9 Positive Habits that will Change Your Life

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The past year has been one of the most productive years of my life…and I don’t think it’s by chance. Rather than following the norm, I’ve made some pretty simple but drastic changes in my life and I have to say that the result has been a freedom that I’ve never known.

While these might not all be a perfect fit for you, pick and choose what works for you and just start by implementing the 1 or 2 that you think would work for you.

So, here they are:

1. Pick your 3 most important tasks for the day..and do those first

This is a game changer! If you begin your day with the most difficult but important, you can spend the lethargic afternoon hours with meetings, email, etc.
Also, don’t you love the feeling of finishing a project or article and then realizing that it’s only 10 am?

2. Don’t check email first thing in the morning

If possible, wait until after lunch or later.
You see, when you start the day with email, you set the intention that YOUR biggest priority is dealing with other people’s problems.
Believe me, this one single change has made me so much more productive.

3. Also, with email, set deadlines

For example, I have 30 minutes to check email twice a day.
By doing this, you deal with the most important responses immediately.
Otherwise, email will expand to whatever time you give it (Parkinson’s Law).

4. Put your phone on airplane mode (I do this for 70-80% of the day)

Your phone and email are probably the two biggest distractions during the day.
If so, make sure to put some serious boundaries in place.
By 8 pm, get off the phone, and don’t look at it until you wake up the next morning (or later).
If this is a struggle for you, start by turning your phone on airplane mode for an hour or two while you do your most important work.

5. Make your bed

It’s called an ‘easy win.’
When you start the day immediately feeling productive, then it’s easier to carry that momentum with you throughout the day.

6. Keep a “worry list”

When something is bothering you, add it to the worry list.
Then, make time to go through the list and take action.
For example, if you’re stressed about a trip, write down each of the actions that you need to take so that you won’t feel worried like:
- research flights
- book flights
- Look up hotels and book them
Writing down our thoughts is a great way to free up mental space.
Remember if you write something down and there’s nothing you can do to change it or take action on it, then you shouldn’t be worrying about it. (I know…easier said than done…).

7. Make learning a priority daily: either reading, podcasts, a class, etc.

This is especially important if you don’t enjoy your job or want to transition jobs or careers in the future.
Even if it’s only 5-15 minutes a day, always take the time to learn something new.
I find that the best times for this are either first thing in the morning, or an hour or two before bed.
A great way to hold yourself accountable is to do this right before you watch a show in the evening. If you don’t do your learning or reading, then you don’t get to watch your show.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of my recommendations:

Courses I love:

Podcasts I love:

Chineasy

Books I love:

8. When you’re frustrated or struggling through a problem, take a 5 or 10 minute walk

I’ve been reading Tim Ferriss’s book, Tribe of Mentors, which is essentially a book full of interviews with impressive, successful people. One of the most mentioned habits…walking.
Walking tends to work magic for both our minds and bodies.

9. Don’t text unless it’s absolutely necessary

I hate texting…that’s all there is to it.
Texting can be efficient for solving work problems or getting a quick answer, however, if there is a more efficient option…then go with that.
Also, friendships and relationships can rarely sustain themselves through texting alone.
Choose the people closest and most important to you and make the time for in person, FaceTime, phone calls, or even cards or letters.

There you have it, friends! If you enjoyed this post and love Productivity, you might also enjoy these:

9 Tips for the Overwhelmed Millennial

How to Make + Keep Promises

Personal Integrity

9 Positive Habits That Will Change Your Life