Created by Mike & Mollie. If you enjoy our work, please subscribe here.
When people are first looking to change some habits in their life, I recommend starting with ones that will give you a quick and satisfying win. These low-hanging fruit life improvements give you momentum to make other changes, so they’re a great place to begin when you’re not where you want to be. You don’t need a perfect plan or a total life overhaul—what you need is a few small victories that build your confidence and get you moving in the right direction.
In my own life, I’ve found that simple changes, done consistently, are far more powerful than the big dramatic ones that flame out after a week. The list below includes a handful of daily habits that I’ve seen create a noticeable difference—not just for me, but for many others as well. Each one is small enough to start today, but effective enough to actually shift how you feel.
Start your morning without your phone
When you start the day by checking your phone, you instantly put your mind in reactive mode. Texts, emails, news alerts—it’s like being thrown into a noisy crowd before you’ve even had a chance to get your bearings. But what if you gave yourself just a little breathing room instead? A few minutes without a screen gives your brain space to wake up, reconnect with your priorities, and approach the day more intentionally. You could stretch, take a few deep breaths, read a short passage from a book, or simply enjoy the quiet. This tiny change can make your entire day feel more grounded.
Drink a full glass of water right when you wake up
It’s so easy to underestimate how much water affects the way we feel, especially in the morning. After sleeping all night, your body is naturally dehydrated—and that groggy, sluggish feeling many people get when they first wake up? It’s often just a lack of water. Drinking a full glass right away is a simple but powerful way to feel more awake, alert, and energized. Keep a water bottle or glass by your bed so it’s the first thing you see. This small act is a vote for your health, and it signals that you’re choosing to take care of yourself today.
Practice one “act of order” each day
When life feels messy or chaotic, it’s easy to spiral into a sense of overwhelm. That’s where the “act of order” comes in. It’s any small action that brings a little more structure to your day or environment. Think: making your bed, clearing your kitchen counter, answering that one email you’ve been avoiding. These small acts build self-trust and give you a tiny hit of progress—which often leads to more progress. One act of order each day won’t fix everything, but it will remind you that you’re not stuck. You’re capable. You’re moving forward.
Talk to one person outside your household
Modern life can be surprisingly isolating. Even if you’re surrounded by people, you might go days without a meaningful conversation with someone new or outside your regular bubble. Making it a habit to talk to one person outside your household each day can bring a surprising amount of joy. It doesn’t have to be deep—just a check-in text, a quick call, or a chat with someone at the coffee shop. These little moments of human connection make life feel richer and help you feel more anchored in your community.
Do something physical—even just for 10 minutes
We all know we should be moving our bodies, but we often assume it has to be a full workout or nothing at all. The truth is, a little bit of movement goes a long way. Just 10 minutes of walking, stretching, dancing, or bodyweight exercises can boost your mood, increase your energy, and help you feel more alive. Don’t overthink it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. The real win is showing up for yourself and sending the message that you’re worth taking care of, even on the busiest or hardest days.
Spend five minutes reviewing your values
This is one of the most centering habits you can create. Life gets loud and complicated, and it’s easy to lose track of what actually matters to you, not just what you say you value. Taking five minutes each day to think about your core values brings you back to your “why.” What kind of person do you want to be? What matters to you more than comfort or convenience? When you get quiet and reconnect with your values, you make better decisions. Even if your day goes off-track, you’ll have a guiding compass to return to again and again.
Put something good into your brain before bed
The end of the day has a way of shaping your overall mood—sometimes more than we realize. If your last input is a stress-filled scroll through social media, don’t be surprised if your sleep is restless and your mood dips. But if you end your day with something beautiful or uplifting, it tends to stick with you. Try reading a few pages of a book you love, listening to music that calms you, reflecting on what went well, or saying a short prayer or affirmation. These moments of calm signal to your body and mind: it’s safe to rest now.
Make a micro-deposit into a dream
Everyone has something they’ve always wanted to do—write a book, start a business, learn a skill, build something from scratch. But too often, we wait for the perfect time. Instead of holding out for a big breakthrough, start making micro-deposits. Spend five or ten minutes each day moving the needle: write a sentence, research a topic, put away a few dollars. These tiny actions build belief and momentum. They’re proof to yourself that you’re not just dreaming—you’re doing. And that daily proof matters more than any motivational quote ever will.
Set an “enjoyment intention” for your day
When life gets busy, enjoyment tends to take a backseat. But enjoyment isn’t selfish or frivolous—it’s fuel. Each morning, pick one thing you plan to fully enjoy. It could be your coffee, a walk, your favorite playlist, or a moment with your kids. The key is to name it ahead of time and then actually pay attention when it happens. Savor it. Let it fill your tank. This habit helps you stay present and reminds you that life isn’t just a to-do list—it’s meant to be lived, and enjoyed along the way.
