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7 Habits That Transformed My Own Happiness

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If I reflect back on my life over the last four years, the one thing that has been the most positive change is the new habits that I have created. I have read hundreds of books on success now, and the one subject that consistently comes up amongst high achievers is habits.

To describe success in one sentence from my own experience would be that it’s a series of small, incremental habits each day that bring you closer to your goal and that you stick to no matter what. These habits are things that you usually learn from other people, and that’s why to discover them you must study success in some form, each day.

The good news for you is that on Addicted2Success we do this for you and put all the information in one place. The habits that each of you need are going to be different depending on your vision, although there are lots that seem to crossover amongst all fields of success.

When you form a new habit and get results from it, you get a real feeling of pleasure. For me, the one thing that has transformed my happiness is the habits that I now undertake each and every day. These habits make me feel good, calm, relaxed and knowledgeable in many different ways.

The seven habits that have transformed my happiness are below so enjoy!

1. Sign up for something crazy

The first habit I want to share with you is one I came up with and didn’t read anywhere. It’s the habit of just signing up for something crazy that is way out of your comfort zone. A recent example for me was joining Toastmasters, which is all about public speaking (something I need practice with).

Public speaking is one of the most feared things in the world, and I can do it sometimes, but other times I am hopeless at it. To be crazy, a leader I work with challenged me to sign up for Toastmasters. Rather than think about it, I emailed three different clubs and signed up.

My intention was that I could always back out, but if I just signed up it would get the process started and then I could think about it later. Once I signed up, I then took it a step further and didn’t think about it at all until I finally arrived on the night and participated.

Not allowing myself to think too much allowed me to go along and speak at the first night. I quickly realised that the whole Toastmaster concept is about small steps, and you can ease yourself into it. I still have a long way to go although I believe this could be the start of something amazing.

Stop thinking about everything and get out of your comfort zone it will really help your happiness!

2. Practice a gratitude exercise

In every interview, I have listened to on Addicted2Success the subject of gratitude comes up every time. I have to admit that I haven’t always participated in any form of gratitude, but now I do an exercise each day as part of my normal habits.

The exercise takes no more than 60 seconds and involves you going to your iPad (or notebook if you’re old school) and writing down three things that you are grateful for. You can select three things you are grateful for today or three things you are grateful for from any time you like.

After the first two weeks of doing this exercise, I thought to myself that I would eventually run out of thing to be grateful for. Guess what? I still haven’t run out of things, and now I actively go out trying to find the good in everything so I can come home and add it to my list.

“It’s amazing how the mind will conspire in your favour when you program it correctly – Tim Denning”

3. Read 15 minutes of a book

This habit is one that I have been doing for some years now although there were some days I would read for 12 hours and others where I wouldn’t read at all. I have now realised that it’s no the amount of time you read that has the greatest effect, it’s the consistency of reading.

I have a very long list of books that I suggest you all read, but I will save that for another blog post. The key is to try and read something that inspires you or promotes happiness. I find personal development books or autobiographies of amazing people to be the best.

Just 15 minutes a day of solid reading will help you to change your beliefs and keep you sharp. I have found great happiness from this habit, and it’s now something I am excited to do each day rather than something that I have to do.

The other benefit you will get from this habit is that you will see your vocabulary and speed of reading increase. I have also found that I have highlighted lots of parts in books (using Kindle), so my bank of references and quotes has exploded. Whenever I need to change into a happiness state, this bank is a great resource for me to do so.

4. Turn technology off once in a while

It may not seem like a habit, but turning technology off is actually a great challenge that I have discovered. At least once a week I turn off iPhones (yes I have two that are always on), iPads (yes I have two of those too) and computers (I have four of those, sad I know).

It’s very easy to become plugged into the internet all the time and to never be able to tune out. This can affect the relationships with the ones you love or give you a feeling that you are always answerable to someone.

“The moment you feel like you always need to check in with someone or something, is the moment that you become a slave to society – Tim Denning “

So from now on, once a week, get all of your technology, lock it in a wardrobe and turn it all off. Then get in your car and go somewhere amazing or explore a part of the world you have never been too. Once you return from your escape, go back to your technology and notice how you’re not so dependent on it and that the world didn’t end while you were away.

It’s amazing how the people around you find other ways to get things done when they can’t contact you!

5. Sleep on big decisions

Bet you haven’t read this habit a lot before. It’s one I use all the time, and it’s quite simple. Whenever you have to make a major decision in your life about anything, thrash it out with your network of contacts and friends, and then sleep on it and don’t take action for 24 hours.

The decisions I recommend doing this on are ones where there is no turning back. It’s not necessary for decisions like my Toastmasters example where you can always cancel. The reason this habit is so powerful is that sometimes we can make a decision based on a certain emotion or state.

When you sleep on something, you come back to it the next day with a fresh mind and a chance to see the situation differently. If the next day, I still feel the same way, it generally means that the decision I wanted to make the day before is the right one.

The happiness I have experienced from this habit has mainly been because it has stopped me making rash decisions that I might regret. Try this one for yourself!

6. Use social media to inspire

Rather than going on social media every day to showcase your life and make others feel jealous, try going on there with a fresh mindset. This habit has been a real eye-opener for me, and I have had so many benefits from it.

Instead of posting all the bad news or posting useless humour videos, try and put something up that can add value or inspire another person. You don’t have to sound all hippy or anything, maybe just try a quote that you love or post a photo of something in nature.

You could also have a look on Youtube and see if there is a video that could inspire others and then post it with a little comment about what you got from it. As time goes on you might want to create your own videos or posts that can help other people. For this habit to work you have to forget about what anyone might think

Yes, there will be people who you’re connected with on social media who may not have seen this side of you before but it exists in everyone, and we will all reveal it at some stage. Sometimes it just takes an event in our life to showcase our need to inspire or add value to others.

This small habit has completely transformed my life, and so many people contact me and share their stories or say thank you. I thought there would be some people that wouldn’t like what I was doing, but even the most negative people in my network appreciated it.

So, go on social media tonight, post something amazing, and then do this on a daily or weekly basis. Then, watch how much your happiness increases from this one small habit!

7. Say thank you to someone

Each day, try and remember to say thank you to at least one person. The key here is to make sure it’s warranted, and you mean it. There will always be someone that you speak with each day who has helped you with something or done something for you.

The best way is to tell the person face to face or ring them and tell them how grateful you are that they helped you. If those two options are not your style, then send them an email and just say thank you. Keep it short, keep it genuine and practice this habit daily.

Watch how many people rush to help you next time you’re in need and how happy this habit makes you feel!

So that’s it, everyone. Try some of these out and see how you go. They’re not the typical habits that people follow, but they’re ones that have benefited me. I wanted to show you seven habits that you may not have read elsewhere or that are executed in a slightly different way.

If you think any of these habits are worthwhile, then share your opinions with me on my Facebook Page, Twitter or in the comments section below.
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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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