12 small habits I wish I started earlier

Not all of them are habits in the traditional sense. Some are closer to lifestyle choices. I couldn’t find a better word that fits all of them, so I’ll call them habits for simplicity.

In life, we often spend most of our time chasing big goals like:

A fit body. Financial success. Dream vacations. And so on.

Those goals matter. They give life direction and purpose.

But what most people miss is: there are small actions that take very little time or effort, yet quietly change everything.

These are what I like to call “Small Habits.”

They don’t replace big goals. They support them. They make progress easier. They reduce friction. They help you stay consistent when motivation fades.

Over time, the return I got from these habits became far greater than the effort I put in.

If even a few of these resonate with you, adapt them to your own life and use them in a way that actually works for you.

1. Write things down, our brain’s for having ideas, not for holding them.
Our minds are constantly flooded with thoughts, ideas, and tasks. Trying to remember everything creates stress and mental clutter. Instead, I jot down important things — whether it’s a task, a random idea, or something I need to remember. This helps me stay organized, reduce anxiety, and free up mental space for creativity.

2. Read something everyday even just one page.
Reading, even for a few minutes a day, keeps my mind sharp and my perspective fresh. It doesn’t have to be an entire book — few pages of an inspiring book, an insightful article, or a new research on my favorite topics is enough to spark new ideas and encourage learning. Over time, this small habit has helped me grow in knowledge and mindset.

3. Get some sunlight as early as you can in the day.
Stepping outside in the morning and soaking up some sunlight boosts my mood and energy. Sunlight helps regulate our body’s natural clock, improves sleep quality, and increases vitamin D levels. Even a short 10-minute walk outside in the morning makes me feel more awake and ready for the day.

4. When your brain hurts, stop working, take a quick break to disconnect and recharge.
Pushing through mental exhaustion often leads to frustration, burnout and decrease in productivity. Instead, when I feel stuck, I take a short break — step away from my desk, stretch, or go for a quick walk. When I return, my mind feels refreshed, and I can work more effectively.

5. Limit your to-do list to the 3 most important tasks for the day.
Trying to do too much in a day leads to stress and disappointment. Our focus is limited, so we must allocate it only to our most important tasks. I concentrate on just three key tasks daily. This keeps my goals realistic, prevents overwhelm, and ensures that I make meaningful progress without feeling rushed.

6. Break down your goals into the smallest steps possible.
Big goals often feel intimidating, making it easy to procrastinate. Instead of focusing on the whole journey, I break my goals into tiny steps. If I want to read a book, I start with just one page. If I need to exercise, I commit to five minutes. Small steps make big goals feel easier and more achievable.

7. Place your phone outside the room, while you’re working.
Phones are the biggest distractions. Even a quick check can disrupt focus for minutes. To avoid this, I leave my phone outside the room when I need to do deep work. This simple habit has improved my concentration, productivity, and ability to complete tasks faster.

8. Stop comparing your behind the scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.
Social media makes it easy to compare our everyday struggles to someone else’s best moments. But I remind myself that people only share what they want others to see. Instead of comparing, I focus on my own journey and progress, which brings me more peace and contentment.

9. Serve others as much as you can. This is a powerful source of happiness.
Helping others, whether through small acts of kindness or offering support, gives life more meaning. I’ve realized that making someone’s day better, even in a small way, boosts my happiness too. Giving without expecting anything in return brings a deep sense of fulfillment.

10. Be bored more often. Our minds get the best idea when they are allowed to wander.
Whenever I resist boredom, I used to reach for my phone. But lately I’ve learned that boredom allows my mind to rest and spark creative ideas. Some of my best thoughts come when I’m doing nothing — taking a shower, walking, or just sitting in silence.

11. Never say “Yes”, simply because you feel obligated to do so.
Saying “yes” to everything leads to stress and exhaustion. I’ve learned to say “no” when something doesn’t align with my priorities or mental well-being. Protecting my time and energy has made my life simpler and more enjoyable.

12. Revisit things that brought you joy in the past. They will probably do it again.

Sometimes, happiness is hidden in the things we once loved but forgot about. I make it a habit to revisit old hobbies, rewatch favorite movies, or listen to music from my past. These small things reconnect me to joy and remind me of how far I’ve come.

That’s all for today.

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