Habits shape our daily lives. They can lift us up or hold us back. The good news is, you’re in control—one small change at a time can transform your entire life. In this post, we’ll explore 31 life-changing habits to start implementing today, drawing from the daily habits of successful people and offering realistic tips to help you make these changes stick.
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How to Make Your Habits Stick
Changing habits takes time and attention. Start small by incorporating one or two habits into your routine, and be patient with yourself. Set achievable goals, track your progress, and celebrate small wins, and don’t forget to reward yourself when you hit milestones.
According to the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, there are several ways to make your habits stick. He encourages you to choose small actions that when done consistently over time, will have a big impact. I highly recommend this book, but at a high level his framework looks like this:
1. Make It Obvious (Cue)
- Identify Your Current Habits: Understand your existing routine to identify where new habits can fit.
- Design Your Environment: Arrange your surroundings to make the cues for your desired habits visible and unavoidable.
- Use Habit Stacking: Attach the new habit to an existing habit to create a logical sequence (e.g., “While my coffee brews, I will take five deep breaths”).
2. Make It Attractive (Craving)
- Pair It With Something You Enjoy: Combine your habit with a pleasurable activity (e.g., “I’ll listen to my favorite podcast while working out”).
- Find Your People: Surround yourself with people who exhibit the habits you want to develop, as habits are often influenced by social norms.
- Leverage Motivation Rituals: Use a rewarding ritual to signal the start of your habit.
3. Make It Easy (Action)
- Start Small: Begin with habits that are so easy you can’t say no (e.g., do just one push-up or write one sentence).
- Reduce Friction: Remove obstacles that make the habit harder to perform.
- Optimize for Convenience: Set up your environment to make the desired action as effortless as possible.
- Use the Two-Minute Rule: Scale down habits to a version that takes two minutes or less (e.g., “Put on my running shoes” instead of “Run 5 miles”).
4. Make It Satisfying (Reward)
- Provide Immediate Rewards: Reinforce your habit by associating it with a positive feeling or outcome.
- Track Your Progress: Use a habit tracker to visually celebrate consistency.
- Don’t Break the Chain: Aim to keep a streak alive and avoid missing two days in a row.
5. Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes
- Shift Your Mindset: Base your habits on the type of person you want to become, not just the results you want (e.g., “I exercise daily” instead of “I want to lose weight”).
- Reinforce Identity with Small Wins: Every time you stick to your new habit, you will further instill the identity you are trying to achieve.
Additional Tips
- Anticipate and Plan for Challenges: Have a strategy for overcoming potential obstacles.
- Revisit and Refine Habits Over Time: Adjust your habits as necessary to keep them aligned with your goals.
For more on goal setting, check out this post: How to Reset Your Life for a Fresh Start
31 Habits to Improve Your Life
1. Prioritize Sleep
A good night’s rest is non-negotiable. Sleep affects everything—your mood, focus, and even how productive you are during the day. Create a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Incorporate calming activities like reading or meditating before bed to signal your body that it’s time to wind down, and consider upgrading your mattress or pillow if its been a while. Quality sleep is the foundation of a healthier, happier you.
2. Drink Water
You hear this one all the time, but are you actually doing it? And no, Diet Coke doesn’t count. Hydration is so simple, but people tend to overlook how important it is. Keeping a reusable water bottle within reach reminds you to sip throughout the day. Start your mornings with a glass of water to rehydrate after sleep. I like to keep one on my nightstand so it’s the first thing I do when I wake up (even before coffee!!). Staying hydrated boosts energy levels, improves skin health, and keeps your body functioning optimally. Now that I have built this habit, the effects are so obvious when I go a few days without drinking enough.
3. Limit Social Media
Social media can be a black hole that drains your time and mental energy. Set boundaries by designating screen-free times, such as during meals or an hour before bed. When was the last time you checked the screen time on your phone? We do so much on our phones from paying bills to ordering groceries, it can be tempting to pop over to Instagram for “just a sec”. I have time limits set on my phone for social media to keep my time spent there in check.
4. Daily Journaling
Journaling is such a powerful tool for self-reflection and mental clarity. Spend a few minutes each day jotting down thoughts, goals, or gratitude. If you are new to journaling, it can be intimidating to come up with things to write about. Try a guided journal with prompts such as “What made me happy today?” or “What’s one thing I want to improve tomorrow?” I also really love the One Line a Day journal. It’s a five-year journal where you just write a sentence or two about your day. For me, it has been a fantastic tool for bringing back good memories of years past and identifying cycles in my mood and thoughts.
5. Create an Exercise Routine You Can Stick To
Find an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle and brings you joy. Whether it’s yoga, walking, or a fun dance class, the key is consistency. Start small with 10-15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the duration as it becomes part of your routine. Regular movement boosts energy, improves mood, and strengthens your body. Trying a written program or YouTube video will help take the guesswork out of it, so you can just get started!
These are the ones I personally love:
- Nourish Move Love – free YouTube programs in as little as 20 minutes (she also has single videos in as little as 10 minutes)
- Yoga with Adriene – She does a 30 Days of Yoga Challenge every January!
- Sydney Cummings Houdyshell – Lots of programs & great for people looking for strength training
- Dean Turner – Free printable workouts when you subscribe to his newsletter or you can purchase a custom one
6. Simplify Your Wardrobe
A simplified wardrobe saves time and reduces decision fatigue. Stick to versatile, high-quality pieces that mix and match easily, or if you really want to simplify choose one outfit combo for each piece and hang them together in your closet. Declutter items you no longer wear and consider adopting a capsule wardrobe. You’ll find getting dressed each morning becomes effortless and stress-free.
7. Simplify Your Skin Care Routine
Your skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are all you really need. By cutting out unnecessary products, you save time, money, and reduce clutter. The secret to great skin comes from the inside. Focus on eating healthy and drinking lots of water for a clear face without all the products.
For more ideas on this, check out this post: How to Get Ready Fast: Easy 15-Minute Morning Routine
9. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps you stay present and reduces stress. It can be as simple as focusing on your breath for a few minutes or savoring a meal without distractions. Apps like Balance offer guided practices to help you get started. Mindfulness is a powerful tool for finding peace in the chaos of daily life.
For more mindfulness tips, check out this post: How to Increase Mindfulness At Home: Cultivating Calm in Everyday Chaos
10. Fresh Air Every Day
Spending time outdoors improves mental clarity and mood. Whether it’s a walk around your neighborhood, a park visit, or simply sitting on your porch, fresh air helps you reset. Make it a goal to step outside for at least 5-10 minutes daily, regardless of the weather.
11. Set Goals
Goals provide direction and purpose. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps, and track your progress. Working toward a goal and continuously improving yourself will boost your confidence, keep you motivated, and set a great example for those around you.
For more on goal setting, check out this post: 100 Life Goals for 2025
12. Practice Positivity
Positivity is a habit that can transform your mindset. Surround yourself with uplifting people, focus on solutions rather than problems, and celebrate small wins. Write down one good thing that happened each day to reinforce this habit. Positivity attracts opportunities and creates a ripple effect in your relationships.
If you need a mood boost, check out this post: 60 Powerful Quotes About Life For Women Who Need A Boost
13. Set Boundaries
Boundaries are key to protecting your time and energy. Whether it’s saying no to extra commitments or carving out quiet time for yourself, boundaries help you focus on what matters. If something is draining your time, energy, or mood, it’s okay to let it go. Cut out the waste and make time for the things that bring you joy.
14. Make Your Bed
This quick task takes less than two minutes but provides a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning. A tidy bed sets a positive tone for the day and creates a welcoming space to unwind at night. It’s a small habit that yields big psychological rewards.
15. Create a Cleaning Routine
A simple cleaning routine keeps your space organized and stress-free. Focus on daily tasks like tidying up and weekly chores like vacuuming. Involving your family can make it manageable and even enjoyable. Having a routine in place will also open up your mental space that is spent keeping track of all the things that need to be done. Write it down and hang it up so everyone can see it and chip in.
I outline the routine that has changed the game for me in this post: How to Create a Realistic Stay at Home Mom Schedule
16. Rotate Your Kids’ Toys
Fewer toys in circulation keep your home less cluttered and make playtime more engaging for kids. Store a portion of their toys and rotate them every week or two, or any time you notice them getting bored of the toys they have available. This habit sparks creativity and prevents overwhelm for both kids and parents.
17. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts your mindset from focusing on what’s missing to appreciating what you have. Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day. You can also share these moments with loved ones during dinner or before bed. Over time, this practice fosters a more positive outlook and deeper connections with others.
18. Plan Your Day
Starting your day with a clear plan sets the tone for success. Use a planner or app to list your top priorities, break tasks into smaller steps, and allocate specific times for each activity. This habit helps you stay organized and reduces the overwhelm of juggling responsibilities. Remember, a well-planned day leads to a productive and stress-free one.
If you need a good app for planning your days, check out this post: Best Apps for Busy Moms to Simplify Your Life
19. Track Your Expenses
Understanding your spending habits empowers you to make informed financial decisions. Use a notebook or app to track daily expenses and categorize them. This habit not only identifies areas to cut back but also helps you save for future goals, like a family vacation or an emergency fund.
20. Save for the Future
Start small by setting aside a portion of your income each month. Automate savings to make it effortless. Whether it’s building an emergency fund or contributing to a retirement account, saving creates security and peace of mind.
Check out our post on Setting Children Up for Financial Success to learn more about saving for your children’s future, too!
21. Find a Relaxing Hobby
Having a hobby you love is a great way to unwind and recharge. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or knitting, dedicating time to something you enjoy can reduce stress and boost creativity.
For ideas, check out this post: 60 Free and Inexpensive Hobbies to Start in 2025
22. Challenge Your Brain
Keep your mind sharp by engaging in activities that stimulate it. Puzzles, reading, learning a new skill, or playing a musical instrument are great ways to keep your brain active. Sometimes when I am in a slump, I find that it is because I haven’t been getting enough mental stimulation. Your brain needs regular exercise just like your body!
23. Practice Delayed Gratification
Delayed gratification is about prioritizing long-term rewards over immediate satisfaction. Teach yourself to pause before making impulsive purchases or decisions. This habit builds discipline and ensures that your choices align with your values and goals.
24. Appreciate What You Have
Contentment comes from recognizing the value in what you already have. Practice gratitude and mindfulness to avoid the trap of always seeking more. In today’s world, it is easy to feel less than with so many influencers showing you the latest trendy thing to buy, but most of it will end up in a junk drawer or your donation box by next month.
25. Use What You Have Before Buying New
Before purchasing something new, ask yourself if you can repurpose or use something you already own. This habit saves money and reduces waste. I find it helpful to keep a list of things I am considering purchasing in my phone, so that I can come back to them when I run out of whatever I am currently using to accomplish that task.
26. Meal Plan
Planning meals ahead of time simplifies grocery shopping, reduces food waste, and saves time during busy weeks. I keep a running list of meals my family enjoys here for when I am lacking inspiration.
Check out our Simple Meal Planning for Busy Moms for more meal planning tips.
27. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for mental and physical health. Schedule regular time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s a spa day at home, exercising, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary.
For 100+ ways to practice self-care, check out this post!
28. Create Morning and Evening Rituals
Morning and evening routines set the tone for your day and help you wind down effectively. In the morning, focus on energizing activities like stretching, drinking water, or setting goals. Evenings can include calming rituals such as reading, meditating, or preparing for the next day. These routines create structure and balance in your life.
For more tips, visit our Streamline Your Morning Routine post.
29. Socialize
Building and maintaining relationships is essential for emotional well-being. Schedule regular coffee dates, join a club, or simply call a friend to catch up. Social connections help you feel supported and add joy to your life.
30. Practice Active Listening
Active listening strengthens relationships and improves communication. When talking with someone, focus entirely on what they’re saying without planning your response. Ask follow-up questions and show genuine interest—it fosters deeper connections.
31. Check In on Friends and Family
Regularly checking in on loved ones strengthens bonds and reminds them they’re valued. A quick text, call, or visit can brighten someone’s day and enrich your relationships.
Summary
Building better habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on small, sustainable changes that fit into your lifestyle. Which habit will you start today? Let us know in the comments or share this post with someone looking for a fresh start!
Good tips and good reinforcement. I find I’m doing most of these on some level, but even as a digital marketer I could use a little limiting of my screen time.
Thanks! I’m glad you found some useful tips in the post! 🙂