Ten Habits That Set You Apart from 99% of People

The concept of habits has surged in popularity in recent years, mostly due to the personal development wave brought up by the Gen Z culture. 

Primarily, this movement is about seizing control of your life. Many people found themselves living on autopilot, conforming to social standards, and neglecting to observe how they spend their time.

The Unrealistic Habits Movement

The talk about habits became really big, especially looking at successful people like CEOs and celebrities. But with all the advice out there in podcasts, books, and videos, some habits are just too much. They can stress you out and even hurt your health instead of helping.

So, let me clarify once and for all:

You don’t have to wake up at 5am, if that doesn’t work for you

You don't have to follow any particular habit. The most important thing is to listen to your body and mind. Choose only the habits that feel right for you and actually make your life better.

“If you have the ability to love, love yourself first.”—Charles Bukowski

The 10 Habits That Can Enhanced Your Life

Today, I want to share a special list of habits I've picked out from lots of different ones. I've tried them out, adjusted them, and made them work for me. The order doesn't really matter, so let's get started!

Practice Daily Meditation

Taking time to meditate every day helps you feel more peaceful and focused. Try different techniques like breathing exercises, meditation where you repeat a word, or simply going for a mindful walk. Find what works best for you. And remember, doing it regularly is important to get the most out of it.

Different people find meditation in different activities. It could be transcendental meditation, yoga, focusing on your breath, or even just taking a walk. Here are some ways I meditate:

- Sitting quietly and clearing my mind

- Imagining peaceful scenes

- Doing a workout

- Listening to calming music

- Taking a relaxing shower

It's about finding what helps you feel calm and centered.

Limit Coffee Intake Upon Waking

Coffee is a popular morning drink that gives us energy, but having too much can be bad for us. To avoid relying too much on caffeine, try not to drink coffee for the first 1-2 hours after you wake up. You can wait until later in the morning to have your first cup.

Prioritize Quality Sleep

In my journey to improve myself, I worked on different parts of my life like staying fit, building relationships, and eating healthy. But, I always ignored how important sleep is. I used to stay up late, hanging out with friends, watching Netflix, or reading. Then I realize how crucial sleep is. So, here's what I learned:

- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, aligning with your body's natural circadian rhythm.

- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

- Awaken at the end of a sleep cycle, typically lasting 90 minutes.

- Ensure your bedroom is cool and dark to promote quality sleep.

Engage in Daily Exercise

Lots of research says that exercising regularly is really good for your body and mind. Personally, exercise has given me:

- Discipline

- Stress relief

- A sense of purpose

- Dopamine release

- Increased energy and motivation

 I make sure to walk at least 5,000 steps every day.

Use Timeboxing for Task Management

Timeboxing is a method that successful people like Elon Musk use. It means setting aside specific times for different tasks. By giving each task your full attention during its set time, you can get more done without rushing or losing quality. It's best to focus on one thing at a time, as trying to do too much at once can make you less efficient.

Utilize To-Do Lists for Daily Planning

To-do lists are really helpful for organizing what we need to do and feeling less stressed. Whether you make your list in the morning or at night, putting everything down on paper can make your day easier. It's important to be flexible and adjust your list if things change. Adding extra time between tasks and focusing on the most important things can help too.

Take care of yourself by making self-care habits

Even though it's important, many guys forget to take care of themselves. Having self-care habits in the morning and at night can really help you feel better and get more done. In the morning, they can help you get ready for the day, and at night, they can help you relax and get ready for bed.

Minimize Exposure to Bright Lights Before Bed

Our bodies have a natural rhythm called the circadian rhythm, which is affected by light. Avoiding bright lights, like those from phones or computers, before bed helps your body make melatonin, which helps you fall asleep better.

Read Regularly for Personal Growth

Reading helps us learn and grow as people. Instead of worrying about how many pages you read, focus on understanding what you're reading and thinking about how it applies to your life.

Journal for Emotional Clarity

Journaling serves as a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions and thoughts. Instead of adhering to a strict daily regimen, journal as needed to clarify feelings and gain insights into your mental state.

You might have noticed I didn't say to journal every day. That's because I'm not talking about the typical "Dear Journal" entries where you list your activities. I mean using journaling to explore your feelings and thoughts.

Write in your journal when you feel like you need to. Focus on understanding yourself better by asking questions like:

- What's bothering me right now?

- Why am I feeling stressed or anxious?

- What am I happy or grateful for?

- How have I been feeling lately?

The goal is to process your emotions and gain insight into yourself.

These habits have significantly enriched my life, but remember, personal development is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Experiment, adapt, and prioritize what works best for you. Patience and self-awareness are paramount on this path to growth.