habit building

3 (Basic) Habits Can Make You Unrecognizable in 21 Days

Change your habits, and you’ll change your next 50 years.

Zohvib
Change Your Mind Change Your Life
5 min readMay 27, 2024

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Photo by @ramu_aladdin on Unsplash

Look, we all want to be better versions of ourselves.

Some people chase this elusive idea through extreme diets, grueling workouts, or relentless self-improvement regimens that end up feeling more like torture than transformation.

But what if I told you that becoming a better, more unrecognizable version of yourself doesn’t have to be a Herculean task?

What if three simple habits, practiced consistently for 21 days, could set you on a path to genuine improvement?

No magic, no fluff — just straightforward actions that lead to real change.

These habits are as basic as they come.

You might even dismiss them at first glance. But here’s the kicker: it’s not about complexity. It’s about consistency.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.

1. Read for at least 30 minutes per day

Reading is like a superpower that most people underestimate.

It’s not just about absorbing information — it’s about expanding your mind, challenging your perceptions, and exploring new worlds and ideas.

When you commit to reading for just 30 minutes a day, you’re essentially training your brain to think differently.

Think about it: 30 minutes isn’t a lot of time. You probably spend more time scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV shows.

But in those 30 minutes of reading, you can consume a wealth of knowledge.

Whether it’s a novel, a self-help book, or a biography, the key is to choose something that genuinely interests you. This way, it doesn’t feel like a chore but rather something you look forward to.

The benefits of reading are endless. It improves your focus, reduces stress, and enhances your vocabulary.

More importantly, it opens your mind to different perspectives and ideas. Over time, you’ll find yourself thinking more critically and creatively.

You’ll start seeing connections and opportunities that you previously missed.

And here’s the thing: when you read consistently, you’re filling your mind with valuable input. This input eventually shapes your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

So, grab a book and start reading.

You’ll be amazed at how much 30 minutes a day can change your life.

2. Write for at least 30 minutes per day

Writing, like reading, is another underestimated habit that has transformative power.

When you write, you’re not just putting words on paper — you’re organizing your thoughts, clarifying your ideas, and expressing your emotions.

It’s a way to connect with yourself on a deeper level.

Now, I’m not saying you need to write the next great American novel.

Just write.

It could be journaling about your day, jotting down ideas, or even drafting a rant about something that’s been bothering you.

The point is to let your thoughts flow freely.

Writing helps you process your experiences and emotions. It’s a form of therapy that allows you to understand yourself better.

Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your thinking and behavior. You’ll become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses.

This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth.

Moreover, writing improves your communication skills. It forces you to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.

This skill is invaluable in all areas of life, whether you’re writing an email, a report, or even just having a conversation.

The best part? Writing for 30 minutes a day can lead to some surprising revelations.

You might discover a hidden passion, a new perspective, or even a solution to a problem that’s been nagging at you.

So, pick up a pen or open a blank document and start writing.

Your future self will thank you.

3. Sit in silence for at least 30 minutes per day

In our hyper-connected world, silence is a rare commodity.

We’re constantly bombarded with noise — notifications, emails, social media updates.

It’s exhausting.

That’s why sitting in silence for 30 minutes a day can be a game-changer.

Silence is powerful.

It gives you the space to breathe, reflect, and just be.

When you sit in silence, you’re allowing yourself to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with your inner self.

It’s a time to listen to your thoughts, feelings, and intuition.

This practice might seem uncomfortable at first. We’re so used to being busy that doing nothing feels strange. But that’s the point.

Silence forces you to confront yourself. It brings to light the things you’ve been avoiding or suppressing.

Sitting in silence can be a form of meditation, but it doesn’t have to be.

You don’t need to follow any specific technique or mantra. Just sit, breathe, and be present. Notice your thoughts without judgment. Let them come and go.

Over time, this practice will help you develop a deeper sense of peace and clarity. You’ll become more mindful and aware of your thoughts and actions.

This mindfulness can significantly improve your mental and emotional well-being.

So, find a quiet spot, sit down, and embrace the silence.

It’s a gift you give to yourself.

Do it every day for 21 days

Habits don’t form overnight.

It takes consistent effort and commitment. That’s why 21 days is the magic number.

Research suggests that it takes around three weeks to form a new habit.

So, for the next 21 days, commit to reading, writing, and sitting in silence for 30 minutes each day.

It won’t be easy. There will be days when you’re too tired, too busy, or just not in the mood. But this is where discipline comes in.

Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. Even if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track the next day.

Track your progress. Keep a journal or use an app to record your daily habits. This will help you stay accountable and motivated.

Reflect on your experiences. Notice how you feel, how your thoughts change, and how your perspective shifts over time.

The beauty of these habits is that they build on each other. Reading provides you with knowledge and ideas.

Writing helps you process and express those ideas.

Sitting in silence allows you to reflect and gain clarity.

Together, they create a powerful trifecta that can transform your life.

Push yourself on the 22nd

So, you’ve made it through 21 days.

Congrats!

But here’s the thing: don’t stop there.

The 22nd day is just as important. It’s the day you push yourself a little further.

Challenge yourself to read a more difficult book, write about a deeper topic, or extend your silence practice.

Pushing yourself beyond the initial 21 days reinforces the habits you’ve built.

It shows you that you’re capable of more than you think. It’s a reminder that growth is a continuous process, not a destination.

These habits are just the beginning. They’re foundational practices that can lead to bigger changes and greater achievements.

Keep building on them.

Add new habits, set new goals, and keep pushing your boundaries. The journey to becoming the best version of yourself is ongoing. Embrace it.

Transforming your life doesn’t require drastic measures or monumental efforts. Sometimes, the simplest habits can have the most profound impact.

By committing to reading, writing, and sitting in silence for 30 minutes a day, you can set yourself on a path to real, lasting change.

So, what are you waiting for?

Start today and see where these habits take you.

You might just become unrecognizable — in the best way possible.

All the best.

-Zohvib

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