7 Habits That Will Make You Want to Throw Your Hands Up, But Will Thank Yourself Later.

Rudhvi
Word Garden
Published in
5 min readMar 13, 2024
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Let’s be honest, building a fulfilling life takes work.

We all have those days where the couch seems like a permanent fixture, promising comfort and a bottomless bag of chips.

But sometimes, the greatest rewards come from the habits that make us groan the most.

Here are 7 habits that might feel like climbing Mount Everest in your pajamas, but trust me, the view from the top is incredible:

1. Taming is the Inner Procrastinator (Yes, It Lives Within Us All)

We’ve all been there: that looming deadline monster breathing down our necks, and yet, here we are scrolling through adorable animal videos (because who can resist a baby panda sneeze?).

Procrastination is a productivity killer, and tackling it head-on feels like trying to herd cats.

  • The Chunk it Up Challenge: Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Convince yourself to just write for 15 minutes, clean one room at a time, or study for 30 minutes. Baby steps, my friends, baby steps.
  • Befriend the To-Do List: Make a list (physical or digital) of your tasks and prioritize them ruthlessly. Crossing things off the list gives a sense of accomplishment, which can be a huge motivator to keep going.

2. Early Bird Gets the Worm (But Hitting Snooze is Soooo Tempting)

The thought of dragging yourself out of bed before the sun even considers rising might make you want to invent a hibernation app.

But hear me out, morning larks: there’s a certain magic to those quiet pre-dawn hours.

  • The Power of Silence: Use the mornings for activities that require focus, like deep work, creative brainstorming, or planning your day. The world is still mostly asleep, offering a precious pocket of uninterrupted time.
  • Jumpstart Your Day: Getting an early start allows you to tackle your most important tasks without feeling rushed. You’ll also have more time for yourself, whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply enjoying a leisurely breakfast (minus the morning rush).

3. Sweat Now, Feel Amazing Later (Said Literally No One Ever…During the Workout)

Exercise. The very word can induce groans and visions of sore muscles.

But here’s the truth: regular physical activity is like a magic potion for your mind, body, and soul.

  • Find Your Fitness Jam: Not everyone enjoys running on a treadmill (it’s basically torture disguised as cardio). Explore different activities like dancing, swimming, rock climbing, or team sports. Find something you actually enjoy, and you’re more likely to stick with it.
  • Small Wins, Big Results: Don’t feel pressured to go from couch potato to gym rat overnight. Start small with short workout sessions, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as you build your fitness level.
Photo by Alena Jarrett on Unsplash

4. Saying No More Often Than You Say Yes (Especially When You Really, Really Want to Say No)

We all want to be people pleasers.

We help friends move, attend events we’d rather skip, and volunteer for every bake sale.

But constantly saying yes can lead to burnout and resentment. Learning to say no is a crucial skill.

  • Boundaries are Your Best Friends: It’s okay to prioritize your own needs and well-being. Saying no to extra commitments allows you to focus on your own goals and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Honesty is the Best Policy: A simple “I’m swamped right now” or “I have a prior commitment” is perfectly acceptable. You don’t need to elaborate or make excuses.

5. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone (Hello, Anxiety!)

Our comfort zone is a cozy little place, but it’s also where growth stagnates.

True progress often happens outside our comfort zone, where we challenge ourselves and learn new things.

  • New Skills, New You: Take a class, learn a new language, or try a new hobby. Stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors to new opportunities and hidden talents you never knew you had.
  • Embrace the Challenge: Yes, trying new things can be scary. But remember, the initial discomfort is temporary. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after overcoming a challenge is totally worth it.

6. Facing Your Fears (Because Avoiding Them is Totally Feasible…Right?)

We all have fears – public speaking, heights, clowns (no judgment here).

But letting fear control your life can be incredibly limiting.

  • Baby Steps to Big Bravery: Don’t try to conquer your Everest fear by signing up for a skydiving trip (unless that’s your thing, in which case, more power to you!). Start small. If public speaking makes you break into a sweat, join a local Toastmasters club and practice speaking in front of a supportive audience.
  • Knowledge is Power: Educate yourself about your fear. For example, if you’re afraid of spiders, learn about different species and their behavior. Understanding the object of your fear can sometimes lessen its power.

7. Investing in Yourself (Because You Deserve It!)

We often prioritize spending money on others or on material possessions.

But investing in yourself is crucial for personal growth and overall well-being.

  • Learning Never Gets Old: Take a course, attend a workshop, or read books related to your field or personal interests. Continuously learning new things keeps your mind sharp and opens doors to new possibilities.
  • Self-Care is Not Selfish: Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could be anything from taking a relaxing bath to spending time in nature to getting a massage. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Remember, building these habits takes time and effort.

There will be days when you’ll hit the snooze button, skip the gym, and revert to your favorite procrastination techniques.

But don’t beat yourself up.

Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back on track.

Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash

The key is consistency. The more you practice these habits, the easier they become.

And trust me, the rewards are worth the initial effort.

You’ll be more productive, have more energy, and feel more fulfilled in all aspects of your life.

So, are you ready to ditch the comfort zone and embrace these challenging yet rewarding habits?

It won’t always be easy, but the best view often comes after the toughest climb.

Now, go forth and conquer your goals, one habit at a time!

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