10 Dead-Simple Habits Transforming Your Life

1. Get up at the same time every day

Your body doesn't operate with a weekend. Varying your getting up time confuses your circadian rhythm and leaves you more tired and less productive. Instead set the alarm for the same time every day. Use your weekends for some personal time.

2. Set realistic goals for the day

We often make grand plans and overextend ourselves. Writing a massive to-do list feels good, but then we fail to get it done. That'll leave you feeling mad at yourself. Instead, plan for less and focus on quality.

3. No alcohol before workdays

Having a drink in the evening impacts your sleep, impacts you getting up in the morning and impacts your mood the next day. Instead, use a different evening ritual (e.g. journalling) to unwind.

4. No caffeine past lunch

Caffeine's half-life is around 6 hours. That means your 3pm cup of Joe impacts your body's ability to wind down way past 9pm. Instead, finish drinking coffee at lunchtime and switch for more water and movement to stay focused in the afternoon.

5. Plan with pen & paper

Most people use their devices to write. Yet research has shown the positive neurologic link between using pen & paper and capturing your thoughts. Instead, of grabbing your phone to plan your day, use pen & paper and avoid the distractions of your phone.

6. Evening brain dump

A restful sleep requires a calm mind. Don't just shut your laptop after your workday. Instead, do an evening brain dump to write out everything that is left undone and any thoughts racing in your head. Once they are written down, they're out of your mind.

7. Challenge yourself

Routines are key to achieve your goals. But often we stay in our comfort zones longer than is good for us. Instead, challenge yourself regularly to ensure your personal growth. Sign up for a marathon, go for that promotion, have the difficult conversation.

8. Personal escape

We spend most of our waking time working and often fill up our calendars with other social and family activities. Instead, make sure you have a protected personal space each day to check-in with yourself. It only needs to be 20mins. Make this non-negotiable.

9. Time-blocking

Most people fill their calendar with meetings. But when do you do your real work and create space for your other pursuits? Instead, time-block your calendar. Assign an activity to each part of your day, including when you need some time to just relax.

10. Time in nature

We spend all day connecting with others through screens. But when do you make time to connect with yourself and the world around you? Instead, make time to reconnect by disconnecting. Seek daily time in nature.