I am a firm believer that a great life is built over time by committing to small yet significant habits. Daily habits become rituals which, in turn, shape our priorities and, ultimately, our worship.
When someone says that they want to make some big changes to their lifestyle whether that be in the area of their faith, health, relationships, career, or finances, here’s my advice: start small.
Often, we imagine that in order to be disciplined in a certain area of our lives, we need a complete and total overhaul of how we spend our time and resources. If I want to be healthy, I need to join a gym, workout for an hour 5 days a week, drink 120oz of water a day, track at least 10,000 steps a day, go on the latest diet that promises big results, take all the recommended supplements by this well-respected influencer, and get at least 8-9 hours of sleep a night.
And what happens when we think we need to do ALL these things to get healthy? We do none of them. Why? It’s too overwhelming!
We talk ourselves out of our own growth before we even get started because we associate big changes with even bigger sacrifices. Let me offer an alternative: Stop disqualifying yourself and wishing you were more disciplined. Instead, start and commit to one small, good habit at a time.
Think about it. If you only commit to starting and keeping one small but great habit a month, by the end of the year you will be practicing 12 habits that are changing your life for the better. If you have that many great disciplines in place, my friend, you are winning! You are faithfully stewarding with intention the life the Lord has given you.
Here’s some of the small habits I have committed to over the years that have made a huge difference over time. I pray that you are encouraged and inspired, and that you ask the Holy Spirit to give you direction on what habit it’s time to commit to in your life. Maybe it’s from this list below, or maybe, it’s a habit that is unique to your calling or season. Whatever it is, may you put it into practice and keep at it! It may seem small, but I promise you, give it time. It will prove to be revolutionary in your life!
Small Habits that Can Change Your Life Over Time
Wake up 15 minutes earlier and start each day with prayer.
Anyone can wake up 15 minutes earlier. It’s only fifteen minutes. Grab your cup of coffee or your morning tea, and find a quiet space to talk to the Lord. Thank Him, praise Him, ask Him for what you need, seek His wisdom and direction, and listen to how the Holy Spirit might speak to you in response.
Read or listen to a chapter of the Bible every day.
One chapter. Every day. You can do that. Use the BIble app or find a devotional. Check out some great Bible plan recommendations and ways to approach scripture reading here.
Take the lunch break, and walk away from your desk.
For those of us with office-type jobs, we are in front of our computer screens and sitting in meetings for a good part of our day. Our bodies were simply not created to be that sedentary. We need movement. Get up from your desk, walk around, talk to a real live human, and eat a healthy meal. If you don’t have the time to step away from your work for a few minutes to move, have a brain break, and replenish your energy, then something’s off. By taking a break each day, you will come back for the second part of your day with renewed stamina and focus.
Replace scrolling at the end of the day with book reading.
This is a new habit of mine, and it’s a game changer. I’ve caught myself recently ending my days in an almost zombie-like state endlessly scrolling on social media out of boredom and exhaustion way past any decent bedtime. It’s not only unproductive, it’s robbing me of a good night’s sleep and a better attitude towards the world. Instead, I’ve swapped my phone for a good book, and I go to sleep feeling tired but peaceful.
Journal every day for at least 5 minutes.
Life is busy and full-on, and you need time in your day to reflect and process. You can journal your thoughts about the day and some of your biggest takeaways. You can journal what you are grateful for. You can scribble notes or doodle some art. Or, you can journal your reflections and notes from scripture reading and write out a daily prayer. A great journal for this is the Seek First Journal. Find what works best for you and commit to just 5 minutes a day for reflection.
Thank God for three things every day.
Life can be hard, but it’s always a gift. Make it a daily habit to thank God for at least 3 things or people each and every day. Not only is thanksgiving a form of worship to God, but it changes our perspective and awakens hope within.
Commit to some form of fitness at least once a week.
If you aren’t exercising, and don’t know where to start, start with once a week and build from there. Go for a long walk while you listen to your favorite podcast. Attend a dance class with a friend. Join a friend who loves fitness at her gym and have her show you how to use some free weights. The thought of working out most days of the week may feel overwhelming. That’s okay, just start with once a week and build from there. I bet in a year’s time, you will be exercising a few times a week and loving it!
Give yourself a bedtime.
This is a new habit for me, and one I am still having to work hard at. It’s already paying off though! Sleep is a vital part of our health and recovery. Besides, the best way to start your day is by getting quality sleep the night before. Think about what time you want to go to bed, and treat yourself like a kid with a bedtime. You may make exceptions here and there for special occasions, but for the most part, go to bed when it’s time for bed.
Replace processed foods with whole foods for your snacks.
Ditch the potato chips, granola bars, candy, and sodas for real food– I’m talking about food with no ingredients listed or at least ingredients you can pronounce. Think nuts, fruit, and vegetables. Your gut health will thank you!
Honor the Sabbath.
It’s one of the ten commandments for a reason. We need rest. When we cease from our work once a week for a day to delight in the Lord and connect with those we love, we are replenished body, soul and spirit. We are reminded that we are children of God before we are anything else, and that the Lord is our Provider.
Go to church every week.
If you are a follower of Jesus or exploring faith, find a local church you enjoy and is trustworthy (think about doctrine, financial transparency, and how they treat people) and be a part of it. I know that may be a big leap of faith, especially if you have been deeply hurt by a church experience in the past. I am so sorry if that’s you, and please know that I can relate. AND yet, discipleship is communal and not just individual. You need to be a part of a community where you can be known, loved, and challenged to walk in the ways of Jesus.
Serve at least once a month.
Jesus said it best: Whoever wants to become great must become a servant. (Mark 10:43) In a culture obsessed with self-care and self-preservation, discover true greatness. Serve in your local church or find a non-profit or ministry that you can contribute to. Identify ways you can help your neighbor on your own street, and get to it.
Plan a mini-adventure once a month.
Plan some fun in your life, and keep expanding your experiences by trying new things. You don’t have to travel the world or spend a ton of money to have an adventure. Go on a hike. Try a new restaurant. Take a cooking class. Check out a new water park with your kids. Make joy something you prioritize, and create fun new memories with those you love.