Small Habits That Make a Big Difference (at Least for Me!)
- Heather McDorman
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Lately I’ve been noticing how much the smallest things can shape a day. Not big changes or major goals – just little habits and routines that quietly make everything feel a bit more manageable (and honestly, more enjoyable).
None of these are groundbreaking, and I definitely don’t have everything figured out. But these are a few things that are working for me right now – and if you’re in a season where life feels a little full or a little scattered, maybe one or two of these habits or routines will be easy to try.
There’s actually quite a bit of research behind this idea (and I’ll share resources a bit later on in the post). Studies show that a large portion of our daily behavior is driven by habits, which help reduce decision fatigue and free up mental energy for other things. In other words, the little things we repeat each day matter more than we think.
Let me share a few of the behaviors I’ve come to do daily and a couple of actions that I don’t do daily but that bring me joy, or at least contentment, on a regular basis. I’ll throw in some ideas that might make more sense for you.
Making the Bed Before I Leave the Bedroom
There’s something about starting the day this way that just feels right. It takes maybe two minutes, but it makes the whole room feel pulled together – and somehow that carries into the rest of the day. (Confession – my bed is fully made but all the pretty throw pillows don’t make the cut unless we’re expecting company, ha!)
I’ve come to think of this routine as a quick win. Before emails, errands, or anything unexpected, something is already done. And that matters more than it sounds.
There’s a concept often talked about in habit research called “keystone habits” – small actions that create a ripple effect into other areas of your day (see The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg). Something as simple as making your bed can lead to feeling a little more organized, a little more productive, and even a little more in control.
If you want to try this, keep it simple:
Don’t aim for perfect – just pull it together.
Do it before checking your phone.
Let it be the first completed thing of your day.
Other easy “quick win” ideas if this one doesn’t resonate:
Empty the dishwasher first thing.
Open the blinds and make the room feel bright.
Put on a real outfit instead of staying in pajamas (this is especially true for fellow reitrees!).
Picking Out Tomorrow’s Clothes the Night Before
This is such a small thing, but it saves me from that morning “what am I wearing?” moment. (And, yes, even retirees have this feeling.)
What I didn’t expect is how much mental space it frees up. Mornings feel just a little calmer when one decision is already made. And that’s really what this one comes down to – reducing decision fatigue.
We make hundreds of small decisions every day. The more you can move even one or two of those decisions out of the morning, the smoother everything tends to feel.
If you want to try this, it doesn’t have to be complicated:
Check the weather ahead of time.
Lay out a full outfit – or even just the basics.
Keep a few “go-to” outfits in rotation.
Other versions of this idea:
Prep breakfast or lunch the night before.
Make a short to-do list before going to bed.
Set up your coffee maker in advance.
It’s less about clothes and more about giving your future self a little help.
Walking Every Day – Even If It’s Inside
I’ve been making it a point to walk at least 30 minutes a day, and not every walk is scenic or outside – and that’s okay. Some days it’s just me, my walking pad, and the TV.
And honestly? It still counts. It still helps. And it almost always puts me in a better mood. The biggest shift for me was letting go of the idea that it has to be perfect to matter.
Research shows that small, consistent behaviors are actually more effective than occasional big efforts when it comes to building lasting habits. In my health journey, this mindset has been a cornerstone of my success – consistency, not perfection. For me, it’s not about intensity – it’s about repetition. (Note: I know that intensity in exercise has its place. Aerobic intensity helps your heart work better, builds stamina, and more. What I mean is that I choose to recognize that any type of physical effort has value whether it’s small, moderate, or big.)
If you’re trying to move more, lowering the bar helps – especially at first:
Walk during a TV show.
Take a quick loop around the block.
Park a little farther away when running errands. (Cliché? Yes, but it all adds up).
On days when motivation is low, I’ve found it helps to tell myself: just start. Even 10 minutes usually turns into more. And don’t be stifled by your location. You don’t need a gym in your basement. Move where you are (the family room, your bedroom, the back porch, the neighborhood).
Resale/Thrift Store Shopping
I’ve been leaning more into resale shops lately, especially for athleisure clothing, and it’s been such a win. There’s something satisfying about finding something you love and saving money. It feels a little more intentional – and honestly, a little more fun.
But beyond that, it’s changed how I shop. I’m less likely to impulse buy, and more likely to wait for something I really like (or for a big sale). That shift alone has made a difference.
If you’ve never tried resale shopping, here are a few tips:
Go in with a general idea, not a specific item.
Be willing to browse – it’s part of the process (and fun).
Focus on (quality) brands you already know fit well.
Even outside of resale, the bigger takeaway here is being a little more thoughtful about what you bring into your home. Small shifts like that tend to add up over time
Regular Calls With My Brother
This one might be my favorite.
My brother Sean lives out of town, but we talk several times a week, and those calls have become such a steady, grounding part of my routine.
They’re nothing formal – just checking in, catching up, a little sports talk, sometimes talking about nothing at all. But it always leaves me feeling better. And there’s something to that.
We have all seen a study of two that show that small, consistent social interactions can have a meaningful impact on our mood, connection, and overall well-being .
These interactions don’t have to be long or planned:
A quick call while driving (my fave).
A voice memo instead of a text.
A standing weekly check-in with a friend or family member.
It’s one of those things that’s easy to put off – but it’s always worth it.
Ending the Night With Green Tea and a “Treat”
This habit has quietly become one of my favorite parts of the day. A cup of hot green tea, my Grüns gummy vitamins (yum), and just a few minutes to wind down. It’s simple, but it signals that the day is just about done. And I didn’t realize how much I needed that.
A consistent “end-of-day” routine helps your brain shift out of go-mode. Habit research often points to the importance of cues – when you repeat the same action at the same time, your brain starts to associate it with a specific state (in this case, winding down).
If your evenings tend to blur into your nights, this habit can help create a little separation.
A few easy ways to build something similar:
Do one small “closing task” (like tidying the kitchen or setting out tomorrow’s clothes).
Complete a simple and soothing skincare routine.
Put your phone away 30 minutes before bed.
It doesn’t need to be elaborate – it just needs to be consistent.
Small Habits, Lovely Rewards
Like I said, none of these are big life changes. They’re just small things that are working for me right now. And maybe next year these small things will look different (and that’s okay).
But what I keep coming back to is this: small habits have a way of quietly shaping our days – and over time, our lives. My days start and end nicely and that makes the hours in between even better.
You don’t have to overhaul everything. You don’t have to get it perfect. Sometimes it’s just about noticing what’s already helping and doing a little more of that.
My slowly cultivated habits may be newer to me, but the idea of all this is not new. You can find more about this topic in books and online sites. Here are a few examples:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Zen Habits by Leo Babauta
I’d love to hear from you, readers. What are you doing routinely that brings comfort and/or joy to your days? Please share in the comments!
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~ Heather M. and Jodi B.