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Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it…

📈 17 Good Habits That Only Take a Few Minutes

Building habits can be challenging for many people due to the lack of time, willpower, or difficulty maintaining consistency. However, there are dozens of habits that can positively impact your life and only require a few seconds of your time.

In today’s featured article, I will share 17 good habits that take a minute or less to complete.

These habits have helped me run multiple online businesses in just 20 hours a week, giving me plenty of time for other important things in life.

Let's get started!

My Journey with Quick Habits

In 2012, I was in a long-distance relationship with a wonderful woman who is now my wife. The distance created tension, leading to disagreements and misunderstandings.

One day, she told me,

“Steve, it’s not the time apart that’s the issue. It’s the feeling that you don’t even think about me when I’m not around.”

She went on to say something else that was equally profound:

“Sometimes, all I need from you is a simple text message or phone call. It doesn’t have to be long, just something that let’s me know you’re thinking of me.”

This was a light-bulb moment for me. I realized how little effort I was putting into nurturing our relationship during the workweek. From that moment, I understood that simple, quick habits could significantly improve our relationship and other aspects of life.

After that tough conversation, I made it a point to consistently text her throughout the day. And as lame as it sounds, I created a “habit reminder” to follow through on this idea.

The point of this story?

I learned that some good habits don’t have to take much effort.

In fact, you can change your life with a series of simple habits that only take a minute to complete.

Here are 17 ideas to help you get started.

1. Get Out of Bed and Immediately Make It

One of the simplest yet most effective habits you can develop is getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off and making your bed immediately.

This small act has a ripple effect on your day.

First, it prevents you from hitting the snooze button, which can disrupt your sleep cycle and make you feel groggy. By getting up right away, you signal to your body that it’s time to start the day.

Also, making your bed immediately after getting up creates a sense of accomplishment. It’s a small win that can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

This habit also helps you resist the urge to climb back into bed, making it easier to stay awake and alert.

Finally, coming back to a neatly made bed at the end of the day can provide a sense of calm and order, contributing to better mental well-being.

2. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can significantly impact your mental health and overall well-being. Starting your day with a simple gratitude practice can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

One easy way to do this is by answering the question, “I am grateful for ____, because ____.”

(To get started, you can use this 30 days of gratitude printable.)

Building a gratitude practice helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life, which can improve your mood and outlook.

Research has shown that practicing gratitude can lead to numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and even better physical health.

By taking just a minute each morning to acknowledge what you are grateful for, you can cultivate a more positive mindset and build resilience against life’s challenges.

Over time, this simple habit can have a profound impact on your overall happiness and well-being.

3. Wear a Step-Tracking Watch

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health, but it can be challenging to stay active, especially if you have a sedentary job.

Wearing a step-tracking device (like the Garmin Forerunner 55 that I wear) can help you stay mindful of your physical activity throughout the day. By putting it on as soon as you wake up, you set an intention to move more and stay active.

Tracking your steps can provide valuable insights into your activity levels and motivate you to make healthier choices. For example, you might choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a walk during your lunch break.

Over time, these small changes can add up, leading to improved cardiovascular health, better weight management, and increased energy levels.

4. Fill a 32-Ounce Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being. One simple way to ensure you drink enough water is by filling a 32-ounce bottle and drinking it within the first hour of waking up. This habit jumpstarts your hydration for the day and helps you meet your daily water intake goals.

Proper hydration is crucial for various bodily functions, including digestion, temperature regulation, and cognitive performance. Drinking water first thing in the morning can also help flush out toxins and kickstart your metabolism.

Additionally, staying hydrated can improve your skin health, reduce headaches, and boost your energy levels. By making this a daily habit, you can set a strong foundation for better health.

5. Review Your Goals

Setting and reviewing goals is a powerful way to stay focused and motivated. By creating 90-day goals and reviewing them daily, you can keep your priorities in check and make consistent progress. This habit helps you stay aligned with your long-term objectives and ensures that your daily actions contribute to your overall goals.

Reviewing your goals daily keeps them at the forefront of your mind, making it easier to stay committed and motivated. It also allows you to make adjustments as needed, ensuring that your goals remain relevant and achievable.

This habit can help you stay organized, reduce procrastination, and increase your chances of success in both your personal and professional life.

(You can use our Goal Planner Bundle to track and review your goals.)

6. Identify Your Three Most Important Tasks (MITs)

Focusing on your most important tasks (MITs) before anything else is a highly effective way to structure your day. These are the 1-3 tasks that will have the biggest impact on your life and work. By prioritizing these tasks, you can ensure that you make meaningful progress towards your goals.

This habit helps eliminate the problem of over-scheduling and the accompanying stress of not completing all your tasks. By focusing on your MITs, you can achieve a sense of accomplishment and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

This approach can also improve your time management skills and increase your overall productivity.

7. Start with Your “One Thing”

The concept of the One Thing comes from the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The idea is to focus on the most important task that will make everything else easier or unnecessary. By starting your day with this task, you can tackle it when your willpower and energy levels are at their highest.

Focusing on your "One Thing" first thing in the morning can help you overcome procrastination and ensure that you make progress on your most important goals. This habit can lead to significant improvements in your productivity and overall success.

Whether it’s writing, exercising, or making sales calls, starting your day with your "One Thing" can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

8. Track Your Personal KPIs

In the business world, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are crucial for measuring success. Similarly, tracking your personal KPIs can help you monitor your progress towards your goals.

As an example, here are some KPIs you could track:

● Losing weight: Weigh yourself daily and record it in an app or a tracking sheet.

● Eat better: Track your daily food intake in a food log.

● Writer: Monitor your daily word counts.

● Exercising: Log each workout using an exercise-specific app (e.g., a running app) or a general fitness app like Fitness Buddy.

● Get out of debt: Track and review your expenditures daily.

● Sales: Record the number of people you’ve called each day.

By regularly tracking your progress, you can identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to stay on track. This habit can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you see your progress over time. Tracking your KPIs can help you stay motivated, focused, and committed to your personal development and success.

9. Check the Weather

Checking the weather might seem like a trivial habit, but it can significantly impact your day. By knowing the weather forecast, you can plan your activities accordingly and avoid unexpected disruptions.

This habit can help you make better decisions about your clothing, travel plans, and outdoor activities.

Planning ahead based on the weather can reduce stress and increase your overall health.

For example, if you know it’s going to rain, you can plan an indoor workout instead of skipping exercise altogether. By being prepared, you can make the most of your day and avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

10. Stow Your Phone in a Distant Location

Our phones are incredibly useful tools, but they can also be major distractions. By keeping your phone in a location that’s not within easy reach, you can reduce the temptation to check it constantly. This habit can help you stay focused and improve your productivity.

Especially at night, keeping your phone in another room can prevent it from being the first thing you look at in the morning. This can help you start your day with more intention and focus.

By creating a physical barrier, you can reduce mindless scrolling and make more deliberate choices about how you spend your time.

11. Plan Your Punctuality

Punctuality is a valuable habit that can improve your personal and professional relationships. By calculating your trip time and adding 10-15 minutes of buffer time, you can ensure that you arrive on time and reduce stress from unexpected delays. This habit shows respect for other people’s time and can enhance your reputation.

Being punctual can also provide you with extra time to prepare mentally for meetings or appointments. It allows you to arrive calm and collected, rather than rushed and flustered. This habit can improve your overall time management skills and contribute to a more organized and productive life.

12. Bring a Book with You Everywhere

Carrying a book with you can turn idle time into productive time. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment or commuting, having a book on hand allows you to make the most of these moments. This habit can help you read more and expand your knowledge.

Reading regularly can improve your cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance your empathy. By making reading a habit, you can continuously learn and grow. This simple habit can also provide a healthy alternative to mindlessly scrolling through your phone.

13. Order Books from a Library

Books can be expensive, but libraries offer a cost-effective way to access a wide range of books. By keeping a list of books you want to read and ordering them from the library, you can continuously feed your reading habit without breaking the bank.

Most libraries offer interlibrary loan programs, allowing you to borrow books from other libraries in the system. This means you can access virtually any book you’re interested in. This habit can help you read more, save money, and support your local library.

14. Write Down Your Great Ideas

Capturing your thoughts and ideas as they come to you can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget important insights. Choose a single device or app, like Evernote or Notion, to store all your ideas. This habit allows you to review and act on your ideas later.

Writing down your ideas can also spark creativity and help you develop new projects or solutions. It provides a way to track your thought process and see how your ideas evolve over time. This habit can enhance your productivity and contribute to your personal and professional growth.

15. Text an Encouraging Message

Sending an encouraging text to someone daily is a simple way to maintain relationships and spread positivity. It doesn’t have to be a long or profound message; just a small note to let someone know you’re thinking of them can make a big difference.

This habit can strengthen your connections with friends, family, and colleagues. It shows that you care and are invested in their well-being. Over time, this simple act of kindness can improve your relationships and create a more supportive social network.

16. Practice Conscious Breathing

When you feel anxious or stressed, practicing conscious breathing can help restore your focus and calm.

The 555 breathing exercise is a simple technique:

● Inhale for five seconds

● Hold for five seconds

● Exhale for five seconds.

Repeat this five times to reduce stress and improve your mental clarity.

Conscious breathing can activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing the physical symptoms of stress. It can also improve your concentration and overall well-being. By making this a regular habit, you can better manage stress and maintain a sense of calm and balance.

17. Take Movement Breaks

Sitting for long periods can have negative effects on your health. Taking a five-minute break every hour to walk around can help counteract these effects. Aim for 250 steps during each break to keep your body active and improve circulation.

Regular movement breaks can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve your posture, and increase your energy levels. This habit can also enhance your focus and productivity by giving your mind and body a short rest. By incorporating movement breaks into your day, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

Final Thoughts on Quick Habits

Incorporating small, manageable habits into your daily routine can lead to significant positive changes in your life.

These 17 habits, each taking just a few minutes, are designed to help you improve well-being, productivity, and relationships.

Whether it's making your bed, practicing gratitude, or taking movement breaks, these simple actions can set the tone for a more organized and fulfilling day.

The key is consistency. Start by choosing a few habits that resonate with you and gradually incorporate them into your routine. Over time, these small actions will become second nature, and you'll notice the cumulative benefits. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection.

Even small steps can lead to significant improvements when practiced consistently.

⚙️1% Habit Idea

Today’s 1% habit relates to today’s theme of good habits that only take a few minutes to complete. This idea isn’t very exciting, but it’s an important one.

At the risk of sounding like a dad (which I am), there are little habits you need to build that will protect you and your family.

These are called safety checks because double-checking these items might be a life-or-death action.

How to Get Started

This is a simple habit where you set aside a block of time each week and once a month to complete the following actions.

(If you get stuck with how to do any of these actions, then refer to the owner’s manual of an appliance or watch a how-to video on YouTube.):

Weekly:

● Check the tire pressure in your car(s). Fill them if they are low.

● Check each carbon monoxide and smoke detector to make sure they’re operational.

● Clean the lint from your dryer and inside the exhaust vent.

● Check that medical alerts and contact numbers for all family members are visible on your fridge or near your phone.

● Check all electrical sources for needed repairs.

● Check locks on property outside the house, such as storage shed and gates to the backyard.

Monthly:

● Check your emergency flashlights to see if you need to replace the batteries.

● Check your designated place for all medical emergency equipment and make sure all are in working order.

● Check that contents of first aid or medicine kits are up to date (not expired) and properly labeled.

● Lock away all firearms and separate ammunition (as needed) from children. Use firearm safety locks.

What I suggest is to create a reminder on a digital calendar or task manager for these checks. Then set them up as a recurring task that pops up every week/month (or whatever time frame works for you.)

As an example, here is one check that’s in my Todoist app.

Never underestimate the value of safety checks.

Sometimes it’s the small things in life that can have the biggest impact on your health and well-being. 

🗂️ The Resource Roundup

⚙️ The Most Powerful Life Hacks I've Found - What if the smallest changes could unlock the biggest improvements in your life? Sahil Bloom’s collection of 50 tested life hacks delivers practical, impactful tips across health, relationships, career, and wealth—proven strategies to help you thrive with less effort and more clarity.

🛑 How to Get Out of a Rut, Pain and Boredom, and Knowing When to Quit - Ever feel stuck between pushing forward and walking away? This podcast explores the fine line between a healthy routine and a rut, the surprising benefits of boredom, and how to decide whether it’s time to quit or double down—essential listening for anyone seeking more clarity in work, creativity, and relationships.

🗓️ Overcoming the Fear of Aging - How would it feel to approach aging not with fear, but with curiosity and empowerment? In this thoughtful piece, Leo Babauta invites readers to reframe their relationship with growing older, offering insights and practices to make aging a joyful, enriching journey.

😀 5 Classic Stoic Principles to Live by for a Happier Life – Curious about how Stoic principles can help you lead a more resilient and fulfilling life? This article explores timeless Stoic lessons on embracing challenges, practicing self-control, and finding contentment, offering practical advice for modern living.

🌴 How to Enjoy Life With Less Money - Do you feel like enjoying life is out of reach without a hefty bank account? This article challenges that notion, offering practical strategies to embrace simple pleasures, redefine happiness, and live meaningfully with less financial stress.

That’s it for today.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Talk soon.

Cheers,

Steve Scott