• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact

How to Transform Your Life with Mini Habits

October 14 // 28 Comments // 6 Minute Read

Jump To Recipe · Print Recipe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Take a deep dive into my new and improved approach toward habit formation and discover how to transform your life, one mini habit at a time.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

I've been so discouraged this year about not making progress on any of my New Year's Resolutions, and I had no idea I was going about it all wrong! I give everything my all, but that sort of pace is just not ever sustainable. Apparently it really is the little things, after all! Little habits add up! I am so pumped and inspired now to rework my resolutions into bite-sized habits I can build into my daily life and start making real progress! Mini habits FTW! #minihabits #successfulhabits #habits

I’m not the type of person who can do anything halfway.

Ask me to do something and I’m the girl that gives you 110% effort. And if I’m going to make a change—like cultivating a healthy lifestyle—you better believe I’ll go sugar-free, gluten-free, and work out for 60 minutes straight the first day!

I’ll let you in on a little secret: This does not work. At all.

Despite my best efforts, any goal I’ve set for myself quickly evolves into an insurmountable standard that even a die-hard perfectionist can’t reach. This leads me to quit before I’ve even begun (or, at best, just a few days in).

Which is why in 2015, I decided not to set any personal goals.

Absolutely none!

Instead, I focused on mini habits—one small, doable improvement per month that would snowball into twelve life-changing practices.

I dubbed 2015 my Year of Intention, motivated by the fact that the previous year was such a huge year of blog, writing, and business growth for me. I had let a lot of things slide in lieu of hours upon hours of work.

That Year of Intention sometimes feels like a lifetime ago, and yet…many of those habits stuck with me, gently guiding me back to the purposeful life I was so desperate for at the beginning and still desire today.

how to transform your life with these mini habits!

Why Mini Habits Work

If you really think about it, change doesn’t happen overnight. Change takes place when you practice small daily habits over and over again until they become so ingrained in you that it feels weird not to do them.

Even more than that…

1. Mini Habits are Easy to Accomplish – Because mini habits are so small, you can easily work them into your day without much effort at all. It’s one small choice that has big life-changing results. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, but I shoot for 30 to be extra safe. Mini habits are literally the key to how to change your life in 30 days!

2. Mini Habits Give You a Quick Win – Unlike resolutions, you don’t have to wait months to transform your life and reach your goal. Mini habits are attainable and give you a quick win every time you do them, thus encouraging you to keep going rather than give up. Talk about a major confidence booster!

3. Mini Habits Create Lifelong Change – When you practice mini habits over and over (and over!) again, you rewire your brain to do that habit without needing to convince yourself that you should do it. And once you’ve been successful with one mini habit, it becomes much easier to add another, and another, which will move you even closer to completing that big New Year’s resolution or goal you gave up on years ago.

Now imagine tackling twelve different mini habits, one per month, over the course of the next year to create lifelong change.

Whether you’re unhappy with a bad habit you’ve gotten into, or you’d like to develop a better routine…no matter what stage of life you are in, or how busy you might be, there is always room to practice a mini habit.

Think of all the things you could finally accomplish in the next few months because you adopt this simple practice!

You Just Need to Choose Your Habits

I picked all my habits up front, and you can do that, too, or you can choose as you go. This is your personal journey and I want you to make it your own.

But if you need ideas to spark inspiration, I’ve got suggestions for a few good habits to have:

  • Create an evening pickup routine — In 10 minutes, clear off the countertops, arrange the pillows on the couch, fold blankets, or put away anything else that’s out of place. The time limit makes this simple task even more doable! I like to incorporate this task into my everyday evening routine.

  • Establish a regular sleep schedule — Give yourself a “light’s out” time and turn off social media at least 30 minutes before bed so you can prepare your body for sleep. Journaling and/or reading is a great option to get you in the bedtime mood. If you have trouble sleeping, try one of these proven ways to sleep better tonight.
  • Be more active — Gradually increase your workout regimen (even if it’s just a 20 minute walk three times a week) and you’ll discover more than just heart-pumping benefits. You’ll mentally feel better too. These workout clothes and accessories guarantee you’ll look super cute wherever you workout!
  • Dress for success — Confidence radiates from the inside, but begins on the outside. Just a simple makeup routine paired with a cute top and jeans can make you feel extra special, and even boost your productivity! Here are the makeup products I splurge on if you want to update your beauty regimen.
  • Read more books — Wish you had more time to read? Making this beloved pastime a priority is not hard as you might think, and if you’re anything like me, you’re a much happier person when you’re reading regularly! Not sure what to read? Here’s how to know every time what book to pick up next. 

  • Drink more water — Ditch the soda and fruit juices and commit to drinking more water from now on. You’ll find it easier to keep to this habit by tracking your water intake in your planner (here’s a cute stamp!) or by investing in a BPA-free tracking water bottle.
  • Practice gratitude — Grab a cute journal and jot down one note a day about something you are grateful for. This note can be one word, one sentence, one paragraph! You can name a family member or write about something lighthearted, like your favorite batch of chocolate chip cookies. Either way, you’ll find a greater appreciation for life just by doing a little reflecting each day.
  • Make your bed every day — Make this simple one-minute task a habit the moment you wake up and you’ll instantly feel like all is right with the world and you can tackle anything you set your mind to. Okay, maybe not to that extent, but you’ll be ready to tackle almost anything with a neatly made bed jumpstarting your day!

reset your life with mini habits like making your bed!

The Most Important Truth to Remember about How to Transform Your Life

My Year of Intention was probably one of my hardest years to date, but it was also a major turning point.

Yes, I tackled 12 mini habits over the course of the year, and yes, I made some pretty big changes to my everyday life as a result, but the biggest impact this challenge had on me was that I did not suddenly became perfect at managing my day-to-day and my home…and I learned that was okay. 

I know that sounds completely counterintuitive, but hear me out.

No matter how many habits you and I try to implement, we will ALWAYS be on a lifelong journey to do better, to be better. We won’t one day just magically get there. There is no destination. You and I…we will never arrive.

It took me a long time to come to this conclusion. Here’s why: I thought this challenge would set me up for long-term success. That by the end of 2015, I’d be a brand new woman with a home, work, and personal life that synced together in perfect rhythm.

But instead, I sometimes felt like I hadn’t made any real progress at all.

Except, if I looked closer, I actually had.

Because progress is… not giving up. Progress is giving each day your absolute best, and going to bed with satisfaction instead of guilt. 

I’m saying all this because this mindset is exactly how I’m approaching each new year now — progress, not perfection — living each day to its fullest, doing the absolute best I can. I’ll still continue to work on my mini habits and use every opportunity as a chance to better myself, but I’m done feeling guilty about not doing enough.

Life’s a journey, and I’m ready to actually enjoy it! And today, I’m extending my mini habits challenge to you.

What to Do Next

Sign up in the box below to get my Habit Tracking printables sent straight to you. This set includes three worksheets:

  1.  A printable to help you track ONE mini habit for 30 days. Keep it simple if you’re just starting out. You don’t want to overload yourself all at once with tons of habits and not accomplish any of them!
  2. A printable to help you track EIGHT daily habits per week. Once you have a few habits under your belt, you can print these small squares on sticker paper and cut them out to fit inside your bullet journal or regular planner each week.
  3. A printable to help you track EIGHT daily habits per month. If you like tracking your habits on a monthly scale, download this option. You can also print it on sticker paper and trim to fit on a planner page.

I’ve purposefully kept the list to eight habits because any more than that is hard to keep up with and do well. The goal is to not do multiple habits half-heartedly—you want to rock the ones you choose!

Get the Mini Habit Tracker Printables

Are you ready to transform your life, one mini habit at a time? Download this habit tracker bundle and let the life change begin!

Whether you pick one of the habits I mention above as you learn about how to transform your life or choose your own, I’d love to hear more about what habits you want to cultivate in a comment below!

I’d also love to check in with you and see how you’re doing, so tag me on social media (@KalynBrookeCo) with anything you share in regards to your mini habit progress and use the hashtag #12minihabits. That way, I can easily find you!

Just remember…progress, not perfection.

Let’s Chat:

What habits are you choosing to work on right now?

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
« Previous Post5 Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips
Next Post »The Best Items to Buy in the New Year


Comments

  1. Pat says

    December 19 at 11:40 am

    I related to everything you said! It’s like you were living in my head…lol! So many habits I want to learn…read my Bible more, drink more water, complete what I start, etc.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 20 at 9:54 pm

      It’s so overwhelming sometimes, isn’t it? I hope you’ll join in me in developing a few of those mini habits you mentioned! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Dottie says

    December 19 at 12:38 pm

    There are many habits I need to work on in the new year. Thank you for this.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 20 at 9:53 pm

      You’re welcome, Dottie. Here’s to new changes!

      Reply
  3. Bennie says

    December 19 at 2:05 pm

    I have a problem with clutter. I hate to put things away, I’d rather leave them in plain sight. Sometimes when I put things away I FORGET WHERE I PUT THEM and then they sit till I find them while looking for something else. Maybe if I get in the habit of putting things away on a regular basis I’ll remember where to go look for it?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      December 24 at 12:25 pm

      My husband is the same way… I’ve found that it is best to have everything organized in a visible manner. Shelving that is tidy but open, drawers and file folders that are clear.

      Reply
  4. Bennie says

    December 19 at 2:07 pm

    P.S. I’m thinking that putting a reminder in my online calendar might help remind me to accomplish this challenge.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 20 at 9:55 pm

      I think both your ideas are great, Bennie. Even a simple 10 minute pickup at night can do wonders for your sanity in the morning! Stay tuned, because that’s definitely going to be one of the habits I’ll focus on for 2015. 🙂

      Reply
      • Bennie says

        December 22 at 4:22 pm

        P.S. again, here’s a perfect example, once I put something in a cabinet, like a new bag of sugar/flour I forget to check if I need more for a recipe, buy one and when I go to put it away I see I have an unopen bag. The same goes for cans of tomato sauce, chicken broth, etc. If I buy an extra can or two, especially if they are on sale, I put them in my cabinets and forget they are there. It’s like I need open/glass cabinets (can’t afford right now) to see my inventory of everything and to not just shove things in them making them look cluttered. Does that make sense?

        Reply
        • Kalyn Brooke says

          December 31 at 5:50 pm

          That does make sense. Have you ever thought about keeping a Pantry Inventory Sheet to keep track? I’ve seen a lot of those and have used my own version from time to time. Here is one I’ve seen that has been really popular lately! http://www.pullingcurls.com/2014/03/pantry-excel-file.html

          Reply
  5. Oriana says

    December 19 at 2:27 pm

    Ever since becoming a stay-at-home-Mom with a small business of my own, I’ve had to create mini habits for myself and my family. Amen for saying no to new year’s resolutions and yes to mini habits!! They build upon themselves. It’s taken me more than 2 years to change my own habits and routines and we’re nowhere near perfect, lol! But, as new habits become routine, the amount of joy you can experience increases exponentially….as long as your new habits line up with your values. Cheers to this journey for 2015!!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 20 at 9:56 pm

      It’s so awesome to hear your success story, Oriana! Mini habits do take a long time to develop, but they stick. You have really encouraged me today that this is more than possible — thanks for leaving your sweet comment here!

      Reply
  6. Katrina says

    December 19 at 3:55 pm

    Perhaps to help ease you into this journey, you may consider flylady.net . I have received so much love & support from this woman & her insights….. <3 Katrina

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 20 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks so much for the site and tip, Katrina! I love adding new resources to my repertoire.

      Reply
  7. Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says

    December 20 at 12:24 am

    Yes! I love everything about this, Kalyn (I’ve been slowly incorporating new mini-habits into our daily and weekly lives, but didn’t have a name for them until now!). And I love the idea of focusing on one for every month of the year. Thanks for the free printable, too! How can we NOT join you!?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 20 at 9:43 pm

      Thank so much for your encouragement and support, Lauren! That means the world to me. I find myself so easily overwhelmed by all the things I wish I could change — I’m counting on mini habits to be that secret sauce that helps me finally implement some of those items I keep putting off. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jayne says

    December 24 at 10:37 am

    We have the same mini habits to work on! Can’t wait to read what you are going to work on first. I’d pick making the bed daily. Only because it seems the simplest. Lol

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 31 at 5:52 pm

      In case you missed the post, here’s a link to what I picked! https://kalynbrooke.com/make-your-own/homemade-bread/ Making my bed daily will be coming soon. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Alexis says

    December 25 at 11:54 pm

    I like working on mini habits like drinking my 32 oz water bottle 4 times daily.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 31 at 5:52 pm

      I’ve been trying to drink more water too, and it’s hard! I have to keep reminding myself to chug away. 🙂

      Reply
  10. dojo says

    December 27 at 5:02 am

    I totally agree. I like setting huge plans and then fall flat on my nose with them. Lately I’ve tried to list some way smaller goals and try achieve them first. This allows me to make slow progress each day, but it’s still a progress.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 31 at 5:53 pm

      Progress is definitely what counts, that’s for sure! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Tammy says

    January 2 at 4:48 pm

    Oh I LOVE the idea of mini habits!! Little steps at a time for changes. Thanks for this great post

    Reply
  12. Rachel says

    January 21 at 11:57 pm

    I love the idea of the mini-habits. You are totally right about making small changes to create big changes. I love your mini-habits! We do weekly meal plans and it totally has helped us a ton!

    Reply
  13. Erin says

    March 5 at 8:33 pm

    I often find these things overwhelming, too. I like to give myself really big goals and I often find myself drowning in them. Sometimes, what I do is work for just 10 minutes at a time. I can often clean a full section of the house in that amount of time. I feel like I’ve accomplished something. Right now, I’m getting some writing done on a novel I’ve had sitting on the computer for months. I’m only on the second page, but it’s getting somewhere. I want to do some hiking and more working out, but I need to just put my shoes on and walk around the neighborhood for 10 minutes. I usually find that once I start something, I’m motivated enough to keep going until I finish. My goals for this year are to not have missing assignments, work out more, and to finish the chores that I start.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      March 7 at 11:21 am

      Those are great goals, Erin! You are right, sometimes the hardest part of accomplishing a goal is getting started. Tackle them one by one and you’ll look back at the end of the year with a sense of accomplishment.

      Reply
  14. Becky Fisher says

    January 13 at 12:30 pm

    I feel the same way about my bed. I can’t focus on work if my bed isn’t made. It’s probably all in my head but at least I seldom have a messy bed 🙂 (I’m a poet!)

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 200 Inspirational Motivational Quotes For Work, Students, and Life | Ageless Investing says:
    February 22 at 5:08 pm

    […] ∼Kalynbrooke.com […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

New? Start Here!

  • Take a Tour
  • Become a BFF
  • Favorite Recipes
  • The Printable Library
  • Just for Bloggers
  • Visit the Shop

kalynbrookeco

👩‍💻 | I help value-driven women lead manageable + meaningful lives.
💬 | INFJ / Enneagram 1
🚙 | RV Life @openroading
👇 | Resources + Links

Kalyn Brooke | Virtual BFF


What’s one thing you budget for that other peopl
What’s one thing you budget for that other people might not? I always find those interesting. 😃⁣ ⁣ You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣ ⁣ See, we’re all different! ⁣ ⁣ Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣ ⁣ Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣ ⁣ What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣ ⁣ I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣ ⁣ But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣ ⁣ As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣ ⁣ Why? ⁣ ⁣ No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣ ⁣ And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣ ⁣ There are too many good ones out there anyway. Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣ ⁣ This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣ ⁣ Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣ ⁣ What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
T

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣ ⁣ These small but mighty sidekicks will be my saving grace this year. 📚⁣ ⁣ 1️⃣ Bullet Journal (Blue) - for everyday planning and goal setting⁣ 2️⃣ Regular Journal (Yellow) - to track gratitude (5 things a day!) and to process ALL the feelings⁣ 3️⃣ Growth Journal (Sand) - a space for me to brain dump everything I learn from books, podcasts, sermons, etc ⁣ ⁣ That last one is new to me as of this year and I can't wait to flip back through all my notes come December! 📆⁣ ⁣ What planners/journals are you using for 2021?

Self-care is just as important as making your famo
Self-care is just as important as making your famous sugar cookies this holiday season. 🍪⁣ ⁣ Because let’s be real. ⁣ ⁣ That Hallmark-esque Christmas magic disappears the moment disagreeable family members annoy you. Or when you feel irritable over too many late nights and little-to-no sleep. Or when expectations over meals and traditions and social activities fall short and leave you feeling disappointed. 😬⁣ ⁣ But instead of dwelling on these stressful moments and using them as an excuse to completely disconnect from reality (as I’m often tempted to do!), view them as an opportunity for you to respond with poise. 💞⁣ ⁣ ➕ Journal your feelings. ⁣ ➕ Go for a walk. ⁣ ➕ Prioritize what’s essential. ⁣ ➕ Remember to breathe.⁣ ➕ And try not to eat your feelings…okay?⁣ ⁣ Here’s your permission slip if you need one: You don’t need to do or participate in everything! Take a time out when you need it. 🙌⁣ ⁣ That’s the best way you can protect your emotional well-being over the next few days.⁣ ⁣ Merry Christmas, friends! 🎄


I know you’re ready for this year to be over. 🙋‍♀️ The last twelve months brought so many hard things into our lives—relationships were lost, our country became more broken and divided than ever, and oh yeah, we walked through a pandemic too. 🦠 🤯 No biggie, right? Ha! 😅 And while it’s easy to look back and wish we could skip 2020 altogether (or at least insist on a do-over), I don’t want this year to be the one where the hard overcame the good. 💕 Just as hard days don’t mean ruined days, hard years don’t mean ruined years. 2020 can still be good. 💪 For me, I want to remember the fun and exciting things we did. The adventures we had. The new shows we watched, and the books we read. The new life hacks and things I discovered that made my life easier or just brought me joy. 💞 You’ll find it all in my latest blog post (link in profile). If you still need to buy a gift for a loved one (or for yourself!), you’ll find plenty of fun and affordable ideas to fill up the rest of your gifting list. 📦 Otherwise, enjoy a stroll down the good side of 2020’s memory lane and leave your favorite things in the comments so I can try them. 👋


Pro minimalism tip: Use double-duty appliances. 🤯⁣ ⁣ With limited kitchen space, I have to be super careful about what appliances we invite into the RV. We already had an Instant Pot, Ninja Blender, and a Food Processor. But I really wanted an air-fryer! ⁣ ⁣ With no place to put it, I discovered that Instant Pot made a dual instant pot/air-fryer product. So I gave my instant pot away, and my mom bought me this one for an early Christmas present. I’ve only played with it a couple of times but I’m already in love! 💕⁣ ⁣ Kale chips...sweet potato fries...broccoli. I’m basically an air-frying queen now. And I can easily switch back to the instant pot whenever I want. Yay for two appliances in one! 🥳⁣ ⁣ Q: What is your favorite appliance to use? Is it double duty? 🤔


Load More…


Follow on Instagram


ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?

Privacy Policy
You’ll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Copyright © 2021 · Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?
Privacy Policy
You'll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy