Good habits can benefit you in a multitude of ways over your lifetime. Habits, in general, are learned or instinctual actions that you perform repeatedly. Daily habits can be both positive and negative.
Good habits help you perform well at work, succeed in your relationships, or achieve your goals. They may result in you gaining additional income getting your body fit, completing your daily to-do list, and a number of other positive benefits.
Over time, these actions become ingrained in your day-to-day life. After about 21 days, actions become habits, which are tough to break. Countless people find difficulty overcoming their prior bad habits and replacing them with more positive ones.
However, everyone is able to change their behavior. In this article, we will provide you with a list of positive habits and the strategies you can apply to build these habits.
Why Good Habits Are Important & List of 10 Benefits
Habits are ingrained into our daily behaviors. If you have detrimental habits, this means that each day, you will be moving further away from success and happiness. You will not be able to achieve your goals.
On the other hand, good habits lead you in the opposite direction. You are more likely to achieve career success and meet your relationship goals. Your habits grow stronger the more you perform them.
Ensure you select the right habits so you do not need to spend hours retraining your mind. However, there are many other benefits of having good habits.
These include:
- Improves longevity and decreases the risk of serious ailments.
- Helps you reach your goals.
- Ensures you grow into the person you want to be.
- Allows you to help your colleagues, partners, and community.
- Increase your overall quality of life.
- Replace inefficient habits and reduce time-wasting.
- Reduce your reliance on outside motivation.
- Visualize a better future.
- Grow your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
- You will be more energetic.
What Are Good Habits?
Good habits are recognized as repetitive behaviors that are beneficial to your life. They build upon your strengths, contribute to career success, help you develop mental peace, or manage your chaotic life.
There is almost always a positive outcome related to good habits. Common examples would include starting a daily self-care routine, exercise routine, and eating healthy, among other activities.
Building good habits starts with small decisions. Making just one specific good choice daily could lead to a strong beneficial habit over time. Do not try to overwhelm yourself by creating a long list of habits you want to attain immediately, as this usually only results in decreased self-confidence.
Good habits are most commonly maintained through a balanced approach to decision-making. Such habits are not all or nothing. So, you can schedule a rest day even if you usually exercise daily.
Or, you could splurge a little financially on the holidays even if your spending and financial habits are usually strict. The key is to schedule these breaks or splurges for balance.
Best Productivity Habits
Productivity is crucially important to being a successful entrepreneur, manager, or employee. Being more productive in your daily routine could lead to having a better reputation within your company.
Many successful people swear by certain productive habits as the key to their success. Such habits include:
1. Starting a morning routine
Each morning, perform the same productive tasks. This could include getting yourself motivated through reading a gratitude journal, taking a cold shower, or anything else. It gives you a positive head start to the rest of your day.
2. Use the 80/20 Rule
This rule is technically known as the Pareto principle. It states that through just 20% of your effort, 80% of the results are yielded. If you are a sales manager, think about the idea that 80% of sales come from 20% of customers.
Find what works for attracting this specific group of people, or for specific success in your career, and implement the same techniques on a grander scale.
3. Create a to-do list
To-do lists should specify specific SMART goals you wish to accomplish daily. It should be simple, achievable, yet relatively challenging. Achieving your goals daily can lead to achieving larger goals over the long term.
4. Find tasks that are not urgent, but still crucial
Urgent tasks should be immediately addressed, but do not neglect non-urgent activities or decisions either. These tasks are equally responsible for long-term goal achievement.
5. Keep track of your daily productivity
Many apps can track how productive you are at work. You will gain insight into the specifics of when and potentially why you get distracted. Over time, you can compare which strategies and environments best boost your productivity.
6. Review your success
Each day, look back on where you were successful. Also, take notes of any unproductive time you would like to eliminate. Over time, recognize the changes in your productivity. If your productivity dips, try to go back to a similar environment that you previously tracked.
7. Take enough breaks
Breaks are needed for you to stay sharp and productive. Short and small breaks may even boost your focus according to new research. You are also less likely to experience burnout if you implement ample breaks.
8. Focus on your end goal
While your goals may seem out of reach, tell yourself you can achieve them. Visualizing can be a great source of motivation. It helps you overcome challenges that may seem impossible, thus boosting your daily productivity.
9. Detect and avoid interruptions as well as distractions
Interruptions to your train of thought can negatively impact productivity. Science suggests that it may take as long as 25 minutes just to get refocused. Find what distracts you and distance yourself from those people or objects.
10. Ask for help when you need it
While ego often inhibits one’s ability to ask for help, try to realize the benefits of assistance. Having someone guide you during a difficult task can encourage you to gain new skills and finish the task quicker.
11. Create a specific time for email replies
If you are bombarded by emails, it is tempting to reply to each one immediately. To avoid getting distracted, create a specific time for answering non-urgent messages. Try to limit this time to 30 minutes or an hour.
Best Financial Habits
Finances are a crucial aspect of maintaining a happy life and being comfortable with your future. What you do with your money as a younger person impacts your ability to grow your wealth and attain financial freedom.
In virtually any activity, you will need money. If you find yourself fiscally unsatisfied with your current position, you may need to improve some of your spending and saving habits.
Your financial life can be improved if you:
1. Track your expenses
Consistently measure how much you spend and on what. Do this each day and you may be surprised by how much money you waste. Do not ignore your expenses because of fear or shame.
2. Open bills as soon as possible
There are few things worse than having a pile of bills surrounding you. Immediately open any bills you receive. Create categories for your expenses and know when each payment is due and when.
3. Rise early
Waking up early can be unpleasant, but it benefits you down the road. If you need to know how early, try aiming for 5 am. You can make this goal more achievable by eliminating the endless hours you spend being unproductive during the nighttime.
4. Find fiscal inspiration
Whether you take financial advice from a local expert or a trusted online coach, there is no shortage of financial information at your disposal. Truly listen to these professionals and translate their advice into your own life.
5. Put an emphasis on budgeting
The easiest way to “earn” money is to never spend it. Stay on track by adhering to a reasonable budget. Do not make it overly strict, as you will likely quit if this is the case. However, do your best to adhere to the budget each month.
6. Consider investing
Investment carries risks, but returns can also be excellent. You can invest in conservative stocks, high risks stocks, bonds, gold, real estate, cryptocurrency, and so on. Save up a bit of money to experiment with these options.
7. Analyze where you stand financially
Take a minute to look at your financial history. You can use this information to build ancillary income streams or find flaws in your spending habits.
8. Use shopping lists
Do not go shopping on an empty stomach or without a shopping list. You will buy a plethora of unnecessary items otherwise. Therefore, shopping lists can save you money and prevent food/item waste.
9. Perform expense audits
Every month, make a habit of comparing your credit card statements with your bank card expenses. Ensure that everything aligns and adds up. It is possible that you may notice a surprising amount of errors.
Best Goal-Oriented Habits
Goal-oriented people are more likely to succeed at work and in their personal lives. Being goal-oriented means you focus on achieving your specific goals and being persistent, even when times get tough.
A number of different skills and work habits can contribute to you becoming more goal-oriented.
You can become more goal-oriented if you:
1. Split large goals into smaller tasks
If your ambitious goals seem too daunting, try to split them into smaller and more manageable tasks. You could make these tasks a sequence of events so you are more organized when tackling your goal.
2. Plan ahead
To be goal-oriented, you must prioritize your tasks and complete the most crucial tasks first. Try using calendars and phone reminders to help you stay on task and keep tracking progress effectively.
Select a specific set of tasks you want to achieve daily and use all the tools available to you.
3. List tasks in order of priority
When you create plans, list your tasks in order of importance. Remind yourself of what you need to work on at specific times. In general, prioritize the most urgent tasks first, the most complex tasks after, and then the most time committed.
4. Dedicate yourself to writing
Writing ideas and tasks down helps some people recall their thoughts and focus on their larger goals. While online reminders are also useful, writing things down helps people remember items more strongly. You can use notebooks to outline your daily tasks and goals.
5. Use time-saving strategies
Being productive ties into being goal-oriented. Become more productive by focusing on completing small tasks first while waiting on finishing large group projects. Short breaks also boost productivity.
6. Stay motivated
Following through with your goals requires you to stay motivated. Use both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation methods to boost motivation.
Ensure you are challenged, happy, and interested in your work. Extrinsic rewards could include taking walks, having a small healthy snack, or getting recognized.
7. Track your progress
Do not just outline your goals. You must consistently review your progress to truly determine the most productive strategies you use. Try seeing how many of your to-do list tasks are completed at the end of each day.
8. Find someone to keep you accountable
Get someone else to help you stay on track. This can be a coworker, friend, or family member who is capable of motivating you. Check in with one another so you can update each other on your progress and boost one another’s motivation.
9. Ask for honest and constructive feedback
Speak to your coworkers about productivity, efficiency, and maintaining motivation. See what motivates your colleagues and which strategies help boost their spirits. Consider using some of their strategies if you find them potentially applicable to your situation.
Best Networking Habits
Networking is an important part of being a successful employee or entrepreneur. Many even say that your network is the key to a high network. Spending lots of time networking will not necessarily lead to more success, though.
Networking effectively is what is key. Building good networking habits is a good start. Try:
1. Ask questions
Do not simply talk about your prior success. Try asking questions for the benefit of the future. Ensure you ask about the other person’s goals, too. Mutual interest is needed for a successful networking relationship.
2. Groom yourself well
Shower yourself each day, brush your teeth, and groom your hair. Dress nicely so you make a great initial impression. Some people automatically disqualify ungroomed individuals for business potential partners.
3. Ensure you stay honest
Honesty is the best policy in networking. Do not overpromise to your potential partners and do not lie about your past. It is far better to underpromise and over-deliver instead of doing the opposite.
4. Add value to the conversation
You are speaking for a reason, so add value to the networking event! Do not go there just to promote yourself or your brand. Add value to the other person’s life as well. You may get more from then in return.
5. Remain positive
Negativity can truly end up costing you many opportunities. Be positive when speaking to others. It can make you seem more passionate and professional. On the other hand, negativity makes you more unlikeable and less easy to talk to. Positivity should be your go-to mindset.
6. Socialize and mingle
Do not wait to be approached by someone; take the first step yourself. Most people will be shy at networking events. So, you can increase your networking base by coming out of your shell.
7. Give compliments to those around you
As a general role, people love to hear compliments. Giving compliments makes you generally more likable and seem more open. Since this is true, many more people will be attracted to network with you if you give compliments.
8. Be helpful
Do everything you can to help others. Ask questions and answer them as well. If you can help someone solve an issue, achieve a goal, or overcome a negative habit, they will be appreciative and interested in speaking to you.
9. Introduce yourself
Introduce yourself whenever there is an opportunity. You never know what could come from such introductions. In fact, you could find your closest partner simply from one introduction.
10. Pay attention to your contacts
Pay attention to your clients by asking them questions and actively listening. Especially, do this for the long term. You do not want to ruin your relationships after a few months. Touch base with them on a consistent basis.
Top 10 Career Habits
Having an enjoyable job, or hopefully, a career is one of the best ways to achieve a happier life. Some specific habits can help you be more happy, more productive, efficient, and skillful when you are at work.
You can get noticed by your manager or other employees if you consistently utilize these career habits. However, realize that this will surely take an abundance of time and dedication.
1. Arrive early
Arriving on time is not enough to be a top employee. However, early shows you are dedicated, especially if you do so every single morning. Recognition may not occur immediately, but it will happen at some point. Then, you will be glad you developed this habit.
2. Take action
So not be meek and hold back. Take proactive measures for self-improvement, both in addressing your weaknesses and ensuring your strengths flourish.
Do not wait for others to take action for you to follow. You may need to work for little return for a short period of time, but it will be worth it long term.
3. Keep your workplace organized
Dedicating just five minutes daily to keeping your workspace tidy is already a great start. This habit starts small. You could even just tidy out a single drawer at a time. Or, consider creating a digital binder to keep your documents in line.
4. Be efficient and thoughtful
Successful employees do not waste time. They use effective time management skills. If you feel unengaged, take a bit of time to relax before returning to your work refreshed. If your unengagement affects the team, own up to your actions.
5. Seek solutions
Every business will encounter problems. This is why many managers ensure their team consists of problem solvers. When a problem arises, take it upon yourself to fix it. Do not put it off as someone else’s issue, even if you are not forced to fix the issue.
6. Find value in follow-ups
The best client and business relationships are built through consistent communication and follow-ups. Following up with clients is a sign of respect and dedication to helping your customers. Reach out to people you did not hear from, check in with clients, and get feedback.
7. Ensure you are accurate
Customers want you to be accurate when relaying information. Mistakes can cost you lifelong relationships, profit, revenue, effort, and time. Always ensure that the data you provide to your clients are honest and accurate.
8. Quickly relay information
Today’s world is extremely fast-paced. Customers do not want to wait for products and repose from businesses. Do not be inefficient and always live up to your speed-related promises. However, ensure the quality of your product also does not suffer.
9. Write like a professional
Good writing and grammar can make you seem more professional. Certain words with negative or positive connotations could also arise strong emotions in your clients. You can use loaded language to persuade your clients to buy your products, for instance.
10. Be comprehensive
Thorough and comprehensive work is always valued more by clients and managers. Therefore, you should always try to be detailed in your reports and product descriptions as a client relation manager. Go out of your way to answer all of your client’s questions.
Best Organizational Habits
Organization can help you stay away from old bad habits, stay productive, and achieve your goals. Physical clutter could potentially stop you from achieving the goals you have been dreaming of.
This idea can easily be remembered by the phrase “clean house, clean mind.” The same would also apply to your workplace.
Some of the best ways you can boost organization through habits include:
1. Return things to where they came from
Imagine that every item you possess has a home. Ensure that each day, all the items are left where they are supposed to be. Even if you feel like throwing items into the wrong region, remember that finding them will be easier if they are placed in the right spot immediately.
2. Organize in sections
This goes for both your digital life and your physical space. Take out all of your documents and items. Then, sort through them one by one, putting them in specific sections each time. Do the same for the files of your computer and desktop.
3. Clean whenever you can
Similarly, you can also clean in sections. Even cleaning a small region daily is preferable to avoiding cleaning altogether.
You should think of cleaning items after using them. For example, clean the toilet after you flush. Clean your plate after you finish eating dinner.
4. Use calendars
Staying on track is one of the great benefits of being organized. Calendars are especially good for time management and ensuring you are set to meet your goals. Write down what you want to achieve monthly, weekly, and daily. Then, see how well you do at achieving these goals.
5. Create lists
To-do lists are a quick way to evaluate what needs to get done. You can keep track of your progress by seeing how many tasks are marked off. Put the most imprint on tasks at the top of the list, and ensure they are always done before you move on to other duties.
6. Stop procrastinating
Procrastinating does not benefit you in any way. Try using the 15-minute rule when you feel like wasting time. Start a timer for 15 minutes. Truly focus on achieving the most difficult task you put off for that time period. Then, you have a bit of time to relax.
7. Ignore your critical inner voice
Almost everyone has a negative voice in their head. The main difference between organized and disorganized people is that organized individuals do not listen to negative thoughts. If you dismiss this voice, you can focus on what truly matters to you.
8. Be decisive
There is a key difference between decisiveness and impulsivity: the depth of thought involved. Decisive people still rationalize their choices; however, they just do so quickly and efficiently. When you do make decisions, ensure you commit to them and put energy into upholding your choice.
9. Organize incoming emails
By doing this, you solve a problem before it even exists: you will not have to deal with spam and over-cluttered mailboxes. A number of tools can help you prioritize each incoming email. These include apps, filters, blockers, folders, and email rules.
10. Organize your current inbox
You likely do not wish to spend the entire day sorting and responding to details. Organize your mail to prevent this inefficient use of your time.
You can use spam blockers and email prioritization tools to organize your mail. Also, try categorizing your top received emails into categories like entertainment, colleagues, bosses, and so on.
Best Spirituality Habits
Some people are naturally more spiritual, but spirituality does benefit virtually everyone’s mental health. It does not necessarily mean believing in God, Buddha, Allah, or any deity.
Spirituality could simply be being at peace with yourself and with the universe. The few spirituality habits listed below can help you become more peaceful.
1. Be more giving
Generosity is an admirable personality trait and habit. But, you should not give just to expect something back. Do this to benefit someone else’s life. You could also give your time or items like food, water, and clothing instead of money.
2. Accept challenges
When you go on an adventure, you never know where it will take you. Of course, you should not risk your life or all of your finances. However, balanced risk-taking can help you grow spiritually.
3. Consider all the possibilities
Think about all the possible choices you could make and all that is out there in the environment. When you consider the depth of the universe, your quarrels begin to seem less magnified. Think about the big picture whenever you get stressed over small tasks.
4. Be grateful
You should be thankful each day, not just during the holidays. If you can read this article, you are already better off than a significant part of society. Even the small blessings, count them each day.
5. Accept others
Accept both yourself and those around you. Forgive quickly and move on instead of holding grudges. Recognize that uniqueness is within each and every person. Others being different than you may be positive as well. However, we are all human, and thus should be accepted as such.
6. Do not be afraid to laugh
Many call laughter the best medicine for a reason. It can lighten the mood and realize dopamine, a positive chemical, in your brain. Do not be overly serious. Make an effort to laugh each day to lift your spirits.
7. Appreciate the simplicity
The phrase “stop to smell the roses” could be the basis for a positive spiritual habit. Recognize that even the basic elements of life have some beauty in them. Noticing the beauty of life can lift your spirits and keep you going during periods of darkness.
8. Make the Duchenne smile your go-to smile
This type of smile is a reflection of genuine emotion, not force. It is a genuine smile. If you smile more often, you could boost positive feelings even without feeling happy with guests.
Simple acts like smiling can affect our outlook on life. So, notice any changes that occur after simply genuinely smiling more.
9. Join a group
Any group could help you remain spiritually positive. This is especially true with groups like churches. However, you can connect with anyone you’d like or with a higher deity. Such experiences tend to be impactful and memorable.
10. Give your time to others
There are people out there that truly need your support. Try to help them whenever possible. Even if they reject your helping hand, try again. You can feel good for trying to help even if they turn your help away.
Best Health & Wellness Habits
Health is arguably the most important element of your life. It directly impacts your lifespan and quality of life. Additionally, your health also impacts your career, enthusiasm, relationships, ability to get a job, and so on.
Be aware of harmful habits you engage in. Get educated on the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of living unhealthily.
These habits can ensure you maintain a healthy way of life:
1. Eat breakfast
If you are hungry in the morning, ensure you eat. Do not starve yourself as a punishment, as this is psychologically unhealthy. Eating breakfast can boost your metabolism first thing in the morning.
It fills you up for the entire day, making you more satisfied. Breakfast does not need to be complex. Even a bowl of oats with eggs will be sufficient.
2. Eat fruit
An apple a day does keep the doctor away, but so does any other fruit or vegetable. Fruit in particular can help you overcome the urge to indulge in high-calorie sweets. It also aids in digestion and decreases the risk of getting colon cancer with help from its fiber.
3. Get ample amounts of rest
The vast majority of adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is highly individualized, though, so you may need more or less depending on age, gender, genetics, and other factors. This will keep your mind sharp and stress levels at a minimum.
4. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen can be irritating, but it is necessary if you wish to prevent serious illnesses. The sun is likely more powerful than you think. Its intense UV rays play a role in the development of skin cancer, for instance.
5. Maintain good oral hygiene
In some ways, the mouth is the key to the entire body’s health. Gum disease is directly linked with heart disease, for example. To keep your teeth healthy, brush them 2-3 times daily and floss them daily as well.
6. Drink enough water
The human body is approximately 70% water. We need lots of this crucial liquid to keep our bodies functioning at a high level. This habit involves little effort, so do not overlook it. It would be even better if you could replace soda or sugar and alcoholic beverages with water.
7. Exercise daily
Exercise releases endorphins, which help us feel energized and happy after working out. Physical activity lowers one’s risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and many other ailments.
Plus, exercise does not have to be organized sports. It could simply be taking daily walks or dancing with friends.
8. Eat enough fiber and protein
Foods high in fiber or protein tend to be quite filling. Filling food is less calorie dense, so you could each more of it and be full quicker than by each less rich food. This can aid you when losing weight and trying to get healthier.
Best Relationship Habits
In every career, you will need to maintain strong relationships with someone. Whether that be with your boss, the CEO, a partner, clients, or your employees, having beneficial relationship-building habits will benefit you without a doubt.
Building these habits can be a bit challenging, but it does not have to be.
The following is a few relationship habits you should focus on acquiring as soon as possible:
1. Single out time to talk with your partner
Having a prosperous relationship must involve consistent honest communication. If you neglect to speak to them daily, try to dedicate a certain amount of time just to them. Block out all other tasks for that time so you can truly be focused.
2. Be appreciative
This is another habit which should be done on a daily basis. Ensure they know how much you love and appreciate them. A short letter, phone call, or statement can potentially make their day.
3. Be kind without expecting something back
If you only give to receive something, you are not truly giving. Give simply for the sake of kindness and making your partner smile. This is necessary for an authentic relationship.
4. Go outside together
Physical contact can be extremely meaningful in a relationship. If you always drive, you lose some of the romantic contacts that happen when walking. Go outside and do not be afraid to hold hands, kiss, or talk on a bench in the park.
5. Perform activities you both enjoy
Find where your interests align with your partner’s. Once you find an activity you both enjoy, make it a habit of performing it often. Even if it is small, such as watching a short sitcom or strolling through the local park. These small actions matter in the long term.
6. Embrace physicality
Every night, hug and kiss your spouse. In the morning, give them a kiss as they leave for work. Physical signs of love are immensely powerful in relationships. Understand that you are not promised a tomorrow. So, show your loved ones they are appreciated today.
7. Practice active listening
Do not talk over your spouse. Listen to them and ask questions if you do not understand something. Actively participate in your conversations, but also let your partner speak too. This is about finding a balance and common ground between your goals and points of view.
8. Schedule date nights
Date nights should be scheduled times where you are solely dedicated to being with your partner. This is not a time to check your email or return phone calls unless they are urgent. Try scheduling date nights weekly. Set reminders if you believe you will forget.
9. Tell your partner you love them
If you cannot recall the last time you told your spouse you love them, that is potentially troubling. However, by simply saying these 3 words, you could make your loved one’s day. You never know how happy it would make them until you try.
10. Perform daily acts of kindness
Small acts of kindness can add up to big love messages. Try performing a small, random mind act daily to show you appreciate your partner. Hold the door for them, leave a nice note, or surprise them with a small gift.
Good Habits vs. Bad Habits
While some habits benefit you, others have a negative effect. You must be able to understand the difference between good and bad habits. If you do this, you can address negative behaviors while further engraining your positive habits.
Good habits are the habits you want to continue doing. In any case, they always have positive consequences or help you avoid negative consequences. They can impact emotional, physical, spiritual, and social health in a beneficial sense.
You are more likely to achieve your goals, achieve career success, have stronger relationships, and much more. On the other hand, negative habits repeatedly produce negative outcomes.
They lead to increases in illness, prevent you from reaching your goals, hinder career progress, and negatively impact your relationships. Some bad habits are more impactful than others. A number of habits occur without our knowledge. Be sure to avoid these bad work habits too.
We do these acts subconsciously, or on “auto-pilot.” Because of this “auto-pilot” tendency, differentiating between good and bad habits can be challenging.
To understand how beneficial a habit is, try asking these questions: does this habit make me feel good? How does it impact my fitness and health? What is its impact on my mental health? Am I in control of this habit? Does this habit impact me positively in the short term, or in the long term?
Through these questions, you can categorize your habits into good and bad. Then, you can address the negative habits and build upon your positive repeated behavior.
FAQs about Good Habits
What are 5 habits that can improve my life?
There are many habits that can leave a lasting positive impact in your life. The first would be healthy eating, which improves your energy and clarity. To go along with that, exercise can make you physically and mentally stronger while also keeping your weight in check.
Adequate sleep ensures your mind remains sharp and you stay focused. A gratitude journal can help you develop a positive mindset and stay motivated. Finally, reading every day will help you gather more knowledge, expand your vocabulary, and understand other people’s worldviews.
What habits should you have to have a successful life?
One habit that many successful individuals have is going to bed and waking up at a consistent time. This helps develop discipline and order in one’s life. Many individuals also exercise every day and eat healthy to stay focused and strong.
Additionally, to stay organized, consider planning your day the night before. It will save you time and decrease frustration. Last but not least, try to tackle your most difficult tasks first so that you can perform them with the most energy possible.
