Transform your life with 52 life changing habits. Learn how small, consistent actions can help you achieve your goals faster.

52 Life Changing Habits: Top Helpful Habits Everyone Should Adopt

Aug 6, 2024

By Will Moore

I've spent over 25 years studying, experimenting with, and implementing life-changing habits, and I can tell you with certainty that habits shape our lives in profound ways. As Aristotle famously said,

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

The small, seemingly insignificant actions we take each day accumulate over time, leading to significant changes in our lives by incorporating healthy habits into our daily routines, including eating healthy.

Over the past two and a half decades, I've gone from a suicidal victim to a “growth owner" who knows he has everything in him to become an unstoppable force. I became a serial entrepreneur, with my biggest success coming from a Food Delivery startup my partners and I exited for $321 million.

My experience has taught me that by systematically replacing negative habits with positive ones, we can dramatically change our lives. Whether you're rock bottom like I was or simply looking to improve various aspects of your life, the following 52 life-changing habits can help you achieve your goals faster and live a more fulfilling and balanced life.

How to Make Life Changing Habits Part of Your Routine

Before we study the specific life-changing habits, let’s first discuss how you can incorporate these habits into your life effectively. I have developed a 3-step process for creating lasting change that involves understanding the nature of habits, identifying and replacing bad habits, and starting with small, manageable changes. These habits can positively impact both your physical and mental health, contributing to overall well-being.

Step 1: Understand What Life Changing Habits Are

Habits are routines or behaviors that are performed regularly—often unconsciously—and influence our lives, either positively or negatively. Breaking old habits can be challenging, as familiar behavior patterns often resist change. As the saying goes, “First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” Understanding the science behind habits can help us harness their power for good.

When we encounter a new situation, our brain decides and is rewarded. Repeated actions strengthen neuron connections, making the behavior automatic, thus freeing up energy to work on other tasks. This is captured in the phrase, “neurons that fire together wire together.” Life-changing habits can also be integrated into your professional life to enhance productivity and well-being.

These neural pathways form deep grooves that make it easy for your brain to say,

'Got that one, don’t have to think about it anymore,' freeing up energy to work on other tasks.

Step 2: Identify and Replace Bad Habits

Bad habits can be detrimental to your progress and well-being, but the good news is that you can transform them into positive behaviors. Start by identifying your bad habits and understanding the triggers that initiate them. For example, if you have a habit of snacking when you’re bored, boredom is your trigger. Keeping a journal to track when and where your bad habits occur can provide valuable insights. Use the Habit Loop.

Charles" Duhigg, in “The Power of Habit,” explains the habit loop:

Cue: Noticing the trigger that initiates the habit.
Craving: The desire for the reward.
Response: The action taken to get the reward.
Reward: The benefit received from the action, reinforcing the habit.

Identify the cue that triggers your bad habit, the craving it creates, the response (your bad habit), and the reward you receive. Then, replace the bad habit with a good one that provides a similar reward.

For example: If your cue is feeling stressed and your response is eating junk food, replace it with a healthy alternative like taking a walk or practicing deep breathing exercises. The reward (reduced stress) remains the same, but the response changes to a healthier habit.

Increase the friction for bad habits and reduce it for good ones. Make bad habits difficult to maintain by creating barriers and make good habits easier by setting up supportive environments.

Step 3: Start with Small Changes

One of the most powerful concepts in habit formation is starting small. This means that the small, seemingly insignificant changes we make every day can lead to substantial long-term results.

Starting with small changes makes new habits more manageable and sustainable. By linking new habits to established routines (habit stacking), you increase the likelihood of sticking with them.

For example:

After brushing your teeth (existing habit), drink a glass of water (new habit).
Go to bed earlier to get more sleep and feel refreshed (small change).
After you brew your morning coffee (existing habit), meditate for five minutes (new habit).

What Are 52 Life-Changing Habits?

Below are 52 habits that can change your life. I have categorized them into daily, weekly, and monthly habits to make them easier to adopt:

Daily Habits

Daily habits are the building blocks of our lives. Incorporating positive daily habits can lead to remarkable improvements in various aspects of life. Here are some daily habits that can have a profound impact on your life:

Plan Your Day—Take 10 minutes each morning to outline your tasks and priorities for the day.
Make Your Bed—Start your day by making your bed.
Journal Your Thoughts—Spend a few minutes each day writing down your thoughts and reflections to clear your mind and set a positive tone.
Exercise in the Morning—Incorporate a 15-minute exercise routine into your morning to boost energy and metabolism.
Eat Healthy Snacks—Prepare a list of healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain energy levels.
Limit Social Media Usage—Set specific times for social media use to reduce mental clutter and improve focus.
Spend Time with Family Members—Dedicate 30 minutes each day to meaningful interactions with your family.
Maintain Sleep Hygiene—Go to bed at the same time every night and ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
Read for 30 Minutes—Read a book that interests you for at least 30 minutes daily to expand your knowledge and reduce stress.
Practice Visualization—Spend 5 minutes each day visualizing your goals and desired outcomes to enhance motivation and clarity.
Drink Water Before Each Meal—Drink a glass of water before each meal to aid digestion and maintain hydration.
Smile More—Make a conscious effort to smile more often to improve your mood and interactions with others.
Stretch Daily—Incorporate a 10-minute stretching routine into your daily schedule to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Practice Deep Breathing—Take 5 minutes to practice deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
Track Daily Progress Towards Goals—Monitor your daily achievements in a journal to stay motivated and accountable.
Write Things You’re Proud Of—Boost self-confidence by acknowledging and writing down your daily accomplishments.
Practice Power Posing—Spend 2 minutes in a power pose to boost confidence and reduce stress hormones through body language. It is a confident, expansive posture.
Use Positive Affirmations—Start your day with positive self-talk to boost motivation and self-esteem.
Take Responsibility—Reflect on your actions each day and take ownership of your decisions.
Avoid Multitasking—Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and reduce stress.
Tell the Truth—Practice honesty with yourself and others to build trust and authenticity in your relationships.
Process Your Emotions—Acknowledge and address your feelings to prevent them from leading to unhealthy behaviors.
Examine Bank Accounts and Budgets Daily—Make a habit of saving money by reviewing your bank accounts and budgets each day to manage your finances better.

Weekly Habits

Here are some weekly habits that require less frequent but consistent effort and can have a significant impact on your life:

Plan Your Week—Take 30 minutes each week to plan ahead. Use a to-do list or a planner to organize your tasks and set your priorities.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity—Schedule at least three 30-minute physical activities like nature walks, yard work, or fitness classes per week.
Reflect on Your Progress—At the end of each week, spend 15 minutes reflecting on what you accomplished and what could be improved.
Meal Prep for the Week—Dedicate an hour each week to plan and prepare your meals to save time and ensure healthy eating.
Clean Your Home—Spend 30 minutes each week cleaning your home.
Explore New Hobbies—Try a new hobby or activity each week to keep things fresh and exciting.
Volunteer—Set aside 1-2 hours each week to volunteer in your community for a mood boost and a sense of fulfillment.
Socialize—Plan at least one social activity each week to strengthen social connections.
Mute (or unfollow) most social media accounts—Every week, unfollow or mute accounts that don't inspire you and replace them with those that bring positivity and motivation.
Learn Something New—Dedicate an hour each week to learning a new skill or gaining knowledge on a topic of interest.
Review Your Goals—Spend 15 minutes each week reflecting on your goals, assessing your progress, and adjusting plans as necessary.
Practice Self-Care—Take 1-2 hours each week for self-care activities like a spa day, a relaxing bath, or a hobby you love.
Unplug from Technology—Have a technology-free day each week to disconnect and recharge.
Cook a New Recipe—Try cooking a new recipe each week to add variety to your meals and improve your culinary skills.
Exercise with a Friend—Schedule a workout session with a friend to make exercising more enjoyable and accountable.

Monthly Habits

Monthly habits can help you achieve long-term goals and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Here are some habits to incorporate into your monthly routine:

Conduct Financial Reviews—Once a month, review your finances. Track your spending, set a budget, and identify areas where you can save money.
Set Monthly Goals—Set specific, achievable goals at the beginning of each month. These can be related to any area of your life, such as career, health, or personal development.
Declutter and Organize—Take 2-3 hours each month for deep cleaning and organize your living or working space to maintain a productive environment.
Attend a Workshop or Seminar—Commit to attending a workshop or seminar to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Review Your Long-Term Goals—At the end of each month, review your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Reconnect with Old Friends—Reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Reconnecting with old friends can strengthen your social network.
Try a New Experience—Each month, try something new, whether visiting a new place, trying a new activity, or meeting new people.
Donate or Give Back—Find a cause you care about and donate your time, money, or resources.
Health Check-Up—Schedule a monthly health check-up or self-assessment to monitor your well-being.
Evaluate Your Work-Life Balance—Reflect on your work-life balance and make adjustments to ensure that you give adequate attention to all areas of your life.
Create a Vision Board—Update or create a vision board, a collage of images and affirmations that represent your goals and aspirations, to visualize and stay focused on your dreams.
Read a Book—Aim to read at least one book each month to expand your knowledge and relax your mind.
Explore a New Culture—Learn about a new culture each month to broaden your understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Set Up a Savings Goal—Establish a monthly savings goal and stick to it to build a financial cushion over time.
Conduct a Monthly Habit Audit—Review and optimize your routines for maximum impact on your goals.

Tips to Maintain Life-Changing Habits

1. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key to habit formation. Make your new habits a regular part of your routine. The more consistently you practice them, the more ingrained they will become.

2. Use Reminders and Cues

Set reminders and create cues to help you remember to practice your new habits. This could be as simple as setting an alarm or placing visual cues in your environment. Share your goals with a family member for support and accountability.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognizing your achievements reinforces positive behavior and motivates you to keep going.

4. Find an Accountability Partner

Partner with someone who has similar goals and regularly check in with each other. An accountability partner provides support, motivation, and a sense of responsibility. Knowing that someone else is aware of your goals can significantly boost your commitment and consistency.

Conclusion - Life Changing Habits:

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the transformation I experienced was deeply rooted in the power of habits. By focusing on small, consistent changes, I reshaped my mindset and life in profound ways.

Start Changing Yourself Today by Taking This Quiz

Now you’ve learned about these 52 life-changing habits, it’s time to take action. But where should you start? The key is to understand where you currently stand in the different areas of your life.

Take the first step to make it simple, fun, and rewarding to implement these solutions by taking our “CORE VALUES QUIZ.” This quiz will help you see where you stand in the 5 Core Areas of Life:

Mindset
Career & Finance
Relationships"
Physical Health
Emotional Health

By identifying your strengths and areas for improvement, you’ll be better equipped to choose which habits to focus on first and start leveling up. Plus, the quiz results provide personalized recommendations to help you on your journey to a better, leveled-up you.

Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. TAKE THE CORE VALUES QUIZ now and start your path to a more fulfilling, balanced, and successful life!

What are some life-changing habits that have worked for others?

Some widely recognized life-changing habits include:

Regular exercise
Consistent sleep schedule
Mindfulness or meditation
Reading regularly
Setting and pursuing goals
Practicing gratitude
Healthy eating

How can habits change your life?

Habits can change your life by:

Creating consistent positive behaviors
Reducing decision fatigue
Building momentum toward goals
Improving overall well-being and productivity
Reshaping your identity and self-perception

How to change bad habits into good ones?

To change bad habits into good ones:

Identify the trigger for the bad habit
Replace the bad habit with a positive alternative
Make the new habit easy to start
Track your progress
Reward yourself for maintaining the new habit
Be patient and consistent

Life-Changing Habits for Students

Effective time management
Active reading and note-taking
Regular study schedules
Healthy sleep patterns
Balancing academics and extracurriculars
Networking and building relationships
Setting and reviewing goals