Life-Ready: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Improvement
- Prakriti Balu
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A Realistic and easy atomic habits (small habits with big impact) that you can add to your life!
How to use this guide
Pick an area for habits
Choose one micro-habit from that area
Do it for 7 days. If it feels easy, keep doing it, and change according to your needs.
After 7 days, add another micro-habit.
The 5 Habits to implement
1) Build Your Independence
Choose 1 habit
Make a basic meal plan for every week that is balanced (3 meals + 1 snack).
Cook one simple meal daily (10–20 minutes).
Do laundry on the same day each week.
Why it matters: reduces stress, saves money, boosts confidence.
Tips:
Keep a one-page “how-to” for cooking & laundry.
Use a 15 minute timer to clean up before you sleep
2) Manage Your Finances
Choose 1 habit
Track every purchase for 7 days (simple phone note).
Move $5–$20 to your savings account every week.
Pre-pay one monthly bill.
Tips:
Know how to check your bank statements.
Build toward a $500 emergency cushion. Slowly, small transfers add up.
3) Maintain Your Mental Health
Choose 1 habit
Daily 5-minute breathing or journaling (after brushing teeth).
One weekly 30 minute “non-work” session, take a walk, read, or do something fun!.
Monthly mood check: rate your monthly mental health from 1-10
Tips:
Prioritize sleep take a 30 minute nap).
Know one mental health contact or app you trust.
4) Improving Your Career & Life Skills
Choose 1 habit
Write a short elevator pitch.
Send one weekly message (LinkedIn/email) to say hello or ask a question.
Update a line on your résumé or portfolio monthly.
Tips:
Keep a folder for positive feedback and achievements.
Save one job/contact detail per week.
5) Maintaining Your Workload
Choose 1 habit
Update your to-do list or agenda.
Check one household supply weekly (soap, toilet paper) and restock if needed.
Do monthly car maintenance (oil, mileage) if you drive.
Tips:
Keep track of what you need to do to accomplish the habits
Make sure you can use these tips and apply them to your life, you're not just doing them
A Simple habit tracker
Monday to Sunday rows; check ✓ if done.
Focus on 1-3 habits max. Don’t judge the missed days, just restart.
If you fail
Shrink the habit. If 10 minutes is too hard for you, do 5 minutes. The key is to see what works for you.
Celebrate the small victories, write them down, and remember them if you feel upset.
Also, remember that some results take longer to show, so don't change your habits too quickly.
Final checklist
Check this checklist to update your progress!
I have a weekly meal plan.
I tracked spending for 7 days.
I move something to savings every week.
I do a 5-minute mental check daily.
I have a short and simple elevator pitch saved for whenever I need it.
I updated my agenda/to-do list.
I picked one weekday for laundry and stuck to it.
I created a habit tracker with 1 to 3 habits.
Pick one tiny habit from one area and try it for 7 days. If it works out for you, add more. Over time, these atomic-sized habits become part of your daily life.
Sources
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