Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut, struggling to make progress towards your goals? It’s a frustrating feeling, but the good news is that you’re not alone. We all have habits that we know we should stick to, but for one reason or another, we struggle to make them a part of our daily routine.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my list of 23 habits that I struggle with. Buckle up because some of them might surprise you.
1. First on my list is rinsing my dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Yes, I know it’s a lesser-known habit, but it’s one that can drive your partner crazy. Trust me, I’ve been there. And don’t even get me started on the silent treatment that follows. It’s typically a variation of: “Babe, rinse the dishes!” “You’re clogging up the dishwasher!” “Can you please rinse them better, so we don’t have to wash them again?” To which I typically reply with, “No.” The silent treatment begins… and ends with me scrubbing the dishes, giving my husband the stink eye from across the kitchen.
2. Next up is drinking some water. Notice the use of the word “some,” as in I don’t drink any to begin with. I find the taste of water to be pretty boring, to the point where I would rather drink anything else. Chances are, if you see me out in public, I’ll be carrying a 16 oz tumbler of either iced tea, iced chai, or an iced coffee with a fancy schmancy creamer. I would really like to build this habit, eventually…
3. Making my bed every morning is another habit that I struggle with. I mean, what’s the point if I’m just going to mess it up again later? Sorry for disappointing you, Mom, but I’m going to have to pass on this one indefinitely.
4. I love Netflix, but I know I need to cut down on my screen time, especially when it comes to true crime documentaries. Beyond the fact that it consumes a lot of my time, I don’t want to keep waking up in the middle of the night screaming from my nightmares!
5. Skipping breakfast and lunch is another bad habit of mine that I’ve been holding onto for over a decade. Most of my days I work through lunch because it’s typically the only time I can play catch-up. But for years, I skipped meals. Initially, it was due to an eating disorder that started in high school, but then it turned into something I just do. I’ve tried to retrain my body to want to eat lunch, but it’s been a struggle. I really want to build this healthy habit, so maybe I’ll even write a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
6. Throwing away socks that have holes in them might seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t help but feel sentimental about them. My husband even says that if he throws one away, its partner will miss it. How sweet is that?
7. Overthinking is another habit that I struggle with. I need to remember what happened, happened, and I can’t change it now. It’s time to move on, Laci.
8. As soon as I wake up, I tend to open and reply to my work emails right away. The thing is, I’ve always prided myself on my promptness in everything I do. But I’m starting to realize that emails are non-urgent, and, by replying immediately, I am telling the world (and myself) that I prioritize work over my own well-being. I need to chill and remember that most emails can wait until later in the day.
9. On a related note, I need to stop bringing work home with me. Work-life balance is crucial, and I need to start reserving my evenings and weekends for personal to-dos instead of work to-dos. There will always be another email to reply to, phone call to make, or a patient encounter to chart, and it can wait until regular business hours. While this makes perfect sense in theory, the truth is that I’m still working on it.
10. Stop wasting food and money by buying too many groceries. Instead, plan and stick to a shopping list.
11. Put a stop to overfeeding your furry friend, Laci. Save yourself from hefty vet bills and keep your pup healthy.
12. Don’t let laundry pile up. Make use of the “air fluff” button and fold clothes as soon as they’re done.
13. Save lives and prevent fires by cleaning the lint trap in your dryer after each use. It’s a simple task, so “just do it.”
14. Look beyond Pinterest for inspiration. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected sources, like a friend or even a stranger.
15. Boost your health and happiness by eating more leafy greens. It’s a small change with big benefits.
16. Don’t wait until it’s too late to see a doctor. Take care of your health by making and keeping appointments, filling prescriptions, and following your doctor’s advice. You’re not invincible, Laci. You don’t have to wait until you see blood to make an appointment, show up, and take the medication.
17. Keep your car tidy and organized. Resist the urge to let trash pile up and multiply like magic.
18. Take care of your teeth and impress your dentist by making flossing a daily habit.
19. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Savor the moment, raise a glass, and enjoy the victory.
20. Get moving and hit the running track. Exercise is great for your body and mind.
21. Clean up your digital clutter by deleting old text conversations, emails, and voicemails. Get rid of those pesky notifications and simplify your life.
22. Save money and eat healthier by packing your lunch in a cute and practical lunch box.
23. Stay organized and avoid forgetting items by updating your grocery list as you go. Don’t rely on your memory or you’ll risk running out of toothpaste. (Yes, this has happened to me).
Building good habits can be challenging, but it’s important for our overall health and well-being to follow through on them. We all have bad habits that we struggle with, and that’s okay. My best advice is to simply acknowledge these habits and work towards changing them one step at a time. Whether it’s making our bed every morning, drinking some water, or prioritizing our own well-being over work, small changes can have a big impact on our lives. By taking the time to focus on building positive habits, we can create a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life for ourselves. So, let’s start today and make a commitment to ourselves to build good habits and break the bad ones. Remember, it’s never too late to make a positive change.
What are some habits that you struggle with, and what steps are you taking to overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s help each other build better habits!
