1. Wake up early and go to bed early
There’s something inspiring about waking up before the world starts moving. The early hours of the morning became a sanctuary—a quiet, pure time that was all my own. I started small: moving my alarm clock forward by 15 minutes each week until my body got used to this early routine. In those quiet hours, I could think, plan, and breathe without interruption, giving my day a purposeful, peaceful start. Continuing to wake up early brought me more than just extra hours; it brought me clarity, a sense of accomplishment, and a real sense of time’s extension.
2. Reading
Books became my guides, my companions, and my refuge. Each genre and each writer added something new, expanded my horizons, and challenged my assumptions. Whether it was a classic novel, a philosophical essay, or a self-help book, each page was a window onto different ideas and perspectives. Gradually, reading ceased to be a hobby; it became fuel. It opened new doors in my mind, inspired me with solutions I had never considered before, and taught me the art of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
3. Writing
Writing was a big change. It started out as a jot down of random thoughts or things I learned during the day, but it quickly evolved into a deeper thinking practice. Writing clarified my mind and gave form to my thoughts. I became more aware, and more able to express ideas I hadn’t previously understood. The simple act of writing became a way to untangle, organize, and grow from my thoughts.
4. Keep a daily diary
I started keeping a daily journal—a safe space to unpack my thoughts, process my day, and identify patterns in my feelings and behaviors. It wasn’t just a recording of what happened, it was an examination of why things happened. Over time, this practice gave me a better understanding of myself: my motivations, my fears, and my moments of strength. The journal became a mirror of my journey, a trusted friend, and a tool for self-acceptance.
5. Programming
Learning to code was a bold step, but it was one of the most rewarding. Coding taught me to think logically, approach problems methodically, and see beauty in structure and order. It trained my mind to break complex tasks down into actionable steps, a skill that has carried over to other aspects of my life. Additionally, creating something functional from scratch was a uniquely empowering experience. Each new line of code was a lesson in patience and perseverance.
6. Videotape yourself daily to improve your public speaking skills.
Public speaking was a challenge for me, so I decided to tackle it head-on by recording myself every day. At first, it was awkward—maybe even embarrassing—but each video showed me areas I could improve: tone of voice, speed, gestures, and eye contact. Gradually, I gained confidence, not just in speaking, but in expressing myself. Seeing my growth was the real win here. It wasn’t just about skill; it was about discovering a voice I didn’t know I had.
7. Writing a monthly report
This is my monthly reset, my way of pausing and reflecting on what I’ve accomplished, where I fell short, and what I can improve on. Each report is a roadmap—I review my accomplishments, confront my failures, and set goals with a fresh perspective. It’s a moment of honesty, of checking in with myself, and of making conscious adjustments for the month ahead. This habit has turned my big goals into smaller, actionable steps, and has given me a sense of accountability that has made all the difference.
Each of these habits was like a thread woven into the fabric of my life, forming a path toward a more focused, whole, and confident version of myself. These habits didn’t change me overnight, but step by step, they created a new way of living that feels more conscious, grounded, and genuinely rewarding.
8. Learn new skills regularly.
I committed to learning something new every month, whether it was a new recipe, learning how to use a particular software, or a creative project like photography. These “mini-challenges” added flavor to my life, broadened my horizons, and reminded me that learning is a lifelong journey. Each new skill was an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and built my confidence in ways I never expected.
9. Embrace simplicity and declutter regularly.
Minimalism taught me to appreciate what I have and to let go of what doesn’t serve a purpose. Regularly decluttering brought surprising clarity and peace. By choosing to keep only the things I love or need, I freed up physical and mental space. A clean environment became a blank slate that helped me focus, prioritize, and bring more meaning to each day.
10. Practice self-compassion and let go of perfectionism.
I used to think everything had to be perfect to be valuable, but I later learned that growth is a process. By practicing self-compassion and embracing imperfection, I found peace in the journey itself. Now, when I stumble or make mistakes, I remind myself that it’s part of learning. This habit has reduced stress, brought more joy, and allowed me to pursue my goals with a lighter heart and greater resilience.