If you can develop four, just four simple daily habits, you have just created a great recipe for success. Let me explain. First, we all are creatures of our habits. Second, our habits determine our success and failures in life. And third, our habits will dictate our destinies. For example, bad habits like smoking, excessive screen time, procrastination, and a poor diet are a short list of the many habits that can undermine our desire for any type of success in your personal or professional life. But there is hope for success in our personal and professional life. Success that others can obtain but will envy unless they too are willing to put in the effort of creating habits for the life they truly desire.
Here are the four simple habits, when put into daily practice that will change your entire life and the lives of others.
- Gratitude: “Gratitude will unlock all virtues and is something you can get better at” (Kevin Kelly). If, when you first awake you think of one thing you are grateful for and then verbally expressing that gratitude before you get out of bed, you will be happier, healthier, and have a better positive outlook on life. Just a simple statement of gratefulness for the new day, or a relationship, or life itself has wonderful benefits. For instance: Psychologytoday.com say, gratefulness improves of our physical and mental wellbeing, along with strengthening our relationships. And has also been shown to lower blood pressure, strengthen our immune systems, reduce symptoms of illness and make us less bothered by aches and pains. So, developing the simple habit of gratitude before our feet hit the floor in the morning will change everything.
- Exercise: “Movement plus variety equals health” (Kevin Kelly). Did you know that creating the habit of exercise will boost your energy and enhance your mood. The Mayo Clinic and healthline.com say, “regular physical activity can improve muscle strength, boost endurance, helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It also has a positive effect on our mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.” So, if you want to feel better, look better, fight off possible illness and have a heathier overall attitude about life, exercise! Start by just going for a walk but make that walk a habit. Robert Collier said that “Little Steps can lead to great things when taken consistently and with determination.
- Reading: The habit of reading everyday develops knowledge, improves focus, strengthens memory, and vocabulary. It also makes you interesting to talk with during friend and colleague conversations. Jim Rohn said, “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary” and Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Many say if you want to standout, become extraordinary, and create a better future for yourself, develop the habit of reading at least 10 pages of any good book each day. Then take would you learn and make application about what you read.
- Helping Others: Every day look for some way to help someone. Be it a smile, a lending hand, or a positive remark. This habit alone will change their world and yours. Ann Frank said, “No one has ever become poor by giving” and Jesus said, “It is better to give than to receive”. Many have said that in putting others ahead of oneself one becomes rich. The habit of helping someone in some way daily will positively put you in a better mood, help with understanding your purpose, strengthen relationships and make new relationships. It even helps with your overall health.
Developing these for habits would be a life changer and very satisfying to say the least. The amount of time could be anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour a day, with exercising and reading being most of that time. Start today with developing the habits, stay consistent and preserve. Remember keep your eye and the prize and you will reach your destination.
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