You can’t deny that being disciplined is definitely a huge plus when it comes to getting your life together. Not saying discipline is for everyone—if you got things under control without it, great—but you can’t deny that it does help put some things into perspective and streamline life in ways that are otherwise hella hard.
Well, folks on Reddit have been talking about something that has a lot to do with discipline, and that is habits. In particular, it’s small, minimal-effort habits that go a long way in improving your quality of life and thus make a huge difference in how you approach it.
We’ve scoped out the best, most helpful tips, tricks, hacks, and just habits in general that folks in this thread suggested and created a lovely curated list that you can find, vote and comment on below. And why not share some of your bits of advice for small, yet high-impact habits in the comment section below!
And yes, we are aware that some of these submissions are rather similar, if not identical, yet they provide different takes on the same habits. So, smile and be kind.
More Info: Reddit
#1 Water Is The Way To Go. Always
Drink water instead of pretty much anything else.
Except coffee. I'm not a monster.
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249points
#2 Saying "Please" And "Thank You"
Getting into the habit of saying please and thank you. I’ve seen endless horror stories about people in retail getting sh*t on by ungrateful and rude customers, so I made a resolve to try and be as amicable and cooperative whenever I can.
And it really made a difference. It really helps smooth things along when both people are working together to get things done as efficiently as possible. It’s a great feeling helping make someone’s day easier. Goes to show a little bit of kindness goes a long way.
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249points
#3 Move Things Around As You Navigate Your Home
Every time you leave a room take something that doesn't belong there and put it away. As soon as it is a habit you're house will stay tidy.
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210points
#4 Be Respectful Towards Others
1) Trying to see the other person's point of view, or at least not reacting explosively negative to it when you disagree. (This helps immeasurably with in-laws.)
2) knowing when to keep your mouth shut. It’s not necessary to always express an opinion or make a remark, especially when there's no hope of changing another's viewpoint.
3) It costs NOTHING to be kind, to affirm other people by recognizing them, to say please & thank you.
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168points
#5 Exercise Regularly Throughout The Week
Exercise at least 3-5 times a week. You don't need to train like a an Olympic athlete. Going for a walk or jog is good enough. Do pushups and crunches right after you get up. As long as you get your heart rate up.
Small steps, it'll all add up.
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154points
#6 The "2-Minute" Rule, Get Small, Short Tasks Done Along The Way
2 minute rule.
If you see something that needs doing that will take 2 minutes or less; go ahead and do it. Put away those clothes. Pick up that toy as you walk by. Empty that dish washer when you go to get a drink. Scoop the litterbox when you go to take a p**s.
Things will stay neater, you'll be more organized, and you'll find you have more time in the long run for stuff you want to do, instead of having to take care of stuff you've been putting off.
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150points
#7 Don't Drink Soda
Stop drinking soda. In the long run soda is bad for you and after a while of not drinking you will realize that it tastes to sweet.
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146points
#8 Make A Habit Of Being Kind
Making a habit of being kind. Positivity that has the possibility of infinite growth.
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139points
#9 If You're Out, Replace It
Replacing items before they run out. E.g.. detergent, toilet paper, shampoo, etc.
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139points
#11 Eat Healthy
Healthy eating. If you make it habitual, you look and feel a million times better than when you eat like c**p. You don't even crave c****y food often.
107points
#12 Meal Planning
Meal planning.
You save so much more money if you pre-plan what you're going to eat for the week than if you wing it.
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105points
#13 Brush Your Teeth, It's More Than Just A Smile
Brushing your teeth, your smile look good, you save money and your health, benefits quite a lot from a healthy mouth.
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100points
#14 Take The Stairs Whenever Possible
Take the stairs, if you have a choice.
100points
#15 Do The Dishes Before Bed
Doing dishes at night so I wake up to a clean sink and clean dishes. I live in a tiny studio and don’t have a dishwasher so this makes a big difference for me.
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95points
#16 Returning Bottles For Recycling
Somewhere in Europe you pay a 10-cent deposit on all your beer bottles, my small habit of alcoholism gives me a nice return on bottles when I hand them in for recycling.
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92points
#17 Hygiene Is Key
Most things related to hygiene. Brushing teeth, showering daily, washing your clothes regularly. Hygiene is the #1 thing that the opposite sex cares about, and the first thing people notice.
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82points
#18 Eat A Little Less Than You Normally Would
Eating a little less. You don’t even have to eat better, just leave 1/4-1/3 of your food on your plate. Get a smaller bowl of ice cream. Eat one less slice of pizza. Don’t eat all the fries. If everything else stays the same you’ll lose weight, and it’s a start towards being healthier.
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78points
#19 Floss. Not The Dance. With Actual Teeth
Flossing. There are a lot of people who don't floss, but it's an important habit to get into. Once you start flossing, you'll feel gross when you don't do it.
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76points
#20 Sleep Can Go A Long Way
Sleep well.
It isn't even the long run, the next morning you'll become 10x better.
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75points