Ten Habits That Will Get You Ahead of 99% of People

Hello there! I’m Hansel, and as I stand here at the one-year mark of a transformative journey, I can’t help but share the incredible impact that habits have had on my life. For the past two months, I’ve diligently followed a set routine that has ushered in a wave of positive changes. This routine has become more than just a series of activities — it’s a lifeline that has allowed me to focus, achieve more, and savor each day without the weight of regret.

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In a world where time often slips through our fingers, leaving us wondering where our days went, I’ve found solace in the simplicity of a well-crafted routine. No longer do I experience hectic days filled with remorse for unproductive moments. Instead, I’ve embraced a particular set of healthy habits that have not only structured my days but have fundamentally altered my perspective on time and productivity.

I want to emphasize that having a routine isn’t about conforming to someone else’s idea of success, like waking up at 5 am if it doesn’t align with your natural rhythm. It’s about crafting a routine that resonates with your goals, values, and the unique cadence of your life.

Here are ten habits that I’ve carefully curated and integrated into my life, each contributing to a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and overall well-being. This isn’t a rigid path that everyone must follow — it’s an invitation to explore what works for you, to experiment, and to enjoy the journey of self-discovery.

As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but appreciate the transformative power of habits in my life. The surge in popularity around habits, fueled by the Gen Z culture and notable books like “Atomic Habits,” has been nothing short of a revolution in personal development.

Amidst this wave, it’s crucial to discern between practical habits that genuinely enhance your life and those that are merely trends or unrealistic expectations. Let me clarify from the start: there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Your habits should align with your unique needs and preferences.

Here are ten habits that have significantly elevated my life. Remember, the order is arbitrary, and the key is to embrace what resonates with you.

1. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene

For the longest time, I neglected the importance of quality sleep. However, introducing a furry friend into my life forced me to reassess my priorities. Key takeaways: go to bed and wake up early, aim for 8 hours of sleep, and maintain a cool, dark bedroom environment.

2. Exercise Daily

Regular physical activity not only contributes to physical well-being but also fosters discipline, stress relief, and a sense of purpose. My routine includes strength training, boxing or swimming, and achieving 10,000 steps daily. Morning workouts have proven most effective for sustaining energy and motivation throughout the day.

3. Delay Your Coffee Fix and you can have water

While coffee is a beloved morning ritual, over-caffeinating can be counterproductive. Delay your first cup by 1–2 hours after waking up to optimize its effects. This adjustment can help break the habit loop described in “Atomic Habits.”

4. Harness the Power of To-Do Lists

Whether crafted in the morning or evening, to-do lists are invaluable. They alleviate mental pressure and provide a structured approach to the day. Even in unpredictable schedules, incorporating known tasks and timeboxing allows for flexibility and efficiency.

5. Embrace Timeboxing

Allocate specific timeframes for each task with timeboxing. This technique, favored by high performers like Elon Musk, ensures focused attention on one task at a time, fostering a sense of accomplishment and preventing half-hearted efforts.

only doing one task at an allocated time and completing it without any distractions at all.

6. Cultivate Self-Care Routines

Self-care, especially for men, is often neglected. However, establishing morning and evening self-care routines not only brings wellness benefits but also serves as powerful cues for productivity and relaxation.

7. Dim the Lights Before Bed

Respect your circadian rhythm by avoiding bright lights before bedtime. Exposure to device screens can disrupt melatonin production, leading to sleep issues. Create a calming pre-sleep routine to signal your body that it’s time to wind down.

8. Read Every Day

Reading is not about quantity but understanding. Read daily until you grasp a concept or idea. It’s not a race to finish pages; rather, it’s a journey of knowledge and personal development.

9. Journal for Clarity

Journaling is not a daily chore but a tool for self-reflection. Write when you feel the need to clarify your thoughts, address stressors, express gratitude, or simply understand your emotions better.

10. Meditate Daily

Daily meditation, in various forms, is a habit that slows down the mind and fosters inner focus. It’s not about complexity; choose a method that suits you, whether traditional meditation, breathwork, a walk, or simply enjoying music.

In celebrating my one-year journey, I encourage you to experiment, find what works for you, and be patient. Habits are personal, and the real victory lies in the journey, not the destination. Here’s to another year of growth and self-discovery! 🎉✨

Keep Going and Exploring in your life

Hansel.S

Thanks for reading