Striving to get healthier, be more active, achieve your career goals, be a better mom and human? Yeah, me too. The kicker is, it’s easier said than done. Wanting to change so many things is good but can be difficult because, well, you’re trying to change so many things. Where do you start?  The good news is every single goal I’ve ever met began with one initial step, or one tiny changed habit. Try out these one-minute habits today to take the first step towards your goals.

1. WRITE DOWN your gratitude list

Practicing gratitude and writing down what you’re grateful for everyday is a life changer…and one that still takes me by surprise. I read this amazing book 10 years ago called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp and it changed how I looked at gratitude. I normally start my day off by doing this, even if it’s just in my head, and it puts me in a great mindset for the rest of the day. Seasons in our lives will be up and down, sometimes it’s super easy to be grateful and other times it’s like pulling teeth, but do it anyway.  Also I find myself thanking others with intent, instead of just out of necessity or habit. This simple habit has changed my life and the lives of those who I surround myself with.

2. ADD LEMON TO YOUR WATER

When life gives you lemons…make lemon water? By simply squeezing a quarter of a lemon into your water in the morning, you are starting your day off with so many benefits. Lemon contains nutrients like Vitamin C, which can help boost your skin’s natural glow + it helps improve your immune system. Lemon can also help in balance pH levels in your body. Basically, this one simple step can turn your normal water into a super cocktail.

3. TAKE A BREATH

You know those days where you are running around like a crazy person, just go go go? Yeah, me too. As much as I love to get things done and feel accomplished, sometimes you need a second to breathe. And weirdly enough sometimes we forget. It’s not only good for your body, but it can help with anxiety and stress tremendously.  Gabby Bernstein taught me a technique where you breathe in for 5 hold for 4 and breathe out for 4 and it’s so calming.

4. MAKE YOUR BED

I know, I sound like your parents with this one. However, making your bed is a tiny step in beginning a successful day. This is one small win before even brushing your teeth or having your coffee. Go you! This small habit can be the first domino in the string of other good decisions you make throughout the day. After all, big successes are made up of small habits.

5. Podcast BREAK

During long work days, sometimes I feel like I’m not being as productive as I could be if I just refocused my mind. I like to take a break to listen to a podcast just to get out of my own head. Sometimes just for like a couple minutes. I will skip to the middle and say a prayer that I’m guided to what I need to hear. Podcasts can give you that boost of ‘just what I needed to hear’ to help instantly turn my day around. That, on top of some fresh air, can really turn any day around.

6. USE VISUALIZATION 

Visualization and manifesting are fundamental for me, both things I’ve done since I was a child. Anytime I feel I’m spiraling or have anxious thoughts, I simply think of another, more positive alternative I want to see instead. Let’s say you were about to go on a date for the first time in 8 months. You might be a big nervous and worried that it won’t go well. Thinking like this puts you in that mindset, and it can be hard to get out of. Instead, visualize yourself on the date. Looking cute, sipping a fun cocktail(or mocktail if you’re like me), laughing and having fun. Changes your entire outlook right? This simple visualization tool can give you a confidence boost so high you might come out of the situation 10x better than initially expected.

7. APPLY SPF 

If I could go back to my twenties, I would have put a sticky note on my bathroom mirror with this message. SPF is something so many of us want to ignore, and I’m bad about it too, but it’s never too late so I’ve really tried to commit. SPF can help prevent hyperpigmentation, boost skin’s glow, prevent aging and so much more. Friends, lets add it to our daily skincare routine today, I’m trying too!

8. CHECK YOUR POSTURE 

Did you know your posture could be affecting your mental and physical health? I am an OG sloucher myself, but I have been working on this one. Straighten your back and relax your shoulders while looking straight ahead – does this feel better? Good. Try and commit to getting in the habit of sitting up straight.

9. TIDY UP

I don’t know about you guys, but I am so much happier if I am organized. In reality, yes a big mess might take a bit longer. However, it all starts with one minute! And even if you only have 60 seconds, you can make a huge difference in your space. Simply organizing your desk, transferring the dirty laundry from the catch all chair to the laundry basket, even cleaning down the kitchen counter are all easy tasks that will have you feeling stress free is less than a minute.

10. SET A GOAL

Did you know that accomplishing something, even something small, can change the entire outlook of your day? I admit it, I love writing down my to  do list just so I can check items off. It gives me the motivation to keep up the success! Next time you are needing some motivation, write down a goal, something small, like responding to an email. Once you have accomplished it, cross it off the list, and see where you go from there! I put goals big and small onto my list before I go to bed to start the day off ahead and not already behind.