5 Micro Habits I'm Embracing In 2023

Welcome back to my LinkedIn newsletter! In each issue, I explore the intersection of passion and purpose in business, with insights gained from working with more than a million entrepreneurs around the world. (Not signed up??Subscribe here?to get fresh insights delivered straight to your inbox.)

Habits are one of the most powerful forces we can use to help us achieve our goals in life and work. Even simple habits like preparing for each day the night before, or starting the day with a reflection on gratitude, as does Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, can serve as powerful practices that help leaders – and anyone – to thrive.

Whether they’re productivity-oriented, health-focused or simply used to help us feel our best every day, good habits can significantly increase our chances of success – much like bad habits can, conversely, sabotage our efforts to achieve our goals.

But building new habits – and keeping them – is a challenge for most of us. Just look at how many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions within six weeks. While I believe it’s important to have big goals, when it comes to making lasting changes to achieve them, it helps to think small.?

This is why I’ve added a variety of micro habits into my daily routine: small but mighty practices that pack a big punch in terms of results. These are distinct from other big changes I’ve made in my life – like a 100-day fitness journey and plant-forward diet – but achieving those larger goals took the encouragement of my entire community. In contrast, my micro habits are subtle daily practices I can do on my own. Here are five micro habits that I’m bringing with me into the new year.?

Whether they’re productivity-oriented, health-focused or simply used to help us feel our best every day, good habits can significantly increase our chances of success – much like bad habits can, conversely, sabotage our efforts to achieve our goals.

1) A moment to savor my chai

I love a good cup of chai, but not only because it brings me back to my roots growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas, where chai is literally a way of life.

These days, a cup of chai represents a chance to slow down and reflect on my day, or simply to savor a moment of quiet. Nearly every day I make sure to find 5-10 minutes and a serene space where I can sip my chai and just breathe. Having the opportunity to mindfully enjoy a simple pleasure helps me quiet the noise of the day and ground myself. Even a few moments between meetings can make a world of difference.?

2) Sharing my gratitude for others?

As humans we all want to feel noticed and appreciated. That’s why I make a conscious effort to regularly express my gratitude for colleagues, friends and anyone I see doing something wonderful. It’s a big part of my philosophy of leading from the heart, and I’ve really noticed what a difference it can make in someone’s day.?

I used to write handwritten cards, but these days I’m more inclined to send a quick text, email or a thank you in passing. The medium doesn’t matter as much as the message and tone. As long as it’s genuine, a simple thank you can carry a lot of weight. And the great thing is, sharing gratitude always gives me a little boost, too.?

3) Making time to read a great book or catch up on news from around the world

It’s no secret that I love reading. I’m lucky to have built a habit of life-long reading – and learning – at a young age, and I’ve kept it in my toolkit of micro habits because it’s truly helped me to be a better leader. Studies have shown reading strengthens the brain, reduces stress and even prevents cognitive decline as we age.

In the morning, evening or even during short breaks, I catch up on news from around the world in my favorite publications: Nikkei Asia, Bangkok Post, Straits Times, Caixin, Economic Times, Financial Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal.?

Every day I try to read a few pages of a book, too. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, I often recommend The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg for a better understanding of the science behind building good habits.?

4) Hitting the pillow early

Big goals are difficult to achieve when we’re short on rest. And yet sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life and work get busy. It can be so tempting to pack a few more hours into the day. But a lack of sleep can severely hinder our ability to focus, be productive and achieve our goals. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation is extremely detrimental to the human body – even if you’re only losing an hour or two.?

That’s why one of my micro habits has been to get to bed by 10 pm as often as possible. Getting a solid seven or eight hours of sleep ensures that I wake up feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day.?

5) Simplifying my wardrobe

There are a few leaders famous for wearing a work ‘uniform’. Steve Jobs was known for his black turtleneck. Richard Branson famously wears the same pair of jeans every day. And around the Amway offices, my staff has surely recognized a similar pattern with me. I will often wear my Amway T-shirt and a blazer – especially when I’m out in the community or traveling. It’s easy, comfortable and, most importantly, it conveys my genuine passion for the Amway brand and values.?

Whether your priority is improving your health, building your knowledge, being a better leader or making a positive impact on someone else’s day, micro habits can help you get there. And all you need is about 20-30 minutes per day!

Thanks for reading! I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments below. For more insights on taking business to the next level, be sure to?subscribe to Passion and Purpose, my newsletter.