Many people set grand goals on New Year's Day, but give up after just a few weeks. The secret to sustainable change is not "going cold turkey" but making small behavioral changes that take no more than five minutes yet have a huge impact when done continuously.
Before checking your phone or social media, drink a glass of plain water to kickstart your metabolism and refresh your brain after a night without water. It's the easiest way to start the day with excellent results.
No need for long writing; just note on your phone or notebook three things you are thankful for today, such as a good night's sleep or delicious coffee. This habit trains your brain to seek small happiness instead of focusing on problems.
Making your bed takes less than two minutes but is your first "win" of the day. This creates a feeling of order and readiness to handle bigger tasks ahead.
If you have tasks or chores that take less than two minutes—like washing dishes, putting clothes in the hamper, or replying to a short email—do them immediately. This habit effectively eliminates procrastination.
Don't aim to finish a whole book right away; just one page is enough. The key is to build a love of reading habit. Once you start the first page, pages two and three will naturally follow.
This New Year, don't rush to run but keep a steady pace. Start with these five small habits and you'll be surprised that after one year, you've become a better, renewed person.