You don't need to wait to ring in the new year to start making self-improvements, because it's always a good time. Especially if making resolutions isn't your thing [1], a better way to set yourself up for success is to commit to making and maintaining small changes. In 2018 — or better yet, now — pick up these 10 good habits.
- Read regularly: It's no coincidence that some of the most successful people in the world, like Oprah and Bill Gates [3], share a habit of reading as much as they can. If one book a week doesn't sound doable to you, try even setting aside 20 minutes each day to get some pages in.
- Take breaks (in all senses): Instead of powering through your workday from morning until night, force yourself to step away from your desk for a few minutes throughout the day. Getting some fresh air can help you return more clearheaded. Similarly, avoid burnout by allowing yourself to take a day off when you most need it or by turning down plans to give yourself some time to relax.
- Be punctual: Being on time is one of the easiest ways to be courteous. It shows that you care and you won't be responsible for holding up the rest of the group's plans.
- Relieve stress: Whether it's through exercise or a creative outlet, everybody needs a healthy method of blowing off steam to keep their sanity in check. If you don't already, commit to doing an activity you enjoy once a week at the very least.
- Check in with friends: Many of us often let a month or three slip before reconnecting with a good friend [4]. Shoot them a quick text debriefing key events that happened since the last time you spoke and have them do the same. That way, you won't have to wait until your next coffee date to catch each other up on your lives. Also, instead of saying "we need to get together soon," set a date right then and there to hold each other accountable.
- Check in with yourself: Instead of reacting to things that are now out of your control, take a step back to evaluate your current state [5]. Ask yourself how you're feeling, what you need more or less of, etc. This will help prevent your life from seeming like it's spiralling out of control during more stressful times, and it'll allow you to give yourself what you need, when you need it.
- Do more of what you love: Making time for your passions and interests will only do you good. Not only will it bring you more joy, but it'll also help you achieve a better work-life balance that will be more beneficial in the long run. Don't feel bad about enjoying yourself.
- Give yourself praise: Self-deprecation is something we're all guilty of. It's easy to criticise yourself, but it's also a toxic way of thinking. Make it a habit to flip those negative thoughts into ones that highlight a positive quality you have. You should also take some time each day to think about a personal accomplishment you're proud of.
- Be thankful: The simple act of gratitude can have tremendous benefits [6] for both your relationships and your physical health. When you're appreciative, it also puts things into perspective and helps you focus on the positives in your life.
- Take care of yourself: Take preventative measures in terms of both your mental and physical health. Whether that includes drinking more water, getting routine checkups, sleeping enough, or all of the above, making wellness a priority [7] will only help you out.