutes each day where you can crank uninterrupted on tasks. Consider booking a conference room or putting on noise canceling earphones and posting a “do not disturb” sign during this time each day.
Turn off your email for an hour per day.
Disconnect from social media for chunks of the day.
If you want to be more #productive at work tackle your toughest tasks first
How to increase productivity at work
Top Productivity Books
If you want to advance quickly in your career…
Be sure to speak up at least once in every meeting. You need to be noticed and heard.
Show up at the office. Beware of work-from-home arrangements. If you are not seen in the office and people don’t know what you are contributing, you run the risk of getting let go (or passed over for promotions.)
Rehearse presentations in the mirror beforehand. You should also rehearse important statements and arguments ahead of time so you can work out the kinks.
Dress one step classier than your coworkers.
Productivity hacks to get s@*t done!
If you want to start your own business…
Carry business cards with you everywhere.
Introduce yourself to someone new each day. Networking requires meeting a lot of people. Keep an eye out for potentially important connections. Look for potential clients, co-workers, inspiration, resources and financial partners.
Review your business plan every night before bed.
Spend 15 minutes each day learning about the business (reading a book, participating on an online forum, or listening to a webinar.)
Devote 15 minutes each morning to one action item that moves your business forward (write a blog post, comment on a forum, return a phone call, make one cold call.)
To advance in your #career, speak up every meeting. You need to be noticed and heard
If you want to learn new material…
Read out loud.
Record yourself reading key points (you need to memorize) out loud. Replay the recording as you rest in bed, right before falling asleep.
Underline or highlight important information.
Chew mint gum while you study.
Pinch yourself or hold a bag of ice cubes while memorizing difficult formulas. The physical sensations will stimulate adrenaline production, locking the formula into your memory.
Create a poem or song to memorize tough material.
Use pictures (images, drawings, colors) to link definitions to new vocabulary words. For example, draw a picture that symbolizes a definition.
Self Education Tips
Personal Projects
If you want to write a book/poetry collection/screenplay…
Write 500 words before you go to work every morning.
Check in with a writing buddy after you finish your morning writing (send your work for critique or just check in as accountability.)
Read 15 minutes before bed each night (something in your genre.)
Devote half of your lunch break to editing your work.
Create a Daily Writing Habit
If you want to explore your artistic side…
Keep a journal with you. Make notes of colors, images, and textures that catch your eye.
Use your camera (phone.) Snap pictures of anything you come across during the day that inspires you.
De-stress each night by working on your most recent art project for a chunk of time before bed.
Rummage through your art supply box each day.
Play or listen to music.
Watch a YouTube video about your field of art.
Lifestyle Goals
If you want to be on time…
Schedule out your entire day, working backward from appointments.
Leave fifteen minutes before you think you need to for driving appointments.
Leave five minutes before you think you need to for in-office appointments.
Schedule in time for bathroom breaks, talking, coffee breaks, and distractions.
Sandbag (build in time cushions for all estimates)
Program your phone to give you reminders.
Map out alternate routes to places you often frequent (to deal with traffic.)
Also remember, and live by, this important mantra I learned in the military:
Early is on #time, on time is late, late is unforgivable #timemanagement
If you want to be more organized…
Recycle, shred or throw away junk mail on your way back from the mailbox. Don’t let junk mail (or stupid offers you know you won’t use) even touch the counter.
Pay bills the same day you get them.
File paid bills immediately after you pay them.
Return items to their proper places immediately. Tell yourself counter space is sacred space that is not to be defiled.
Recycle, repurpose, give away or throw away one item every day (until you don’t have any extra clutter left!)
15 Best Books on Organization
If you want to quit a bad habit…
Identify emotions, places, or experiences that trigger you to do the bad habit. Respond to each trigger with a new habit. For example, if you used to bite your nails while driving, wear gloves while driving. If you used to pluck your eyebrows when nervous, pick up a pencil and draw each time you feel nervous.
Set up “coping kits” that you can use on the spot. Promise yourself you’ll use your coping kit instead of doing the bad habit.
Set up immediate reward and punishment programs. For example, charge yourself a quarter every time your swear (swear jar.)
If you want to quit a bad habit, set up immediate reward and punishment programs (like a swear jar)
If you want to quit smoking…
Remind yourself that cravings usually lessen if you delay gratification. Tell yourself “All I have to do is wait ten minutes” each time you experience a craving.
Suck on a mint every time you want to smoke. Make yourself wait until the mint is gone before allowing yourself to decide if you really need to smoke.
If you usually smoke outside, force yourself to walk around the block twice before allowing yourself to decide if you really need to smoke.
If you have certain places you used to smoke, find replacements for those places. Establish new habits, for example, going to a restaurant where smoking is not permitted for lunch each day, or buying coffee in the office instead of walking somewhere (if you used to smoke while getting coffee down the street.)
Try the QUITKEY
If you want to drink less alcohol…
In social situations, set a number of conversations per drink. For example, you might force yourself to mingle with three guests (three full conversations) before you allow yourself to refresh your drink.
Alternate club soda and alcoholic drinks.
If you normally pour yourself a drink right when you get home at night, replace this habit with another habit. Walk the dog, take a shower, do an exercise video, or eat a salad before you allow yourself to pour that first drink.
Keystone Habits
The following are the most effective keystone habits you can possibly develop. These three can help improve your life in a number of different ways.
If you want to improve in multiple areas at once…
Walk (or complete some form of exercise) for 30 minutes a day. A daily walk will improve your mood, increase your energy level and will help you manage stress, stay fit and lose weight.
Replace one main meal per day with a salad or broth-based vegetable or lentil soup. By eating several servings of vegetables per day, you will feel more energetic, lose weight, feel fuller and lower your chances of contracting cancer and many other diseases.
Schedule at least eight hours (possibly nine – find out what you need) of sleep per night. Getting adequate sleep will improve your mood, give you more energy, make it easier to absorb new material, help you make healthier eating choices and improve your work performance.
A habit to improve your #mood, increase #energy, manage #stress, stay #fit: 30 min #walk daily
Good habits can change your life. You've just read through a pretty massive list of good daily habits that can be developed. Now is the time to take action. You do not need to do EVERYTHING on this list by any means. Just pick one of these habits and make it part of your daily routine!
Build the Perfect Morning Routine: Discover the 11 good habits that are part of every great day.
Learn more by downloading the checklist and free report:
The Morning Routine for Peak Performance
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