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…

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📈 3 Hacks to Simplify Your Habits

2025 is less than two weeks away.

This will be the time when lots of people make their resolutions for the new year.

The problem?

Many of these folks will start a new habit(s) with a lot of motivation, only to give up a few days later.

The truth is, we all struggle with building habits.

Fortunately, there are a few shortcuts you can take that will improve your success.

Specifically, there are three “habit hacks” that only take a minute or less to implement. 

In today’s featured article, we will talk about these shortcuts and how to take action on each idea.

Alright, let’s jump right into the first of the habit hacks.

#1. Create Small Habit Goals.

You’re more likely to stick to a habit if it’s easy to get started.

The problem with the way most people create habits is they are too challenging to do every single day. 

If your habit goal is too big, you won’t have a backup plan for those days when you’re faced with unexpected challenges.

For instance, if you set a habit goal to “exercise for 60 minutes daily,” then you might skip a day when you’re swamped with work or a personal emergency. 

A better strategy is to set a simple habit goal like “get 10 minutes of movement daily.”

This is a micro-commitment that will help you stay consistent and avoid making excuses to skip a day.

To get started, we suggest that you break down your habits into simple goals that are easy to complete.

Here are a few examples of daily habits to focus on:

● Get 5,000 steps of movement

● Write for 10 minutes

● Eat one serving of fruits and vegetables

● Create one promotional social media post for your business

● Set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier than usual

Sure, these habits are extremely easy to do. But once you get started, you will see that it’s easy to build momentum and do more of the habit than you planned for. 

#2. Plan for Your Obstacles

You will always encounter obstacles when it comes to building a new habit.

So it’s important to plan for these potential challenges ahead of time, using the “If-Then Planning” strategy.

For instance, let’s look at a few common obstacles you could face:

1. You’re short on time

2. You get tired

3. The weather isn’t cooperating

4. You don’t have access to an appropriate place for the habit

5. The habit is too expensive

6. You’re self-consciousness

By using the “If-Then Planning” concept, you can prepare for these obstacles ahead of time.

Here are a couple of examples:

If your new habit is to run for 15 minutes every morning:

“If it's raining or snowing outside, then I'll run for 15 minutes on the treadmill at the gym.”

If you want to learn to play the piano:

“If I don’t have time to practice the piano every night, then I’ll set my alarm for 20 minutes earlier than usual and practice in the morning.”

If you’re aiming to read a book a week:

“If I don’t have enough time at the end of the day to read, then I will commit to reading for 10 minutes at lunchtime.”

When you use the if-then strategy often enough, you will have ZERO excuse to follow through with an important habit.

#3. Practice The 20-Second Rule 

The 20-Second Rule is a simple idea.

When trying to build a new habit, keep anything related to your habit goal ready to go within 20 seconds.

If you’re trying to read a book a week, keep a book on your desk.

Or if you want to run every morning before work, keep your running shoes next to your bed.

The 20-second rule is a concept that Shawn Achor discusses in his book, The Happiness Advantage where he talked about his initial resistance to building the habit of practicing his guitar.

Achor realized that much of his resistance came from the act of getting his guitar ready to practice, which only took 20 seconds.

His solution to this was to keep his guitar unpacked and close by so it was always ready to play when the inspiration hit. After making this small change, Achor practiced for three weeks in a row.

So if you want to build a positive habit, then be sure to keep all the items you will need to get started nearby and ready to go. 

To sum it up:

You can build a good habit by:

1. Committing to small micro-commitment

2. Planning for all potential obstacles

3. Keeping the items related to the habit nearby and accessible.

If you follow these steps, then you will discover that it’s not hard to build good habits that stick.

⚙️1% Habit Idea

Today’s idea provides a great solution to sticking to your important habits – especially when you miss a day.

When you think of a library, what usually comes to mind? Are you seeing shelves upon shelves stacked with books? Or are there people huddled at tables, engrossed with whatever they’re reading?

Libraries are more than a repository of books.

They are actually vibrant community hubs brimming with resources and opportunities that extend far beyond traditional reading materials. From educational programs to digital resources, leveraging your library can enrich your life in unexpected ways.

Why Leveraging Your Library Is Helpful

● You get access to technology and digital resources: Many libraries offer free access to computers, Wi-Fi, and even technology training.

● You can participate in educational and cultural programs: Libraries host a variety of programs for all ages, from children’s story hours to adult workshops on financial literacy, gardening, or local history.

● You can borrow non-traditional items: Beyond books, many libraries lend out items like musical instruments, tools, kitchen equipment, and even art.

● You can save money you’d otherwise use to pay for digital services or purchase of tools or equipment.

Getting Started With Leveraging Your Local Library

Step 1: Your first step is to get a library card if you don’t already have one. Visit your local library with proof of residence, and you’ll quickly gain access to a world of resources.

Many libraries also allow you to sign up online for a temporary card.

Step 2: Take the time to explore what your library offers beyond books.

Check their website or visit in person to discover programs, digital resources, and non-traditional items available for borrowing. Don’t hesitate to ask library staff for recommendations or information.

Step 3: Start attending programs that interest you and make use of the available services.

Whether it's a digital literacy class, a storytelling session for your kids, or borrowing a tool for a home project, actively participating will help you reap the full benefits of your library.

Services, Items, and Other Interesting Stuff You Can Find at Your Local Library

You can find some or all of the following at your local library. If you need to borrow an item or avail of a service, all you need to do is ask a librarian. They’d be happy to assist you.

● Audio books

● DVDs

● Genealogy archives

● Cultural programs

● Workshops and classes on a wide range of topics

● Tutorials

● Photograph collections

● Zines

● Kiddie activities (book clubs, story time, etc.)

● Memory Lab (services for archiving and digitizing personal information)

● Musical equipment

● Household tools and appliances

● Book recommendations

● Expert advice on many topics (investing, gardening, job application, pet care, etc.)

● Product recommendations

● Assistance for your research

● Games

● Meeting rooms

● Tickets/passes to museums and other attractions

● Electric car charging stations (in some states)

Leveraging your local library is a smart and enriching way to access a wealth of resources and opportunities.

By simply obtaining a library card, exploring the library’s extensive offerings, and participating in programs, you can significantly enhance your quality of life.

Libraries are more than book lenders — they are community keystones that support education, creativity, and connection.

So, next time you pass by your local library, check out what treasures await you inside.

🗂️ The Resource Roundup

🤐 How to Reinvent Yourself as an Introvert in 2025 - Are you tired of feeling like a watered-down version of yourself? This article offers practical, step-by-step methods to help introverts reinvent their lives, overcome self-doubt, and unlock the person they’ve always dreamed of becoming—because lasting transformation starts with a clear map and consistent action.

🌴 The Transcendent Power of Travel - How can a simple journey transform your mind and spirit? This article reveals the profound psychological benefits of travel—especially for teenagers—highlighting how awe-inspiring experiences reshape perspectives, boost emotional resilience, and foster personal growth.

👣 How To Find Calm Through Walking - Feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life? Discover how walking meditation can ground you in the present moment, offering both mental clarity and a sense of calm—perfect for readers seeking mindful ways to de-stress.

😀 Happiness Is a Choice - What if the secret to happiness isn’t about achieving more but about changing your perspective? This thought-provoking article explores why true happiness is an internal choice, not dictated by external circumstances, offering a fresh lens to reframe fears, resentments, and the need for control.

🌱 Rich In Life Skills - What life skills do you wish you’d learned in school but didn’t? This article dives into 8 essential skills—from emotional intelligence to charisma—that everyone should master, offering valuable insights to improve your personal and professional life.

Thanks for reading.

Have a great weekend!

Talk soon.

Cheers,

Steve Scott 

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