What If? How Could Good Habits Change Your Life?

The New Year always has me daydreaming about resolutions. Habits are particularly appealing, because as every runner knows, consistent small steps are the key to big transformations.

I’ve been thinking recently about some “what ifs…” in terms of choosing habits.

What if….

I ate some anti-oxidant packed berries with every breakfast?

I did ten push-ups every day before I got in the shower?

I added a 10 minute cycling warm-up to my running routine?

I added leafy greens to every sandwich or smoothie?

I took my kids for a trail walk at least once a week?

I picked the best photos of the week on Fridays and added them to a special folder?

I never went to bed until the laundry was folded?

Every week I took the boys to the library and had them pick one non-fiction book to read together?

I switched my condiment of choice to mustard instead of vegan mayo, and flavored vinegar instead of oil based salad dressing?

I designated two hours to manage my calendar and meal plans for the following week?

I ran with a friend or local running group once a week?

I regularly sat down with herbal tea and read to the boys for twenty minutes during afternoon snack?

I did lunges after emptying the dishwasher?

I never bought something without cleaning out the drawer it would go into first?

I ate fresh fruit, veggies, or nuts every day for snack?

Every time my kids wanted to show me something, I gave them my attention immediately, and then finished my original task?

I e-mailed, called, or met up with a good friend at least once a week?

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I don’t plan to attempt all, or even many of these things. But I like to sit and ask myself what would happen if I did. Which habits would have the largest positive impact on my day? My week? My long-term health and longevity? My relationships?

What little things can I do more consistently to improve different areas of my life, and which ones would be worth the time?

Some of these habits might actually save time; planning ahead can mean you’re able to buy all the birthday cards you need in one trip, instead of three, or grocery shop fewer times per week. Staying ahead of the laundry folding can reduce the time it takes to get dressed. Cleaning out a drawer before you go shopping could eliminate the need for the shopping trip, or make it easier to find and care for that item once you bring it home.

I love the time savers, or the small time investments with big pay-offs. Reading to the kids every day with a cup of tea? That’s fewer toys on the floor over the course of the day, a chance to connect and improve literacy skills and maybe even learn something new. AND it’s a cup of warm, comforting tea for me. Ultimate win! The hardest part is remembering to do it.

What are your “What Ifs?”