Ever feel like you’re stuck, even though you’re trying to do better? Like no matter how hard you push, something small always pulls you back?
Yeah, me too.
For years, I felt trapped by bad habits. Gaming until 3 a.m., binge eating junk food, drinking, procrastinating, and convincing myself life would “start tomorrow.” I kept waiting for some big breakthrough. But the truth is, change didn’t come from doing something big. It came from doing a few small things every single day.
Here are seven little habits that helped me turn my life around—one step at a time. I hope they do the same for you.
1. Start Your Day with Purpose (Not Your Phone)
We’ve all done it. The alarm goes off. You reach for your phone. Twenty minutes later, you’re scrolling reels, comparing your life to strangers online, and already feeling behind.
Getting out of this habit changed everything for me.
Now, I open my day with a short prayer, gratitude, and either a few minutes of silence or some light movement. That calm gives me space to think clearly and choose how I want to show up in the day—before the noise gets in. It’s a small shift, but it sets the tone.
Try This:
- Keep your phone across the room at night.
- Start your day with: “Thank you, God, for one more day.”
- Take 3 deep breaths, stretch, or sip water mindfully.
2. Move Your Body (Even Just a Little)
I used to think I had to crush an intense workout to get results. But when you’re just beginning, that mindset can backfire. It keeps you stuck in all-or-nothing thinking.
What helped me lose 110 pounds wasn’t two-hour workouts. It was 20-minute walks after meals, dancing in my room, doing push-ups while watching Netflix, or stretching when I woke up. That’s it.
Movement doesn’t need to be fancy. It needs to be consistent.
Try This:
- Walk 10 minutes after dinner.
- Do a few push-ups while waiting for your coffee.
- Put music on and move your body without thinking too much.
3. Practice Short Bursts of Deep Work
I used to waste whole days procrastinating. Tell myself I’d “get to it later” and then feel guilty for not getting anything done. Everything changed when I realized I don’t need 8 hours of focus. I just need 2 or 3 solid ones.
Now, I work in short deep-focus blocks. Two hours of work with my phone off often gives me more progress than a full distracted day.
This habit gave me clarity, confidence, and freed up my energy for things I love.
Try This:
- Choose one task and set a 45-minute timer.
- Turn off notifications. Close unnecessary tabs.
- Rest for 10–15 minutes, then repeat once or twice.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
When I was binge eating and trying to lose weight, I’d beat myself up if I made one mistake. A few chips? Screw it, the day’s ruined. Might as well go all in on junk.
That mindset kept me stuck.
What helped me finally build momentum was celebrating even the tiniest progress. One healthy meal? Win. Got to the gym for 15 minutes? Win. Said no to dessert after dinner? Huge win.
Small wins build big results.
Try This:
- Keep a “win journal” and write down 1 good choice each day.
- Smile when you finish a workout, even if it was short.
- Tell yourself, “I’m improving,” even if the progress is slow.
5. Reflect and Pray Every Day
When I was drinking and stuck in bad patterns, I felt lost. Nothing felt meaningful. But deep down, I knew what I was really missing: connection with God.
Daily reflection and prayer helped me get honest about what I was avoiding. It reminded me that I’m not alone. That I have a purpose. It grounded me.
This is now the most important part of my day—and my life.
You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. Just start the conversation.
Try This:
- Take 5 minutes at night to pray or reflect on your day.
- Say one thing you’re grateful for and ask for strength.
- Be honest. God already knows your struggles anyway.
6. Create a Nighttime Wind-Down Ritual
Good sleep doesn’t just happen by accident. For years, I’d stay up gaming or watching YouTube until 3 a.m. Then feel miserable the next day. Over and over.
Now I have a small night routine. Nothing fancy. No rules. Just breathing. Turning off screens. Reading a short devotional. Maybe journaling or stretching.
It tells my body, “Hey, it’s safe to relax now.” And I sleep better. Wake up more grounded. It changed my mornings too.
Try This:
- Turn off screens 30 minutes before bed.
- Read something calming. Pray or journal.
- Stretch, breathe, or just sit in the quiet.
7. Be Kind to Yourself When You Mess Up
This one is hard. Especially if you grew up being tough on yourself like I did. I used to think shame would push me to do better. It never did.
Beating ourselves up doesn’t create change. Grace does.
You’re going to mess up. Everyone does. What matters is how you respond afterward. Do you stay stuck in self-hate? Or do you get back up and take just one good step?
Forgive yourself. Start again. That’s strength.
Try This:
- When you slip, say: “This doesn’t define me. I’m learning.”
- Ask, “What’s one good thing I can do right now?”
- Talk to yourself like you would to a close friend.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to fix everything overnight. You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to start small, stay consistent, and be kind to yourself along the way.
These little habits saved my life. They led me from 270 pounds and daily drinking to a grounded, healthy, purpose-filled life. And I’m still learning. Still growing. Still trusting God through it all.
So what’s your one small action today? Just one.
Choose it. Do it. Thank God for it.
Then show up again tomorrow.
You’ve got this.
