5 mind-blowing Habits that changed my Life

5 Mind-Blowing Habits That Will Leave You Wondering Why You Didn't Start Sooner

Ananya
6 min readApr 29, 2023

They shape our daily routines, influence our decisions, and ultimately determine the trajectory of our lives.

While some habits may seem mundane or insignificant, some possess the power to truly transform our lives.

These five mind-blowing habits have been instrumental in boosting my productivity, improving my mindset, and enhancing my overall well-being.

Passo dopo passo

Step by step

“Passo dopo Passo,” translates to “Step by Step” in Italian.

This powerful concept emphasizes the importance of breaking down big goals or tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

By taking one step at a time, you can overcome overwhelm and make steady progress towards your objectives.

Small daily seemingly insignificant improvements when done consistently over time lead to stunning results. — Robin Sharma

To incorporate this habit into your life, start by identifying a goal or task you want to accomplish.

Then, break it down into smaller, actionable steps.

Create a clear plan outlining what needs to be done and in what order.

As you tackle each step, celebrate your achievements and move on to the next one. We thrive by accomplishment.

By consistently following this approach, you’ll find that even the most daunting endeavours become more achievable.

Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash

Five great hours

This concept emphasizes the importance of focused, high-efficiency work for a dedicated time, followed by intentional relaxation and recovery.

By working intensely for five hours and then using the remaining time to recharge, you can achieve remarkable productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

To implement the “5 Great Hours” habit, start by identifying your most important tasks or projects.

Time block some time, ideally five hours, to solely focus on these tasks without distractions.

During these concentrated work hours, eliminate interruptions, silence notifications, and create a conducive work environment.

Maximize your productivity by prioritising tasks, using time-management techniques, and maintaining a laser-like focus.

After five hours of intense work, it’s crucial to shift your attention to recovery and relaxation.

Engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, such as reading a book, spending quality time with family and friends, going for a walk in nature, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.

Before you start working:

  1. Set clear goals and prioritize tasks before starting your focused work session.
  2. Eliminate distractions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs, and creating a quiet work environment.
  3. Use productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking to manage your work sessions effectively.
  4. During your recovery time, engage in activities that help you unwind and recharge, such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies.

Turn off all technology for 60 minutes daily and focus on your most important work

One habit that has made a big difference in how productive and focused I am is spending 60 minutes every day without any technology.

I turn off my phone, avoid checking emails or social media, and concentrate solely on my most important work during this time. It’s a time when I eliminate all distractions and fully focus on the task I need to complete.

This habit of taking a break from technology and focusing on important work has many benefits.

  • Helps improve concentration
  • Allows us to get into a state of flow, where we can be productive and creative.
  • Fully concentrate on complex tasks
  • Helps us develop discipline and resist constant distractions, giving us more control over our time and attention.

Here’s how I did it:

  1. Pick a specific 60-minute time slot that suits you best, like in the morning or before bed.
  2. Find a quiet place with minimal distractions to work in. Put your phone on silent, close unnecessary computer tabs, and let others know not to disturb you.
  3. Identify the most important task to focus on during this time, whether it’s a work assignment, a creative project, or strategic planning.
  4. Consider using productivity tools like time-tracking apps or the Pomodoro Technique (working in short bursts with breaks) to help you stay on track.
  5. Embrace the challenge of disconnecting from technology for an hour. It may be tough at first, but with practice, it becomes easier, and you’ll start experiencing the benefits of uninterrupted work.

Schedule every day of your week every Sunday morning

Photo by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash

Set aside some time on Sunday mornings to create a structured plan for the upcoming week. This includes determining your priorities, allocating time for tasks, and scheduling appointments or commitments.

To get started, here is what you can do:

  • Set aside time on Sunday mornings: Designate a specific time slot on Sunday mornings, such as 30 minutes to an hour, to focus solely on planning your week.
  • Use a planner or digital calendar: Choose a scheduling tool that works best for you, whether it’s a physical planner or a digital calendar app. Find a format that you find easy to use and refer to regularly.
  • Identify priorities and deadlines: Take a moment to identify your key priorities for the week, such as important tasks, deadlines, or upcoming events. Make sure to allocate sufficient time for them in your schedule.
  • Break tasks into smaller chunks: If you have larger projects or tasks, consider breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. This allows you to schedule and tackle them more effectively.
  • Be flexible but stay committed: While it’s important to have a schedule, also be open to adjustments and changes as needed. Flexibility is crucial, but try to maintain your commitment to your planned activities and tasks.

Keep a ‘stop doing list

Lastly, a “Stop Doing List” is a list of activities or habits that you consciously choose to eliminate from your life.

It involves identifying tasks, behaviours, or commitments that are not serving you well or hindering your progress.

By recognising what to stop doing, you can free up time and mental energy for tasks that actually matter.

To keep a “Stop Doing List,” start by reflecting on your daily routines and tasks. Take a moment to identify activities that don’t contribute significantly to your goals or well-being. These are the time-wasting activities that you can let go of.

Evaluate your commitments and let go of those that drain your time and energy without providing meaningful value.

Once you have a clear understanding of what needs to go, prioritize your activities and commitments. Rank them based on their importance and impact on your life. Let go of lower-priority items or those that no longer align with your goals. By focusing on what truly matters, you can make room for more meaningful and productive endeavours.

Photo by Eden Constantino on Unsplash

Delegate or outsource tasks whenever possible. Establishing boundaries is also crucial.

In conclusion, incorporating these five mind-blowing habits into your life can lead to transformative changes. By implementing the habit of “passo dopo passo,” focusing on five great hours, scheduling your week, keeping a “Stop Doing List,” and disconnecting from technology, you can enhance your productivity, focus, and overall well-being.

Thanks for reading! If you found this useful:-

--

--

Ananya

A student writing about productivity and self improvement!