5 Quirky Habits For The Rest Of 2023

James Clear wrote in Atomic Habits: "Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become."

Now is the time to forge the momentum for 2024.

Here are 5 quirky habits I’m committed to for the rest of 2023 to level up:

1. No social media for 12 hours each day

I have been writing online for 2½ years now. And connecting with others and building a community online has changed my life. But staying connected all the time would ruin the connections I have in the real world and is bad for my health.

So I am using an app (Opal) which blocks all social media apps from 9pm to 9am every day (my screentime is down 25% since installing it 3 months ago).

The 9pm cutoff is vital to avoid meaningless scrolling instead of going to bed on time.

And the morning block is essential to ensure I don’t get sucked into checking posts instead of missing time for my morning workouts.

2. One weekly off-the-cuff video

As a non-native speaker, I have always shied away from video. But equally, nothing is more powerful for connecting with your audience than video.

So I will continue posting on video a week speaking to the camera, usually during one of my morning runs in the Scottish hills.

3. Trail running

Unless we are conscious of it, modern life can easily be lived with a minimal daily step-count (driving everywhere) and working without moving (stuck behind a screen).

Our bodies are designed to move.

Our mind is designed to switch off regularly.

Our soul is designed to connect with nature daily.

Trail running is the most potent way to get outside, exercise and give your eyes a rest from staring at short distances all day long. I run the local trails 2-3 a week now.

4. Munro bagging

Scotland is well known for having a lot of mountains. The tallest mountains in Scotland are grouped together and collectively known as “Munros” (these are all mountains over 3,000ft).

We have 282 in total and I’m committed to climb them all. Ideally with the kids.

The magic of climbing these mountains is that they can be climbed in a day, and yet pose significant physical challenges. But more important is the mental aspect of facing a seemingly huge task, committing to it and overcoming the obstacle step-by-step. (Especially for the kids this is a character-building masterclass)

5. Sharing more stories

There was a time when writing online was all about generic advice to see your audience grow.

That time is over and we are all better off for it.

I’m committed to present a unique angle to parenthood, business and fitness with the hope of inspiring others and learning from all of you along the way.

What are habits you are committing to for the rest of 2023?