Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure. — Jim Rohn
I am a huge building of tiny sustainable, healthy, and productive habits. So far, I have completed 20 30-day challenges to boost my life. Here is the list.
I truly believe that tiny changes add a lot of value in the long run.
I am not going to say wake up at 4 AM or take cold showers in the morning. However, I have done the cold shower challenge for 30 days, which is not sustainable (I think). You can read my journey here.
#1
Energy booster
Recently, I stole this 5–5–5–30 technique from Sahil Bloom. It’s the basic exercise you can do each morning to start yours.
5 push-ups
5 squats
5 lunges
30-second plank
Try for at least a week.
#2
Work in 25 minutes intervals follow by a 5-minute break to reenergize your brain.
I know it seems too simple, but it works. I use this basic countdown timer. I think it’s roughly $10–15 on Amazon.
#3
Do the most challenging task first thing in the morning.
That’s it!
It will set you for the day.
#4
To accomplish task #3, you have to remove all the distractions.
Do not take your phone to the home office or keep it silent if you cannot function at work without a phone.
You can learn about this topic by reading my favorite book, Deep Work by Cal Newport
#5
As soon as you are up, after brushing your teeth, and doing your business, drink a tall glass of water (maybe add some fresh lemon juice).
#6
If you get stuck at work, your brain needs to be fixed. Practice the following two things.
- If you are exhausted, have a nap (it’s pretty doable if you are working from home)
- Go for a walk (trust me! You will come back with more ideas to complete your task)
#7
Try meditation!
I thought its useless in the first couple of weeks.
But staying still, and calming down your thoughts for merely 10 minutes, will help you a lot to manage your stress.
#8
Develop a learning habit, read, listen to podcasts, talk to intelligent people, and follow highly accomplished individuals to learn more from them!
#9
Never skip a routine for more than a day. I learned this the hard way after failing at multiple 30-day challenges.
The bottom line
Don’t chase the perfect micro-habit; there is no such thing. After practicing many 30+ days of challenges to build healthy and productive habits, I believe moderation is the key.
