47 Good Daily Habits List To Transform Your Life

Home » Good Daily Habits » 47 Good Daily Habits List To Transform Your Life
Click Here to Get a FREE Printable Worksheet for Setting Effective SMART Goals

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Good habits can improve your physical and mental health, make you more productive and help you achieve your goals. Plus, good habits make you more likely to make healthy choices and stay organized.

But here's the most remarkable part: good habits can be contagious, influencing and inspiring others to adopt similar healthy practices. Moreover, by surrounding yourself with individuals who share your values, you will have a greater opportunity to flourish and reach your full potential.

So let's plan to develop some awesome habits in the New Year and make it our most successful one yet! Don’t think of it as a resolution, but as a new way of life.

You do not need to wait until the new year to start your journey toward healthy habits. Start now and you will be well on your way to changing the trajectory of your life!

What is a Good Habit?

A good habit is any behavior that benefits your overall well-being and helps you reach your goals.

These healthy habits can be small, like making your bed every morning, improving oral hygiene or taking a daily walk, or they can be more significant… like exercising regularly or eating a healthy diet.

One of the great things about good habits is that they can be developed over time and become automatic, which means you don't have to consciously think about doing them. This can be helpful in the long run because it frees up mental energy for other tasks and helps you stay on track with your goals.

Are you feeling stuck in a rut and ready for a positive change? Well, you're in luck! Good habits can work wonders in not just one, but seven areas of your life!

That's right, developing daily habits to improve your well-being can have a positive ripple effect on your health, relationships, finances, productivity, creativity, personal growth, and more.

Need some inspiration? We've compiled a list of good habits that you can start implementing today to kickstart your journey towards a happier and healthier lifestyle. So pick at least one from our daily habit ideas and let's get started on making those positive changes!

Career Goals

Ah, career goals.

The seemingly never-ending quest to navigate the maze of professional aspirations, while still managing to make it to the gym on time and not forget your kid's science project. It's easy to get lost in the daily grind of life and forget to focus on our personal development.

But fear not, my fellow career climbers! By implementing positive habits like time management and goal-setting, we can stay on track and take those small steps towards our ultimate goals.

And who knows, maybe along the way we'll even discover a new passion or skillset that we never knew existed. So let's get to it, one small step at a time.

1. Landing your dream job

Finding and landing your dream job can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It's a chance to pursue work that aligns with your passions, values, and skills and can bring a sense of purpose to your daily life.

Action Plan:

  • Identify your dream job and the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
  • Build relationships and network within your field of interest.
  • Update your resume and cover letter.
  • Research the company and the role you're applying for.
  • Practice common interview questions.
  • Follow up after the interview, and don’t give up.

2. Get promoted

A career promotion can have many benefits, such as a higher salary and more opportunities. Focusing on getting an upgrade can be a great way to take your career to the next level and achieve your professional goals.

Action Plan:

  • Seek opportunities to improve your skills.
  • Build professional relationships with your superiors and coworkers.
  • Be willing to go above and beyond in your job duties.
  • Attend training and professional development opportunities.
  • Take on leadership roles to demonstrate your leadership abilities.
  • Collaborate with your team and contribute to the success of the company.
  • Stay positive and professional, even in difficult situations.
daily habits to improve life | good habits examples | examples of habits of a person
A career advancement can provide numerous benefits, including a higher salary and more opportunities.

3. Create a healthy work-life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for your overall well-being and happiness. Check out our article, 11 Reasons Why Work-Life Balance is Important to help motivate you.

Action Plan:

  • Set realistic goals and priorities.
  • Delegate tasks and ask for help when needed.
  • Take breaks and use vacation time to recharge and prevent burnout.
  • Find ways to reduce stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
  • Communicate your needs and boundaries with your employer and coworkers.

4. Grow your professional network

Building and growing your network is essential to career development and can open up new opportunities and connections.

Action Plan:

  • Identify the types of professionals you'd like to connect with.
  • Attend industry events and conferences.
  • Join professional organizations and online communities.
  • Use social media platforms to connect with professionals in your field.
  • Reach out to people you admire or would like to work with.
  • Follow up with new contacts.
  • Stay organized and track your networking progress.

5. Improve your time management skills

Improving your time-management skills can be a game-changer for productivity and overall success. It can help reduce stress and stay organized.

Action Plan:

  • Create a to-do list to help plan and organize your day.
  • Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
  • Use tools such as calendars, timers, or productivity apps.
  • Minimize distractions, such as checking emails or social media.
  • Delegate tasks and responsibilities to manage your workload. (How to prioritize tasks)
  • Stay flexible and adaptable – things may not always go as planned, but with good time management skills, you can handle unexpected challenges.

Finance Goals

It's never too early or too late to set financial goals for yourself.

One of the best daily habits you can develop is to keep track of your progress towards those goals. Whether it's saving for a down payment on a house or paying off credit card debt, make sure you set realistic goals and consistently track these goals.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is financial stability. But with a little dedication and determination, you can achieve your financial dreams one day at a time. So, start tracking your progress and watch those good daily habits turn into long-term financial success!

6. Track your expenses

By keeping track of what you are spending money on, you can identify areas where you might be able to cut back or save more and make more informed decisions about your financial future.

Action Plan:

7. Automate your investments

Automotive investments help you proficiently budget your money. Automatic payments take the stress off meeting deadlines and guarantee investing cash into your account monthly.

Action Plan:

  • Make of list of your bills and where you pay them.
  • Enroll in automatic payments for your bills.
  • Keep track of passwords and save receipts.
  • Mark your calendars when the automatic payments are to be dispersed.
  • Keep an eye on your bank account to ensure there is enough money.
daily habits | good habits to start | good daily habits to track
Automotive investments allow you to effectively budget your money.

8. Pay off your debt

Paying off your debt is super important because it can help reduce the amount of money you spend on interest and fees, and it can also help improve your credit score.

Action Plan:

  • Make a list of all your debts.
  • Prioritize your debts based on the interest rate.
  • Make the minimum monthly payments on all your debts.
  • Consider a debt repayment program.
  • Seek support from a financial advisor or counselor.
  • Stay motivated and focused on your debt repayment goals.

9. Save for retirement

Saving for retirement is super important because it helps ensure you have the financial resources you need to live comfortably once you stop working.

Action Plan:

  • If possible, contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or pension.
  • Increase your contributions to your retirement account.
  • Save any extra income, such as bonuses or tax returns, towards your retirement savings.
  • Use budgeting tools, such as a budgeting app or spreadsheet.

10. Set up an emergency fund

Saving for an emergency fund is essential because it can help you handle unexpected expenses without relying on credit cards or loans.

Action Plan:

  • Decide how much money you can contribute to an emergency fund.
  • Save any extra income for emergency funds, such as bonuses or tax returns.
  • Consider setting up separate savings accounts.
  • Contribute to the account each month.
  • Consider saving for unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or home maintenance, in addition to your emergency fund.

Health Goals

Getting started on your health goals can seem overwhelming. But remember, taking care of yourself is like personal development on steroids!

Sure, flossing and brushing might not seem like the most exciting parts of your day, but establishing good oral hygiene is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle.

And don't forget about physical health! While hitting the gym might not be your idea of a good time, adding a bit of exercise to your daily routine can make a world of difference.

So go on, make those health goals and get ready to unleash the best version of yourself!

11. Lose weight

Losing weight is important because it can help improve your overall health and well-being. You can also read more about necessary weight loss habits to help keep you on track.

Action Plan:

12. Increase physical activities

Whoever said “old habits die hard” must not have known about the power of good habits.

For those looking to improve their physical health, practicing daily good habits can be a game changer. Whether it's taking a brisk walk around the block or consistently drinking water instead of soda, implementing a list of habits can make all the difference in feeling your best.

So, why not get rid of those bad habits (looking at you, midnight snackers) and embrace a healthier lifestyle? Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Action Plan:

  • Set realistic and achievable goals
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Go for a 10-minute walk during your lunch break
  • Stretch or do yoga when you wake up
  • Do bodyweight exercises at home such as push-ups and squats
  • Park further away from store entrances
  • Ride a bike to work or school
  • Join an online workout class (Zumba, Yoga, Pilates)
  • Invest in “at home” exercise equipment such as jump ropes, treadmills and weights

13. Eat a healthy breakfast

You’ll find that starting your day off with a nourishing meal leaves you feeling energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Action Plan:

  • Plan your breakfast the night before.
  • Focus on nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats.
  • Limit the number of sugars in your breakfast, like sugary cereals.
  • Stay hydrated and drink juice or a glass of water.
  • Experiment with different options to find your favorite healthy foods.

14. Improve your mental health

Focusing on your mental health is important because it impacts every aspect of your life. Taking care of your mental health can help you feel happier, more confident, and more resilient.

Action Plan:

  • Incorporate daily stress management techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.
  • Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.
  • Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax.
  • Get enough sleep to help you feel rested and refreshed.
  • Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support your overall mental and physical well-being.
  • Practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life.

15. Improve your sleep

Improving sleep is crucial because it can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. When you get enough quality sleep, you're more likely to feel energized, alert, and able to handle the challenges of the day.

Action Plan:

  • Establish a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book.
  • Keep your bedroom calm, dark, and quiet to create a relaxing environment.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime.
  • Before bed, avoid screens (such as phones, laptops, or TVs).
  • Seek medical advice and treatment, such as seeing a doctor for a medical condition or working with a sleep specialist to address any sleep disorders.

16. 30-minute workout goal

Regular physical activity can help you build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Action Plan:

  • Decide what type of physical activity you prefer, such as walking, cycling, or strength training.
  • Choose a specific time in the day for your workout.
  • Make sure to warm up before your workout for about five minutes.
  • Include varying workouts into your routine to keep things interesting.
  • Drink plenty of water during your workout.
  • Remember to set time aside to cool down so your body can rest.
best daily routine for healthy life for students | good habits | examples of good daily habits
Regular physical activity can help you build strength, improve cardiovascular health.

17. Begin healthier eating habits

Healthy eating habits seem to be all the rage these days. Everyone is talking about the magic of kale smoothies and chia seed pudding.

While it's great that people are becoming more aware of the link between diet and physical health, sometimes it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Follow the simple action plan below to improve your eating habits.

Action Plan:

  • Incorporate whole grains into meals
  • Choose lean proteins such as fish, chicken, beans, and legumes
  • Include healthy fats in your diet (avocados, olive oil)
  • Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor dishes
  • Limit processed foods like chips and frozen meals
  • Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juices
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day
  • Eat nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for snacks
  • Replace white bread with whole wheat or multi-grain varieties

Leisure Goals

When it comes to leisure goals, we all have our own list of habits we want to cultivate.

After all, successful people often credit their diligence and discipline as key components in their achievements. Whether it's reading more books, practicing yoga, or finally learning that second language, the possibilities are endless.

And while it may be tempting to add “binge-watching Netflix” to that list (I mean, come on, who doesn't love a good marathon?), it's important to remember the difference between relaxation and mindless time-wasting.

So go ahead and embrace your leisure goals, but just be mindful of how you're spending your precious few hours of free time.

18. Find a new hobby

Discovering a new hobby can be so much fun because it allows you to try something new and potentially find a new passion.

Action Plan:

  • Consider trying various hobbies and activities to see what you enjoy.
  • Seek opportunities to try new hobbies or activities, such as taking a class or joining a club.
  • Look for hobbies or activities that align with your values and goals. For example, if you are interested in environmental issues, you might consider gardening or birdwatching.
  • Consider hobbies or activities that challenge you and help you learn new skills.
  • Join a club or find an online community, to help you stay motivated and engaged in your hobby.
  • Stay open to new experiences and be willing to try new hobbies as your interests and goals change over time.

Ideas for hobbies and activities:

19. Discover new places

Discovering new places as a hobby can be fun because it allows you to explore and learn about different cultures and environments. Also, traveling can help you disconnect from your daily routine, relax, and recharge.

Action Plan:

  • Get outside and get fresh air.
  • Research destinations and make a list of places you would like to visit.
  • Create a budget and start saving for your trips.
  • Research and compare travel options, such as places to visit, flights, hotels, and transportation.
  • Seek travel resources, such as guidebooks or online travel forums, to help you plan your trip.
  • Consider joining a loyalty program or using rewards points to save money on your travels.
  • By researching local customs, laws, and health recommendations, stay safe and healthy while traveling.
  • Stay flexible and open to new experiences – sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the unexpected ones.

20. Join a sports team

Participating in sports can help you improve your physical fitness, develop teamwork skills, and boost your confidence.

Action Plan:

  • Research your community sports teams or start one of your own.
  • Warm-up and cool down properly to prevent injury and improve your performance.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and equipment to protect yourself and improve your performance.
  • Seek medical advice and treatment, such as seeing a doctor for a medical condition or working with a physical therapist to address any injuries or limitations.
  • Incorporate rest and recovery days into your routine.
  • Monitor your progress and adjust your routine as needed to continue challenging your body and making progress.

21. Be more creative

Being more creative can be rewarding because it allows you to express yourself and explore new ideas. Plus, engaging in creative activities can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your mental health.

Action Plan:

  • Seek opportunities that challenge you to think creatively.
  • Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment to help spark creative ideas.
  • Engage in activities that bring you joy and inspire your creativity.
  • Surround yourself with people and environments that inspire and support your creativity.
  • Take breaks and allow time to relax and recharge.
  • Experiment with different techniques to stimulate your creativity.
  • Practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life to help foster a creative mindset.

22. Read and write more

Reading and writing more can be beneficial because it helps you expand your knowledge and improve your communication skills.

Action Plan:

  • Determine how many words you can write or read in a day.
  • Find materials that interest you the most, whether fiction, news, or science.
  • Create a comfortable environment that’s quiet and distraction-free.
  • Take breaks often. You do not have to finish a story in one day.
  • Keep track of your progress to see how far you’ve come.
what are good daily habits | example of daily habits | what are some daily habits
Reading and writing more can help you to broaden your knowledge and improve your communication skills.

Personal Growth Goals

Personal growth goals can often feel intimidating, like a daunting mountain you have to climb. But what if I told you that achieving personal growth can be as simple as a tiny habit?

That's right, by establishing a daily habit – no matter how small – you can make strides towards reaching your personal growth goals. Don't underestimate the power of a tiny, daily habit – it just might be the key to unlocking your personal growth potential.

[See small habits that can have a big impact on your life]

23. Improve self-esteem and confidence

Improving your self-esteem is essential because it can positively impact your overall well-being and happiness.

Action Plan:

24. Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude is important because it can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate a more positive mindset.

Action Plan:

  • Set a dedicated time to practice gratitude, such as in the morning or before bed.
  • Keep a gratitude journal to express your thoughts on paper.
  • Share your gratitude with others.
  • Write thank you notes to others in your life (or even to yourself!).
  • Practice mindfulness to focus on being present in the moment.
  • Use positive affirmations to help you stay in a positive mindset.

25. Become a better listener

Being a better listener is essential because it can help you build stronger relationships, improve your communication skills, and increase your understanding of others.

Action Plan:

  • Practice active listening by paying attention to the speaker, making eye contact, and avoiding distractions.
  • Seek to understand the speaker's perspective and emotions.
  • Avoid interrupting the speaker or jumping to conclusions.
  • Practice empathy and show that you are interested in what the speaker says.
  • Seek feedback from others about your listening skills and use it to identify areas for improvement.

26. Challenge yourself

Challenging yourself is important because it can help you grow and learn new things. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges, you are more likely to develop new skills and increase your confidence.

Action Plan:

  • Seek opportunities to try new things and step outside your comfort zone.
  • Seek mentors or role models who can guide and support you as you pursue new challenges.
  • Practice self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, as this can help you feel more open and receptive to new experiences.
  • Remember that it's okay to have setbacks.

27. Be kind to yourself

When you are kind to yourself, you are more likely to feel good about yourself, handle stress more effectively, and have a more positive outlook on life.

Action Plan:

  • Practice self-compassion and treat yourself like a good friend would.
  • Take care of your physical needs and know your limitations.
  • Engage in activities that bring you joy without guilt.
  • Seek support from friends or family if you need help.
  • Allow yourself to make mistakes and forgive yourself.
  • Celebrate your accomplishments, even if they are small.

Relationship Goals

We've all seen the posts on social media about “relationship goals.” But what exactly does that mean?

Instead of focusing on superficial aspects like matching outfits or grand gestures, why not aim for good daily habits and setting daily goals together?

Whether it's working towards a fitness goal, trying out new recipes, or simply taking the time to ask each other about their day, incorporating these habits into your daily routine can make a world of difference.

Who needs grand gestures when you can have a fulfilling relationship built on small, meaningful moments?

28. Spend more time together

When you make time for each other, you can engage in activities and engaging couple conversations that help you get to know each other better and build a deeper understanding of each other's thoughts, feelings, and needs.

Action Plan:

  • Make time for each other by setting aside quality time for both of you.
  • Seek out activities and experiences that you both enjoy.
  • Practice active listening and seek to understand your partner's perspective and needs.
  • Show appreciation and support for your partner by expressing your love and affection.
  • Practice forgiveness and let go of resentments that may impact your relationship.
  • Seek out therapy or counseling to address any underlying issues or challenges.
  • Seek opportunities to connect outside your routine.
  • Stay open and receptive to your partner's needs, and be willing to make compromises to ensure that you both have time and space for each other.

29. Build a stronger connection

Building strong connections in a relationship is crucial because it helps you create a sense of intimacy and trust with your partner.

Action Plan:

  • Communicate openly and honestly with each other.
  • Share your thoughts and feelings when you are happy or upset.
  • Show physical affection such as holding hands, hugging, or rubbing shoulders.
  • Spend time together without distractions.
  • Share stories that can create a stronger bond.
  • Ask more questions about them and let them talk about themselves.
what are the best daily habits | good habits to include in daily routine | good daily habits to track
Building strong connections in a relationship is essential because it allows you to develop intimacy and trust with your partner.

30. Make new friends

When you have a diverse group of friends, you are more likely to have a greater sense of belonging and support, which can help you feel happier and more fulfilled.

Action Plan:

  • Look for opportunities to socialize, like going to bars, cafes, or events.
  • Take more initiative and introduce yourself to start conversations.
  • Be friendly and approachable, so others are open to getting to know you.
  • Be genuine and authentic when speaking to others.
  • Stay in touch with those you meet and keep up with their lives.

31. Improve your ability to resolve conflicts

When you address conflicts positively and constructively, you are more likely to feel heard and understood and improve your interpersonal communication skills.

Action Plan:

  • Practice active listening and seek to understand the perspectives and needs of all parties.
  • Seek to identify common ground and focus on finding solutions.
  • Practice empathy and see the conflict from the other person's perspective.
  • Practice and encourage forgiveness.
  • Stay open and receptive to feedback.

32. Build professional relationships

Developing professional relationships is important because it can help you build a strong network of colleagues and mentors who can support and help you in your career. Also, it’s always better to work with people you consider friends.

Action Plan:

  • Show appreciation and support for your coworkers and colleagues by expressing gratitude.
  • Seek out opportunities to collaborate and work together on projects or initiatives.
  • Practice empathy and try to see things from the perspective of your coworkers and colleagues.
  • Seek opportunities to learn from others, such as participating in team-building activities.
  • Seek feedback from your coworkers and colleagues and use it to identify areas for improvement.
  • Invite coworkers out to lunch to get to know them better.

Spirituality Goals

If you're looking to improve your spirituality, it's not rocket science – in fact, it's all about quality time and daily habits. Whether you choose to meditate, read, or simply reflect, the key is to make your spiritual practice a part of your daily routine.

After all, better habits make for a better you – and when it comes to your relationship with the universe (or whatever higher power you may believe in), consistency is key.

33. Stay present  

Staying present is important because it can help you be more mindful and aware of your surroundings and experiences. When you are present, you are more likely to be fully engaged and focused, which can help you make the most of each moment.

Action Plan:

  • Dedicate time to practice mindfulness.
  • Stay in tune with your senses and focus on sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and sensations.
  • Try to let go of distractions in life while you practice mindfulness.
  • Use technology and download apps, sounds, or podcasts to help you meditate.
  • Engage in physical activity to better understand your body, such as yoga or Pilates.

34. Improve meditation

When you make time for daily meditation, you are more likely to feel calmer, more focused, and more resilient, which can help you navigate the challenges of everyday life more effectively.

Action Plan:

  • Find a comfortable and quiet place to meditate.
  • Find the best way to meditate, whether alone in a room, within nature, or in the bathtub.
  • Focus on your breathing throughout the day.
  • Be patient because meditation can be challenging.
  • Experiment with different techniques such as breathing exercises, affirmations, or chants.
  • Commit yourself to meditating each day.

35. Expand your spiritual resources

Expanding your spiritual resources is essential because it can help cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose.

Action Plan:

  • Seek spiritual teachers or mentors who can guide and support your spiritual journey.
  • Engage in spiritual practices, such as mindfulness or meditation.
  • Attend spiritual retreats or workshops to learn more about different spiritual practices.
  • Seek spiritual communities or groups to connect with others who share your interests.
  • Read spiritual books or listen to spiritual podcasts to learn more about different spiritual philosophies.
  • Seek supportive and positive relationships with friends and family who can encourage and support you in your spiritual journey.

36. Live by the 80/20 rule

Living by the 80/20 rule is important because it can help you achieve a better balance in your life and avoid burnout. The 80/20 rule suggests that you should focus on the things most important to you and let go of the less important things.

Action Plan:

  • Make a list of what is most important to you.
  • Pay attention to how you are spending your time and energy.
  • Let go of things that are not important.
  • Use your time wisely and focus on what’s most important.
  • Reflect on your values and align your actions with your values.
  • Stay committed to living a worthwhile life.

37. Spend time in nature

When you spend time in nature, you are more likely to feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated, which can help you manage stress and improve your mood.

Action Plan:

  • Make a plan to visit your favorite natural areas.
  • Go outside and spend time in the sun.
  • Engage in more outdoor activities.
  • Connect with nature like bird watching or hiking.
  • Take a break from technology and spend time outside.
  • Sit on the grass and meditate in a quiet area.
  • Seek out education opportunities like workshops that work within nature.
good daily habits | daily habit examples | daily routine

Nature Goals

38. Bring the outdoors indoors

One habit that is sure to pay dividends each day is to bring something from nature indoors. Adding a plant or some greenery to your home is not only peaceful for your soul, but it will also boost the oxygen in your home, improving your brain power. Make it your habit to have nature in your home. 

Action Plan: 

  • Choose fresh flowers each week to display in your home. 
  • Select a low maintenance house plant to invest in for your home.
  • Take a small desk plant to work, so nature goes with you.

39. Adopt a pet

Our connection to animals is what really brings out our tender side, and it’s good for the soul too. Spending time with animals can help fight off depression and give you a reason to live.

Action Plan: 

  • Get involved in pet rescues.
  • Adopt a pet.
  • Volunteer at a shelter over weekends.

40. Climb a mountain

When you feel like you can’t accomplish anything, try climbing a mountain. In fact, make mountain climbing a weekly or monthly habit. There’s nothing that can give you a better sense of accomplishment. 

Action Plan: 

  • Join a mountaineering club. 
  • Take up extreme hiking in your area.
  • Research local mountains and find a few peaks that are in your ability range.

41. Save nature 

Nature is constantly being threatened, and for some of us, the ability to be a protector is important to our sense of self. Why not protect nature? Not only is this a great way to get rid of frustrations and feel like you matter, but being a nature warrior is sure to be fun too. 

Action Plan: 

  • Join local wildlife conservation clubs.
  • Get in touch with the local park rangers and find out how you can volunteer. 
  • Clean up your environment by taking a disposable non-plastic bag with you on your daily walks and collecting trash for correct disposal.

42. Leave a legacy in life

While it’s fun to join existing nature funds and clubs, there’s something special about creating your own initiative. Consider where there’s a need in your area or in the wider world for the protection of nature. Perhaps you can help raise funds for research, preservation, and education. Imagine having a local park named after you one day!

Action Plan: 

  • Get in contact with your local council to find out what nature initiatives are currently operating in your area. Perhaps you can raise funds for new benches in your local city parks.
  • Make it your habit to raise funds for a worthy nature cause, such as protecting the whales or freeing the sea life at local water parks. 
  • Daily actions like selling donuts or choosing to walk to work instead of driving can help raise funds and also protect the environment.

Social Goals

43. Let go of inhibitions

Most of us have some social inhibitions, and while not all inhibitions are bad, we sometimes hold back, and this stops us having a really good time when we socialize. Perhaps you feel inhibited from talking with strangers or dancing at a club—make it your habit to challenge your own inhibitions. 

Action Plan: 

  • Reflect on your social interactions and identify the inhibitions you have. 
  • Choose one inhibition each week that you can let go of, such as dancing, public speaking, dressing to suit your body type, or more. 
  • The real habit here is to face down your inhibitions and never let anything hold you back when out socializing. 

44. Widen your conversational knowledge

Running out of things to talk about can really ruin your social interactions. If you live a very tunnel-like or silo-like life, you may not have enough information to talk about. Make it your habit to learn from people and from other sources of information, so you broaden your conversational knowledge. 

Action Plan: 

  • Identify the things people talk about in their conversations.
  • Which of these topics don’t you know anything about? Learn!
  • What have you always wanted to know about or been interested in? Dive in!

45. Develop better networking skills

Networking is a great skill to develop for your career, but it can also be an excellent habit to engage with. When you make networking your habit, you see opportunities everywhere, and you engage with people in a real and meaningful way. This is not something you turn on or off; it is something you habitually work on in each interaction. 

Action Plan: 

  • Begin building a mental list of the people you regularly interact with.
  • Recall one fact about each person, and when you meet them socially, add another fact.
  • When an opportunity presents to network and learn from people, make it your habit to leap in with both feet first. 

46. Take a break from life

Being social is a good thing, but sometimes (whether you’re an introvert or not) you need time out and away from the hustle of life. Make it your habit to take a break from life every once in a while and take care of your self-care routine. Slowing things down helps you see life with fresh eyes and let go of things you are maybe holding onto. 

Action Plan: 

  • Schedule a break or time away from home and work.
  • Have your lunch in the park instead of at the office. 
  • Take up meditation and mindfulness to detach from your daily life for a few minutes each morning and evening. 

47. Be a better companion or partner

A great social habit to form is to be a great partner and companion to those who socialize with you. Make it your habit to check on their comfort, and whether you can do more to ensure you and your companions have a great time when out. Habitually being courteous and socially aware is a rare quality that will always stand you in good stead, so make it a habit. 

Action Plan: 

  • Start by asking your partner or companion whether they are having a good time at the start of the evening, and again at the end of the evening.
  • Be aware of any signs of discomfort in your partner and also in yourself—you may be picking up on their unease. 
  • Follow up with dates whether they had a good time the day after and ensure you find out what you can do better (even though you don’t haveco ask this directly, which could be creepy). 

Final Thoughts on Good Daily Habits for 2023

Good daily habits are essential to follow if you want to make positive changes in your life. Better habits will help us to achieve our goals and improve our overall well-being.  These are not fly-by-night resolutions or whims, but rather building blocks for living our best life.

Establishing a routine and sticking to it can increase productivity, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our physical and mental health. They also make us more likeable, as we inspire others to be the change they want to see.

So try out one or ALL of these good daily habits as you venture into the new year. Don’t be afraid to push yourself to become a better you… the best you!

And, if you need help tracking your progress, try one of our Free Daily Planner Templates to help reach your daily habits goals!

Finally, if you need help with building habits, then check out this nine-step blueprint that walks you through the entire process of creating lifelong habits.)

Need a list of good habits? Master your day with this collection of daily habits that cover: wellness, relationships, fitness, career, & personal passions.

28 thoughts on “47 Good Daily Habits List To Transform Your Life”

  1. Hey Darlene — Congratulations on leaving the first comment on this blog 🙂

    You’re right. You definitely could flip that one comment and make it more giving to others.

    Any other suggestions to add to the list?

    -S.J.

    • I know! LOL

      When I noticed I was the first one I almost fell over myself trying to get to my computer.. Haha!

      I thought “How fun is that?” What a kick 🙂

      ~ darlene

  2. My guess is this post will go down as one of your more popular posts.. I know I’m going to Tweet it out as soon as I finish this comment.

    Hey, you can flip #7 from “Ask for a hug from one person a day.” to “Give a hug to one person a day!” Hah!

    Habits are who we are so yes.. they can definitely change our lives, no doubt about it

    darlene 🙂

  3. My man… Stevey Scotty…. love the new site! bought your no bullshit course and I building my authority site… 🙂 u are the best!

  4. Values and Inspiration take care of all these 568 habits.

    Your values drive your habits. You get them right and you won’t have to worry about all these habits…
    … And inspiration has magic in it, Inspiration (like Red Bull) gives you wings!

    If you value your health – you will exercise, sleep enough, eat well and not smoke, you will have good habits. You will look into how you can strengthen these pillars. Social pressures and your environment will not impact on your values – if they are strong enough.

    If you value the freedom of a lifestyle-business, you will work hard to set it up – or – if you value watching T.V. more, you will watch T.V. in place working on your business. If you value your relationships you will spend time and effort on them etc etc.

    Real life example 1… If someone doesn’t exercise and eats poorly over a holiday period, it is not so much about a change in habits, the person simply does not hold his/her: health, body, gratitude for what it does (body) – high enough.

    2. If a person drinks too much and or can’t “say no” to an invitation to drink or no “to one more” – the same applies; he/she’s health-values are not stronger than the impulse or social pressure to drink.

    Keep it simple

    • Awesome comments Anthony. The one thing I would add is there is a phenomenon called the “Hot/Cold Empathy Gap.” We all want to make changes and we see the positive outcomes of these goals. So we’ll make grand plans and do our best to stick to them. But, what often happens is we *forget* what it’s like to be in the moment when temptation to “do a bad habit” arises.

      For instance, let’s say you’d like to stop eating fast food. It’s easy to say you’ll never do it again, but then one day it’s 9 at night you haven’t eaten, and you’re too tired to cook, so it seems okay to “do it just the one time.”

      I think people all want to change…but the key is to have a plan for what to do in every situation. I’ll expand on this in future posts.

  5. Yeah exactly Scott. People embarking on change should imagine themselves – in the future being put in positions that push them away from the goals (social pressures, change of routine an environment) and come with strategies to tackle temptation when it appears.
    Cheers

    • Couldn’t agree more. Knowing how to respond to temptations is really the key to making a permanent change.

  6. Hello SJ! I am new to your site and I’m liking it 🙂 Good work.

    What I want to say to your list is – YES YES YES!

    Today, I’m going to 1. Do something kind for someone 2. Have a walk in the woods 3. Look up at the stars tonight.

    Will definitely return to this list again for another injection of positivity.

    Thank you 🙂

    • Jess,

      Really happy that you found the site, the list and enjoyed it. I am even happier that you got some good takeaway and that you are taking a few small actions from the list to make your life a little bit better. I actually just got back from my own walk in the woods for the day, and I will have to make sure I look at the stars tonight myself, and find some way to do something nice. Always a good reminder to do those small things.

      Have a wonderful day, thanks for your comment, and hope to see you around again,

      -SJ

  7. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful list. There are suggestions for each and every situation or issues in life. All the points are helpful in our day to day life. Its awesome!

  8. Hello Mr.Scott,

    I went through 30 days 10 years ago ; I didn’t sleep for 30 days but 4 hours. I suddenly became scared of the dark. When I would lie down to sleep, as I started to doze off, I would gasp for my breath and wake myself up.My blood pressure went from normal to one week 3 times of 389/153
    and the highest was 396/202. Horrible. One night I could not sleep, (it was the last day of the 30 days). I took ambian, then benadryl, then sonoma, then valium, then 4 demerol. This is in 4 hrs time. I was so upset, I didn’t care if I lived or died, I just wanted to sleep. Finally, I started kicking the walls and screaming. My husband came running and called my doctor. She told him to take me to ER. They did a sleep study. Nothing. Turns out later the docs diagnosed me as Manic, and having OCD. Once the put me on a antidepressant things got better, but I cannot sleep without taking 2 xanax a night. I hate how I feel when I wake up. I want to sleep without a medicine. I have tried herbal tea, valerian root, melatonin, tapes, deep breathing, new mattress, nothing. My doc says I will never sleep again without medication. I think she is right. It is the catch 22. In my mind when I know it’s bedtime, I dread it, and I automatically think I know I am not going to sleep. So I don’t.Could someone hypnothsis me into forgetting that I ever had a sleeping problem. You never really think about sleeping, you just take it for granted, but once you have this kind of experience, well, you just know you will never sleep without something.
    thanks for listening.

    carolyn lindsay

    • Carolyn,

      Wow! It seems like you really do have a very bad sleeping issue. I am very sorry to hear about your problems. It sounds like it is such a serious issue that your doc is right. My only question is, when you saw the doctor was it a psychiatrist? It does sound like a lot of your issue is mental. (it is amazing the bad bad -and good- things our minds can do to us.) I am sure there are some psychiatrists or psychologists who could help you work through the issues and either reduce or hopefully eliminate your issues. 396/202 BP, that is insanely high. I will be hoping for the best for you and praying that you beat your serious sleep issues.

      Warm regards and best of luck,

      Steve

  9. Great list. I particularly like the way you break it up to show a desired outcome and the suggested action. Your work is a recent discovery for me and I have completed an Amazon review in the UK for every book of yours that I have read. I believe that those little changes that you advocate make a substantial difference in your reader’s lives. Keep up the good work.

  10. Hi,it is important list. We should know it and if there is more to it, then it is also better.Thanks.

  11. 1.Wise sharing. I am grateful to you and my respect to your parents.
    2.Wishes all your happiness.
    3.Now Man are blind by MONEY. Money & morality are two major deciding factor of the life.
    4.I love morality. I am happy & peaceful.

    I enjoyed your wisdom. Thank you again.

    MANUBHAI JAGATCHELA.

  12. Great list thank you!!! Some real gems for all areas of life. I’m definitely starting my year off with the 15 minute task to further my business. Cheers!

  13. Such a great list ! I really like the way it’s displayed like : ‘If you want to do this then try the following…’
    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Cheers

  14. love this….
    I also suggest meditating every day, for atleast 2 mins. increase the length of meditation time daily if you want. meditating isn’t as complicated as some make it out to be. you can google or youtube meditation guided visualizations nowadays. set your intention for the meditation before you begin(maybe even write it down to anchor in your spirit) and let out a big sigh of relief at beginning. this is a time you are setting aside for yourself so really take it in.

    its been a life saver for me.. calms me down..even just knowing that i carved out that time for myself, helps the day, and in the bigger benefits my whole life. it even has proven health benefits.

    🙂

    • I totally agree. I had not done much with meditation when I first wrote this post. But I have tired it a lot since my writing partner, Barrie Davenport has encouraged me to try it. We even wrote extensively about meditation, visualization etc. in our recent book Declutter your Mind. Thanks for pointing out meditation was a little underrepresented in the list. I may have to redo it for 204 or 205 some time in the future.

  15. I would like to get across my admiration for your generosity for those individuals that must have guidance on in this study.
    Your real dedication to getting the solution across appeared to be pretty useful
    and have specifically made most people like me to realize
    their ambitions. Your entire warm and helpful recommendations can mean a whole lot a person like me
    and far more to my colleagues. Regards; from all of us.

  16. I am so glad that i found this post. Thanks for sharing this list with the world S.J. By the time i got to 203 i had already shared this post with family and friends. Its simplistic and straightforward habits to follow. I have bookmarked this page, i am going to return to this list everyweek to see how much progress i have made. 158 is checked off for today ; )

  17. #82 – you shouldn’t do squats every day – this is a terrible way to build muscle.
    You can work up to doing squats every other day if you can. I’m 31 and been working out for about 5 years seriously – and I don’t even work out legs every other day. I recommend doing lunges, squats, calf raises, and dips – once every 3-4 days. Squats every day – try just going for a walk and ordering a salad with a protein and some health fats – you will be fine. =)

  18. I’ve been to this page many times before to look about the habits. In the last few months, I’ve developed a reading habit and doing journaling for about 15 minutes every day in the morning.

    I must say that it’s very difficult to develop an even smallest of habits. I’ve poor money habits… Will develop a few soon. 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Thanks for this amazing post.

Comments are closed.