Improving Yourself Takes Just 9.6 Minutes a Day

In our hyperconnected world, where attention spans are ever-shrinking, I explore the transformative power of micro-habits as a meaningful path toward sustainable self-improvement.

You can view my full micro-habits article, which was published on Entrepreneur Magazine. This article spent many weeks at #1 on their trending list and stimulated several rich conversations.

I start the article by painting a picture of the evolving brevity in our entertainment, education, and interactions, highlighting how we are increasingly gravitating towards short-form content in a world that seems more chaotic and fragmented by the day. This environment, I argue, makes sustained focus a challenge, with our minds incessantly seeking novelty.

However, amidst this fragmentation, I see a golden opportunity – a chance to rebuild our lives into a coherent and stable state. Inspired by Aristotle’s concept of holism, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, I delve into how we can reassemble our lives more meaningfully.

In the article, I draw upon the insights of renowned authors James Clear and BJ Fogg, who advocate for the implementation of small, positive habits, or “micro-habits,” as a foundation for significant and enduring change.

I discuss how these micro-habits can help us skillfully bypass the resistance we naturally have towards change, due to our intrinsic desire to maintain comfort and stability. To illustrate this, I share a compelling, real-world example from a workshop participant who transformed his fitness level with a simple, daily habit tied to his morning coffee routine.

I also provide actionable advice, suggesting that we allocate just 9.6 minutes a day (calculated as 1% of our waking hours) to personal growth. I offer a few suggestions on how this time can be spent, such as brief exercises, gratitude practices, and mindful breaks.

To conclude, I encourage you, the readers, to take the initiative in crafting your own micro-habits and to implement these rhythms within your teams at work. By doing so, we can all foster regenerative systems in our lives, transitioning from a state of chaos and fragmentation to one of harmony and resilience.