Who doesn't want a better life? Everyone wants to lead a more fulfilled and happy existence. Fortunately, improving one's life is not as difficult as it sounds. Many ways to do so require little effort but produce great results. In the blog, I list five habits that improved my life, which can easily do the same for you. If you practice them regularly, your quality of existence will drastically change for the better.
1) Waking up and going to bed at a decent time
I've been waking up around 5:30 am and going to bed around 11 pm for the past 6 months. And I highly recommend it!
I've always feared missing out on life or feeling too tired to maximise the day. Since I've been getting up early and getting into bed at a decent time (around 10pm), I've found that I've accomplished more in my day.
I can relax and allow myself to have a chilled evening if I want to because I was up early and did things.
"Wake up an hour early to live an hour more."
2) Keeping things simple
The fewer decisions you have to make in your day, the better.
Also known as decision minimalism, having to think less about certain aspects of your life means you can spend more energy working on what matters.
For example, I eat the same breakfast and lunch daily and prepare them the day or night before. Doing this means I know I have something healthy to eat and don't have to worry about spending money on lunch or eating bad out of convenience or because I'm in a rush.
Steve Jobs lived by this rule! Steve Jobs famously wore the same black turtleneck, blue jeans and New Balance sneakers daily. This quickly became his signature look as well as a part of the overall brand of Apple. Steve also understood that he had a finite capacity of brainpower to make well-thought-out decisions, so why waste it on something irrelevant.
3) Reading
Every evening, before I go to sleep, I try and read for 30 minutes or before my eyes close, and I can't stay awake anymore.
Not only have I learnt so much from the books I have read (mindset or business orientated), I found myself sleeping better. My mind is less active, and it's a million times better to read a book before bed than stare at a screen!
If you're interested in the books I'm reading, head to 'Marketing Books', where I hand select books I recommend to help with marketing, mindset and growth.
4) Write things down
I write down pretty much everything!
You never know when it can come in handy. In fact, I refer back to my handwritten notes often for a source of inspiration and accountability.
I jot down thoughts and ideas and reflect on my goals, ambitions and learnings every month.
Sitting down and spending time doing this has helped me grow both individually and career-wise more than any course I have taken.
5) Train and eat clean
We all know we should eat healthily, drink plenty of water and exercise.
Having a past (Sports Degree & Qualification as a Personal Trainer) in fitness is a curse and a blessing. I'm constantly conscious of eating well and looking after my body.
But do I feel better after knowing I have eaten well and trained! I can definitely notice the difference when I have stayed on track compared to when I haven't. I feel more energised, awake and ready to live life!
Remember, though, balance is key! Healthy eating and training should be a part of your lifestyle, and unrealistic expectations or commitment would lead to unbalance. 30 minutes of exercise, whether walking, running, gyming or walking a dog, can go a long way. So can making good choices such as eating more vegs, drinking more water instead of coffee or fizzy drinks, choosing to have one pudding instead of two. It can all help.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, these 5 simple habits that improved my life can be implemented by anyone.
Make changes, stay positive and find the essential qualities you need to live an intentional and purposeful life.
Thanks for reading! Until next time.
Jack Willoughby