9 habits that will change your life in a year – Often, we fail to achieve our goals because we are trying to change something in life dramatically. It is better to move in small steps and gradually update daily habits.

“Changes that seem small and insignificant at first add up to amazing results if you are willing to stick with them for years.” – James Clear.

You’ve probably heard of something like this before, but hearing and doing are not the same thing. If you want to change your life, change your habits. Start with small changes.

1. Resist reacting immediately

Yes, the world is constantly accelerating, but this does not mean that you always have to respond quickly to requests and suggestions. Don’t automatically agree to everything. Add the phrases “I’ll let you know” and “I’ll answer later” into your vocabulary.

It’s better to think for a while than to realize that you don’t need it when it’s too late. You will save your time and save yourself from unnecessary disappointments.

2. Finish at least one thing, even if you don’t feel like it

Each day, choose one small task that you do not want to do and force yourself to complete it. It can be anything: do the dishes, go for a run, or cook dinner at home instead of ordering fast food.

After a few days, you will notice that the problem is not in a specific case. Most likely, you just got used to putting off what causes discomfort.

And you will also see that it is enough to take the first step, and after that, it is not difficult to bring everything to an end. Once you’ve mastered the small things, move on to the bigger ones.

3. Spend one day a week without social media

We get so used to the phone that it already seems like a natural extension of the hand. And we often go to social networks when we are bored, sad, or awkward. As a result, we waste a lot of time.

You don’t have to give up social media completely. The key is to use them in moderation. Try going without them one day a week, such as Sunday. Take a walk, do your favorite hobby or do something else interesting.

You will notice that you have something to do even without social networks. And gradually become less likely to go into them on other days.

4. Prepare for tomorrow, the night before

You can get things done faster when you have a plan in advance. No magic, just logic.
In the evening, decide what to wear and pack your bag. Make a to-do list, and check your calendar for appointments and reminders. Do whatever it takes to make your next day easier. Train yourself to do this as soon as you get home or before bed.

5. Eat without distraction

We tend to eat more when we eat and work, read, or watch phone/TV. In addition, we almost do not feel the taste of food because we are distracted by another matter.

Try eating separately from other activities. You will most likely notice that you just want to pick up your phone or turn on some series. Don’t give in.

6. Use a timer when doing work tasks

The Pomodoro Method can rightly be called the bible of productivity. The Pomodoro timer helps you focus, while short breaks allow you to rest and recharge. Start with standard intervals: 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest, and then find a rhythm that suits you.

7. Leave your phone on the other side of the room at night

If it lies next to the bed, the temptation to put off the alarm clock and take a nap will be higher. Protect yourself from this.

If the phone is far away, you will have to stand up to mute it. And there you will remember how much you need to do today. You will feel hungry or thirsty. In any case, it will be easier to start the day.

8. Don’t buy as soon as you like something

Follow two rules. First, if you like the item, wait a few days before the purchase. If during this time it has not ceased to seem to you that you really need it, return to the store. Naturally, we are not talking about what you deliberately followed or what you have been looking for for a long time.

Secondly, do not rush to sales. Marketers are well aware of how our brain works and how pleasant it is for us to find a good deal. To avoid overbuying, ask yourself, “Would I pay full price for this?” If the answer is no, move on.

9. Write down all your ideas

They come in the most unexpected places, and it seems to us that we will remember them. But usually, they get out of our heads very soon, and then we struggle to remember what was important to do or what new approach we thought to try at work. To prevent this from happening, train yourself to write down all ideas, even those that seem insignificant.