Let’s be honest—creating new habits is hard.
We’ve all heard that it takes 21 or 30 days to form a habit, but I’m calling it: that’s not always true. In my experience, it takes longer, and even then, it’s still easy to slip.
Weekends, for example, throw me off. My weekday rhythm is structured, predictable—then Saturday rolls around, and everything shifts. And that’s okay.
But over time, I’ve learned that it’s not about doing everything perfectly every single day. It’s about identifying the small habits that ground you—and returning to them again and again.
Here are a few of the tiny habits that have truly changed how I live, think, and feel:
☀️ 1. Morning Gratitude with Intention
Every morning, I write down one thing I’m grateful for—and I do this in not one, but two different planners.
At first, it was simple stuff like “coffee.” But now I dig deeper.
Instead of just writing “coffee,” I’ll write: “I’m grateful for coffee because it gives me a moment of peace before the day begins.”
That tiny shift makes a big difference. It helps anchor my day in meaning, not just routine.
🎯 2. Defining My Top 3 Priorities
Before my day kicks off, I take 30 seconds—just 30!—to jot down my top three priorities.
Even though the day might throw me some curveballs, this habit gives my mind a roadmap. And if something gets bumped? I just roll it over to tomorrow. No shame. No guilt. Just grace and flexibility.
💬 3. Using People’s Names
This one might sound small, but it has created big emotional shifts in my daily interactions.
When I’m out and about—say at a restaurant—and someone tells me their name, I use it.
If my server says, “Hi, I’m Wendy,” I make sure to say, “Thank you, Wendy,” later on.
It’s a small act of acknowledgment that humanizes everyday interactions. And I genuinely believe it creates better connections—and yes, sometimes even better service.
💧 4. Water Before Coffee
Okay, I don’t do this one every day—but I try.
Drinking water before coffee helps with hydration, mental clarity, and honestly, just sets a healthier tone for the day. It also helps me get down my morning vitamins (which, if you know, you know).
😶🌫️ 5. Naming My Emotions
This one is a work in progress—and also the most transformative.
Instead of saying, “I’m mad,” I try to get more specific: Am I frustrated? Overwhelmed? Disappointed? Perplexed?
There’s a saying: “Name it to tame it.”
Expanding my emotional vocabulary helps me process what’s really going on and gives me the tools to respond with more clarity and compassion—especially toward myself.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Forming habits isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
The smallest shifts—gratitude, water, kindness, emotion naming—can change how we approach our day and ultimately, how we experience our life.
So now I want to hear from you:
What are the tiny habits that have changed your life?
Let’s share and grow together. 💛
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