Not every positive change in our lives needs to be a large one.
Sometimes drastic changes are helpful—quitting smoking, becoming minimalist, changing careers.
But sometimes, just a simple change has the power to improve our lives and send us down a new path.
Small changes require less planning—and can often be implemented right away.
With that in mind, I sat down and wrote out a list:
100 Simple Ways to Immediately Improve Your Life
1. Wake up 15 minutes earlier.
2. Drink more water.
3. Take a 10 minute walk each day to clear your head.
4. Take some deep breaths.
5. Listen to uplifting music.
6. Read 1 chapter in a book.
7. Make a 3-item to-do list every morning.
8. Write down 3 things you are thankful for.
9. Turn off the television earlier in the day.
10. Meditate.
11. Turn off social media for an extended period of time.
12. Go to bed earlier.
14. Spend time in conversation with a loved one.
15. Text an old friend just to say hello.
16. Build in breaks during your day using the Pomodoro Technique.
17. Keep a 3-sentence journal.
18. Find time for solitude.
19. Eat more vegetables.
20. Cancel one unnecessary commitment.
22. Practice good posture.
23. Spend some time volunteering.
24. Declutter one space.
25. Floss.
26. Make your bed.
27. Recall a memory with a loved one who has passed.
28. Choose a healthy snack.
30. Smile at yourself in the mirror.
31. Smile in public.
32. Say “It’s going to be a great day!”
33. Take a shower.
34. Do something kind for someone else.
35. Listen to a podcast.
36. Spend time with your pet.
37. Take a power nap.
38. Do some push-ups and sit-ups.
39. Write down a positive affirmation.
40. Listen to nature.
41. Clean off your work desk.
42. Turn off your phone notifications.
43. Delete a distracting app.
44. Send a hand-written thank you note.
45. Take a different route home.
46. Take one photo every day.
47. Practice a hobby.
48. Eat protein for breakfast.
49. Create a vision board.
50. Find a new recipe with some of your favorite ingredients.
51. Donate to a charity you believe in.
52. Hug your spouse a little longer.
53. Say “I love you” a bit more often.
54. Drink a cup of tea.
55. Sit with both feet on the floor.
56. Stand in the Superman pose.
57. Speak your opinion.
58. Watch the sunset.
59. Spend time with plants.
60. Turn off negative news.
61. Laugh.
62. Call your mom or dad.
63. Make a list of your strengths.
64. Give thanks before your meals.
65. Spend time with people who inspire you.
66. Write a letter to yourself.
67. Do a Sudoku puzzle.
68. Say “nice job” to someone at work.
69. Take a break from sugar.
70. Find a new positive personality to follow online.
71. Wave at your neighbors.
73. Create a morning routine.
74. Play a game of Chess.
75. Post a positive message on social media.
76. Unsubscribe from an email list.
77. Teach your kids an age-appropriate chore.
78. Leave a positive online review for your favorite restaurant.
79. Reminisce with a family member.
80. Sing along to the radio.
81. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes to drive to your next destination.
82. Text encouragement to your child or a young relative.
83. Visualize yourself at your favorite vacation spot.
84. Do a word game or puzzle.
85. Get 8 hours of sleep.
86. Turn off your phone an hour before going to bed.
87. Leave work at work.
88. Give yourself an evening off from emails.
89. Gaze at the moon and stars.
90. Turn on music while cleaning up after dinner.
91. Discuss the best part of your day at dinner.
92. Dance like no one’s watching when no one’s watching.
93. Moisturize.
94. Research updates on your favorite band/artist.
95. Check tomorrow’s schedule before going to bed.
96. Pray.
97. Use sunblock.
98. Do one load of laundry.
99. Predetermine your outfit for the day.
100. Wear comfortable shoes.
Dula Samuel says
Best of always. Thank you!
Ali says
Good job👍🙏
Ajao Tayo says
Whao, what beautiful and an inspiring list. I’ve been practicing some of the items on the list previously, so I will have to fine-tune myself to incorporate the rest part of the list into my routine.
A Giant Thank you.
MCO says
Hi Joshua,
This is a genius list, I copied, pasted, formatted it so it fits on two pages, and posted it where I can see it every morning. I’ll select to try a new one each week to see if it’s a keeper. I already do many of these most days, but your list inspires me to mix it up a little! Thank you!
Mohie says
Never ending thanks for this unprecedented inspiring principles of list life.
Jenny says
Great and simple, I do some of these things, and it is the simple change that can make the most difference 😁🙏
Rodica says
Thank you for the list, it’s super useful! I do some of the listed stuff regularly, but it’s so much more to think of and implement in our busy, stressful lives. I love the idea of background music, and I should write those 3 things I’m grateful for every night before going to sleep.
Becca says
Regarding #96:
Can atheists still embrace minimalism?
Beverley Jones says
Of course, it’s not related to any particular belief
Lawl says
Then why would praying be on this list?
MF says
Pray can also mean meditate…anybody can meditate…sit still in silence. It can be interpreted to what suits you best.
Paula says
Why must everything, even a simple word like pray, be dissected and analyzed? Come on now, take it for what it means to you and move along. We have much bigger things going on in the world to worry about and words aren’t one of them.
nikki says
Well said. Thank you!
joshua becker says
Of course.
Harriette E. Chiavacci says
Awesome! With Gratitude! Thanks!
Walter Harvey says
Prayer in Christianity is generally looked at as beseeching someone outside of our self for help.
In SGI Nichiren Buddhism, Prayer is making a determination to take action & achieve the goal.
Daisaku Ikeda says ” we have to make a determination, pray & take action. Unless we do so, our environment will not change in the least”
Prayer without action is just a bunch of wasted words.
(note: some Buddhists believe in a deity or deities, some do not).
Molly dennehy says
Every single comment perfect and on point -so positive and healthful 👍🕊😊bravo
Ricky says
What a perfect and simple to follow list. I will try and adhere to it. Thanks
Terri B. says
Great list! Something for almost everyone. Am recovering from surgery. There are some ideas I can implement now and some will have to wait for later. Will spend my resting time enjoying comments and following the links as time and energy permit. Thanks, Joshua
Catherine says
THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS ALL INSPIRING LIST OF POSITIVE PRODUCTIVITY BOOSTING SUGGESTIONS. I SIMPLY LOVE THEM ALL, AND DO A LOT OF THEM NOW. YOU’VE ADDED TO SOME IF MY FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO.
MILLION THANKS
GRATEFUL CATHERINE