“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” —John C. Maxwell
The direction of our lives is decided more by the daily choices we make than anything else. And these choices are more influential to the person we are becoming than we often realize.
Habits become ingrained, automatic, and often slowly creep into your life so subtly that they become routine. So if you want to change your life, start by changing one thing that you do each day.
But change can be hard. So let me offer today, a list of 7 simple, daily habits that will positively change your life forever.
Most of these habits can be completed in just a few minutes each day. And each of them I have seen personally alter the trajectory of my life.
1. 3-Item To-Do List.
The 3-item to-do list has revolutionized my life. Every morning, with my cup of coffee, I write down the three most important tasks that I need to complete that day. It is a practice I cannot recommend enough.
The 3-item to-do list will keep you focused on your priorities. But more than that, it will allow you to feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day (assuming you accomplish them). It has taken away my feeling of “I never get enough done” and replaced it with “I accomplished my most important work.” And that is a beautiful feeling.
2. Exercise.
When I lived in Vermont, I had a mentor named Jeff that I looked up to quite a bit (still do actually). Jeff used to ask me and other men an unusual question when we would spend time together.
He’d ask, “So, are you staying physically active?”
I used to think Jeff was concerned with my physical health—which I’m sure he was. But as I have embraced a daily practice of exercise, I have learned the benefits are not just physical, they are mental and emotional as well.
Jeff knew physical activity was an important key to a healthy and productive life.
Don’t overthink “exercise daily.” This doesn’t need to be a 3-mile run or tennis match every day. Go for a walk, stretch, mow the lawn, workout to a YouTube video, or have sex.
3. Turn off Television.
Not only are the negative effects of TV detrimental to our lives, the opportunity cost is great. There are just better, more life-fulfilling things we could be doing with our lives than watching someone else live theirs.
When we decided to watch less television years ago, we were immediately forced to fill our evenings with something else. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that hard to find a more life-giving activity than television.
We spent more time together as a family. We spent more time outdoors. I began to write more. I visited the gym more frequently. I took more control over my life and my decisions.
These are all good things—healthy habits—and cutting out television provided opportunity for me to accomplish them. The same will happen for you.
4. Practice Gratitude.
Say a prayer. Keep a gratitude journal. Meditate. Or discuss the high points of your day over dinner with your family.
Whatever works best for you, express gratitude at some point every single day.
Gratitude reframes our circumstances. It drives out discontent. It directs our attention to the good things in our lives. It brings attentiveness and intentionality. And it more appropriately positions our attitude in relation to the universe and world around us.
Gratitude, as a habit, is a discipline to practice daily. Because when gratitude is the hardest to find, is when we need it the most.
5. Write something.
Every day, sit down and write something. Anything. It can be a 3-sentence post on Instagram, a 3-paragraph private journal entry, or a 3-page blog post to share with the world.
Where your writing ends up means far less than the impact it will have on your life.
The habit of writing will force you to see the world in a more observant way. You will rethink conversations, circumstances, and relationships.
I once heard an old quote by Dawson Trotman, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips.” And I cannot tell you how true that it is. Writing helps us think better and interact better with the world around us.
I was recently asked on Twitter, “With the growth of YouTube and video content, do you intend to keep blogging?” My response was, “Yes. I have found that I think and live better when I write—because it forces me to become more observant. I am a better person because I began writing.”
6. Reset Your Kitchen.
Every night, before you go to bed, clean your kitchen.
In a practical sense, it will help brighten your mood in the morning. After all, there are few things less desirable early in the morning than needing to clean up yesterday’s mess.
The habit helps brighten your morning in the kitchen… and quickly spills over into other daily habits focused on keeping your home tidy. By the way, if resetting your kitchen every evening seems too difficult, you’ll find it easier if you own less stuff.
There is something magical about not dragging yesterday’s mess into today—and this practice extends far beyond clutter.
7. Eat Together.
I realize, of course, if you live alone, this final habit may not apply. But I fear there are too many people living together who are also not applying this habit to their lives.
If you are a parent… or a spouse… or a partner… or a roommate, make every effort to eat one meal together each day. When shared with others, food becomes a bonding experience that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.
Meals around a table are one of the rare moments in our day where we sit down facing one another. As the food nourishes our physical body, community and relationship feed our soul. It is difficult to be an intentional parent or spouse without sharing meals together with those we love the most.
Again, this daily habit may not be possible for everyone. But if it is, do not neglect to make it a priority—there are many who would gladly switch places with you.
Pick a habit above and begin practicing it daily. Just one—not all seven.
Once you take control of your habits, you begin taking control of your life. Any from this list will lead to positive results.
About Joshua Becker
So many things here and on other minimalist articles remind me of “Flylady” You may want to check out her website Flylady.net
so many of the few minimalist articles remind me of her recommendations. nice to get the ideas and recommendations from multiple sources.
7-tips are very encouraging and life changing habits, I do exercise and ensuring kitchen mess clean prior to bed is one the principles I have inherited from my family; I reminds me to keep doing it. I should adapt remaining skills step by step. Thank you so much
If you are alone and miss having meals together at the table, how about using technology to share a meal with a like-minded friend or family member. It could be a standing date. It won’t be the same, but you could ask yourself if it is better than what you are currently experiencing.
Making sure that my kitchen and living room are clean and straight before I go to bed is one of the best habits I have. It only takes a few minutes and makes mornings so much more enjoyable. I’m going to try the 3 item to do list. That sounds like an awesome habit to acquire.
Thank you for 7 wonderful habits to lead a better and beautiful life
I’d add “make your bed” first thing in the morning. That’s one of the cornerstones of Admiral William H. McRaven’s advice to graduates from University of Texas in 2014. Very thoughtful speech.
I too can’t stand a dirty kitchen; me and hubby clean it up before going to bed. A weird habit of mine, when we traveled, I really wanted to come back to a clean house – so I’d be sure to take care of the housekeeping and laundry. Good habits die hard.
I really Like Your Mails!
I enjoyed reading this article.
This helped me to think of, many new changes in my daily routine to make my life beautiful.
I feel gratitude to say this.
Thank you
Regarding #5 – Write Something. I do write every day and love the quote about thoughts disentangling themselves. Whether I’m trying to write a clear email response or posting instructions on our website, writing helps me better communicate and often I discover new questions or insights. From the reader’s viewpoint, I appreciate blogs and articles that I can easily return to. If this article were on video or podcast, I’d listen once and never go back. Instead, I’ve bookmarked it for future reference!
I love this newsletter. It suggests stuff we can Do!
It gives me permission to not watch TV and never mind what I pay for all the junk on it!
It explains perfectly all the reasons to wash up the night before, I sort of knew it but now I am very clear about why I should do this.
Writing a daily journal was daunting but I may succeed if I keep it to 3 short paragraphs and before I begin list 3 things I am grateful for.
I tried the gratitude thing once and failed because I wrote at the end of the day when I was sometimes just tired and fed up.
Exercise. I bought a treadmill in September when I saw Winter coming and Covid not going away. It takes longer than you think so I will add it to my 3-item to do list on the days I exercise.
I love that the list is 3 things not the 30 that are buzzing in my head at the start of the day – by early evening I’m down to wanting to do nothing, just overwhelmed.
I live alone so eat alone which is a bonus when you think I only have to do 6 things which will change my life forever!!
Many, many thanks Joshua and my best wishes for you and your family.
Today the 18th February I came across your post. I’m delighted to have discovered most of your 7, I already do.
I haven’t watched TV in my home for around 7 years, I new then my psychological health was better of without it. Yesterday I actually wrote a to do list, I’ve done this practice on & of for a few years but never made it a practice. I usually write appointments & important to-do’s ( including exercise @7am) in my diary , I catagorise exercise as an appointment with myself :)
I read this post with my cup of tea in the morning and can’t be enough thankful to you. After writing this comment, I am going to write today’s 3 important tasks right away. I always clean the kitchen at night as well as do little organizing in the bed room too. Its really satisfying to wakeup to a clean organized home. I have even given up the T.V habit. 3 important tasks are my current habits goal now.
Thanks and Stay blessed 🙌
I am in daily contact with an elderly neighbor I just met a few about a month ago who lives alone with no family in California. She asked if I would be willing to call/email her daily to check in and she that she is OK and it has become a lovely morning ritual, plus when the we also go for occasional walks.
I think for me that daily rituals give me a sense of peace & grounding aside from the chaos of the outside world knowing I cannot control what happens out there but I can control how it affects me.
Writing this to you with gratitude, all the best in these times, Thankyou From Australia
I saw this article earlier in the day and messaged it to myself to read later. Great article with very good advise. 2020 was the year to declutter my life…
This article will help 2021 become the year much more happens in that department 😊
Ironically, I’ve been culling through, oh about 40 years of journals over the past few weeks – my Swedish ‘death cleaning’. Journalling can be fine but for some of us, it’s a repository of some pretty deep (and potentially damaging ruminations). I like the idea of a gratitude journal, or maybe ‘write and destroy’ if it’s personal history you don’t want others reading! We never know when we’re going to go!
Thanks. I too will implement these magic rules into my life.
Thanks for this article. I liked the 7 tips and was very happy to discover that I already practise quite a few of them. What I need to start is : writing down a 3-item To-Do list for the day, practise some more gratitude, and write down something in a diary each day.
From your list, I can already tick off exercise, eating together, not watching TV, and resetting my kitchen each night. Your article is very encouraging to me. I would also like to add one more thing to your list ; 8. Call up one elder or friend or family member who is more or less alone and talk (or rather listen to them) for a few minutes. It will bring cheer to them and a nice feeling for us too.
Thanks Joshua! This was the best email ever that I read this morning! I am a list person, I am always overwhelmed by how many things are on my list!
* Pick 3 of the most important things to put on your task list each day, great idea!
I tried that today!! It was great!!! We are watching less tv, and trying more tips from you! Thank you!!
Nice!
Thank you for your improvement steps.
Starting the 3 item to-do-list in the morning. Shucks, 3 items could easily give time for more priorities.
You just got me to write something 😃
Thank you, Joshua! This grandma will definitely heed your wonderful ideas! Gratefully, Barbara
I do all of these except for one: I seldom turn off my television when I’m at home. Unless I’m going to pray. I live alone. Tv keeps me company and I almost always find something to watch that’s entertaining or educational.
I see nothing wrong when someone says “Be a Blessing”. It is a positive affirmation to add to one’s daily ritual if that suits you. I enjoy these posts because they are mostly non-judgemental filled with people who have been on this path for many years (like myself) and new combers. We all have something of substance to add to the mix, & I always find it quite refreshing in our society that reeks of mindless consumerism to the detriment of the individual & their families.
Thank you for this list, Joshua. I really like the 3 item to-do list and I am going to try that one. I agree whole-heartedly with everything else on the list! Thanks for the great article.
Thank You Joshua for the advices!
Gratitude, hope and joy every day in Jesus name / Inger
Nice too see people commenting and thank You Joshua for the advices! Gratitude, hope and joy every day in Jesus name / Inger
I just found this article and it had my mind going.
I was sitting o my bed this morning wondering about my life as a whole!!
I am bored to pieces.
I’m now going to put on paper 3 things to start off with.
Thanks Josh’s
There is no need for any final eighth and certainly no need to bring the divisiveness of religion into such an inclusive, human and mindful set of daily habits.
Excellent, thoughtful and helpful article…just as it is!
I love all that you have mentioned! Love that! Our family ALWAYS had dinner at 5:30 every day! We laughed at my brother, he made a lil animal come to life. He was such a fun brother! We sat at the table laughed, talked, and ate! Such GREAT times! Never will forget these days.
I love this list and I love the comments. I’ve written the seven points on an index card, to tape above my desk. I’ve edited #6 “Reset the Kitchen” to include “& Make the Bed”. And I added a #8 – Be a blessing. Everyday I try my best to be a blessing to someone else. Yesterday we figured out how to do a Zoom meeting with my 90 year old parents who live 500 miles from us. Due to the pandemic we haven’t seen each other for 13 months. They were thrilled to see us, too. And props to my daddy, who figured it out on his end!
So happy to hear that you are able to make it work for you and your family 👪. Easy and fun 😀
Your tips to be positive are very helpful and you told in easy and simple way. Thank you
….Usha
I enjoyed the seven recommended habits. Two I do regularly but never realized the positive effects on my daily habits like a clean kitchen
Be the mirror
Not to reflect but to see
Writing is thinking in a way that watching is not.
Excellent advice just when I been seeking a new way of life taking a moment to read an article in my Google news I’ll be practicing everything he mentioned. Starting today. Thank you Joshua
Inspirational and do-able! Having read pretty much everything you have written I still enjoy hearing from you. There’s no judgement and It’s just helpful advice on living with purpose. Re-reading posts is also really helpful when on-line shopping might be calling!
Found this article to be really good. I have been on a journey to change things about my life and habits that stop me from moving forward. It is a very simple way to start fresh within. A new direction in life.
While reading this simple but profound recipe for success, I was struck with the thought that all of these things I should have learned in kindergarten. But one of my strongly held assumptions is to strive for improvement at every stage of life. So it helps me to have these clearly spelled out prescriptions for success.
Great advice! Making your bed every morning is a good one too!
I love how logical and with simplicity your advice is… so helpful and encouraging. It helps to bring order and “forward movement” during a chaotic time. Thank you so much.
Having many activities curtailed because of the pandemic and having my dominant hand encased in fibreglass, I found this post to be exactly what I needed to read today and be encouraged by. I am continuing my journal by typing left handed on my computer so at least my thoughts and activities will be recorded for posterity!
Thank you Joshua for your insightful comments. I have been following this post for several years and am always rewarded by a new way of looking at things.
This is so refreshing in my Monday Morning Inbox. Since going to a recent Mindfulness Class I do keep a Gratitude Journal, & It really is a positive way to start my day. I do enjoy quality movies & documentaries but don’t watch regular TV anymore with all the commercials that insult one’s intelligence. I love waking up to a clean kitchen. It is so inviting to make that first cup of coffee with a clean sink & counters.
Thanks Joshua!
I’ve practiced the ” 3 things” to do list for some time. And practiced is the key word; nothing has to be done perfectly. By doing 3 things we don’t have “stuff” clouding up our brains making us feel overwhelmed.
Thank you Joshua, this was a lovely read to have w my coffee this morning. I would love to read your blog – where can I find it?
Daily exercise and writing have made such a difference to me in the last year – and you’re so right about how the daily choices we make determine the direction of our lives.
Raising my five sons with no TV in our home was one of the best parenting decisions I made. Although as an empty nester I have one TV in my house now, other than a rare PBS special, I can’t bring myself to watch it.
Great advice! Regarding 7 Eat Together: if you do live alone – eat consciously. Don’t eat while watching television, reading the mail, scrolling your phone, etc.
I love your emails!!!
Thanks Pam.
I credit the eating together idea with our grown millennial kids being the great adults they are today. We had a rule, no television turned on, no electronics and nobody leaves the table until everyone is through. In fact we made a game of whoever leaves the table first loses! So we sometimes sat for more than 30 minutes after the last bite of food was swallowed talking, us and our three children. And we all ate together. We had some really good times at the table.
I remember as an only child my Dad ate in front of the tv and my mom cleaned the kitchen while I ate at the dining room table all alone. I remember thinking how lonely I was and when I had a family I would never do this and I would make amazing meals and everyone must eat together. I did exactly that. I insist on eating together always even though it is just me and my hubby. Favorite part of the day. Come to think it’s morning.coffee, lunch and dinner together are my fav rituals.
Excellent, simple advice!
Absolutely great advice, but to add the final eighth–pray a short prayer thanking God for your blessings. If done with family or friends even more powerful.