why does nothing ever work out for me

225 HABITS TO TRACK + FREE PRINTABLE HABIT TRACKER

Looking to add positive habits to your daily routine and make meaningful changes in your life? You’re in the right place! Today, we’re sharing a list of 225 habits you can track, plus offering a free printable habit tracker to help you kickstart your journey.

WHY USE A HABIT TRACKER?

Tracking your habits offers powerful benefits that can keep you motivated, help you see your progress, and inspire you to build new routines.

BOOSTS MOTIVATION

Keeping a daily or weekly record of your habits can give you the motivation to stay on track. The “don’t break the chain” method popularized by Seinfeld is a great example of this—watching your progress build up day by day can drive you to keep going.

It also makes it easier to track tasks that you may not love but still need to do.

VISUALIZES YOUR JOURNEY

Tracking habits lets you see your growth over time, from where you started to where you are now. If you don’t hit 10,000 steps every day at first, that’s okay! Start with a goal that feels doable, like 6,000 steps, or aim to reach 10,000 steps just a few days a week. The focus is on consistency, not perfection.

HELPS YOU BUILD A ROUTINE

Filling in your habit tracker each day is a great way to establish a new routine. It serves as a daily reminder to stick with the habits you’re trying to adopt and gives you a visual cue to stay on track.

BREAKS DOWN BIG GOALS

Achieving big goals can feel daunting, but a habit tracker helps you break them down into manageable steps. By focusing on one habit at a time, you’re steadily moving toward your larger goal, one small action at a time.

225 HEALTHY HABITS TO TRACK

MENTAL HEALTH HABITS TO TRACK

  • Practice positive affirmations
  • Get fresh air outside
  • Track your mood
  • Spend time on a hobby
  • Write in a gratitude journal
  • Talk to a friend
  • Release feelings – journaling or talking to someone
  • Therapy
  • CBT exercises from a book like Mind Over Mood
  • Do something you love
  • Practice self-care
  • Practice saying no
  • Get physical activity
  • Have a shower
  • Get dressed
  • Eat healthy meals
  • No social media days
  • Self-Love journaling
  • Listen to happy music
  • Work on a personal goal
  • Find ways to laugh – funny videos, stand-up comedy on Netflix, etc
  • Follow a healthy morning or bedtime routine
  • Give yourself downtime to rest and rejuvenate
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Be kind to yourself – focus on positive inner dialogue

PHYSICAL HEALTH HABITS

  • Track your water intake
  • Use a food journal
  • Walk daily – set a step or time-based goal
  • Meal prep
  • Cooked at home
  • Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
  • Stretch (morning or evening)
  • Get 7-9 hours sleep
  • Eat a healthy breakfast
  • Take medication
  • Take vitamins
  • Exercised for at least 30 minutes
  • Eat 5 servings of vegetables
  • Eat 4 servings of fruit
  • No alcohol
  • Drink water and lemon first thing in the morning
  • Have one fully plant-based meal a day
  • No added sugar
  • No caffeine
  • Take the stairs, park further from your destination or get off the bus one stop early
  • Walk your dog
  • Go for a run
  • Track symptoms – headaches, joint pain, etc
  • Floss daily
  • No sweets
  • Bring lunch to work
  • Lift weights
  • Use sunscreen

SPIRITUAL GROWTH HABITS

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Daily prayer
  • Write in a prayer journal
  • Study religious texts
  • Attend a religious service (church, temple, mosque, etc)
  • Daily acts of kindness
  • Be humble
  • Serve and show your love to others
  • Show your gratitude to others
  • Look for the kindness in others
  • Practice patience
  • Share your faith
  • Act with Filotimo – popular Greek word and way of living, hard to properly translate but loosely means… 

WORK AND CAREER HABITS

  • Wake up early – aim for 30 mins to 1 hour earlier than your normal time
  • Get to work 10 minutes early
  • Create a concrete agenda for every meeting you set
  • Ask co-workers how they are – be friendly, have a chat
  • Complete your most important task for the day first
  • Add value to every meeting you attend – ask questions, share thoughts
  • Network 
  • Set weekly, monthly goals and quarterly goals
  • Create a daily to-do list (that you actually follow)
  • Respond to emails in the same day
  • Prep for 10 minutes before every meeting
  • Clean your desk at the end of each day
  • Take a course to strengthen skills – work on it throughout the week
  • Get outside for a conference call – walk and talk
  • Talk to your boss – share wins, ask questions, and get to know what they want from you
  • Learn a new skill 
  • Ask for feedback
  • Ask what skills you need for a promotion – then work towards this everyday
  • Close down your work by 5 or 6 pm every night
  • Dress for the job your want (not the one you have)
  • Look for ways to help others
  • Read an industry article every morning
  • Meet your deadlines – always
  • Coffee with coworker
  • Decline meetings you don’t need to attend
  • Social media posting

PRODUCTIVITY HABITS

  • Use the Pomodoro technique
  • Stop multitasking
  • Plan your day the night before
  • Take a 5-minute break every hour
  • Batch task – do similar habits in the same work session, i.e. graphic design
  • Don’t hit snooze in the morning
  • Snooze your phone calls during work sessions
  • Organize your tasks based on the Eisenhower Matrix – which helps you identify tasks to focus on first based on importance and urgency
  • Add tasks to your calendar to block off the time – giving yourself permission to focus on that specific task
  • Plan your week every Sunday or Monday morning (and follow that plan)
  • Write your top 3 goals/tasks in your calendar or planner every day (this will help you focus on what matters most)
  • Use an app like toggl to track your time on projects (especially if you have to track your hours for clients
  • Use a distractions list – anytime something off topic pops into your mind throughout the day, simply add it to the list to deal with later
  • Start the day with your hardest task first – known as ‘Eat The Frog’

HOUSEHOLD HABITS TO TRACK

  • Sweep/vacuum the floor
  • 10-minute tidy-up every night
  • Made the bed
  • Rinsed/cleaned the shower
  • Followed chore schedule
  • One load of laundry a day
  • Unload dishwasher
  • Tidy/clean fridge
  • Clean toilet
  • Clean sink
  • Tidy daily clutter
  • Water plants
  • Make dinner
  • Tackle in-coming paperwork every day (junk mail, bills)
  • Declutter
  • Regularly donate stuff you don’t need
  • Fix one small thing every day/week, etc that’s been bothering you at home 
  • Gardening
  • Walk the dog

FINANCIAL HABITS

  • Track daily expenses
  • Track income – If self-employed review every day or week
  • Follow a daily/weekly budget
  • Pay bills right away
  • Research new ways to increase income
  • Worked on side hustle
  • No online spending
  • Zero spend month (other than essentials – food, bills)
  • Put money into savings
  • Reduce the amount spent on home utilities (gas, water, hydro) – turn lights off, use appliances during off-peak, etc
  • Learn something new every day based on your financial goals – read articles, listen to podcasts, etc
  • Set up automatic money transfers to your savings account and check it weekly or monthly for encouragement
  • Look for ways to save every day and track new ideas and hacks you’ve discovered
  • Use cash for all purchases
  • Make healthy budget meals (that doesn’t sacrifice flavour)

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT HABITS

  • Read everyday
  • Learn from a podcast – The Diary of a CEO is my new favourite
  • Follow a healthy morning routine
  • Take a course 
  • Write one line a day every day 
  • Create a SMART goal and track your daily progress
  • Volunteer
  • Leave a space better than you found it – especially in public
  • Say YES, especially if you’re in the habit of saying no – especially to things that can help you grow as a person
  • Use ‘The 5 Second Rule’ from Mel Robbins – count back from 5-4-3-2-1 and then take action (great for you procrastinators out there)
  • Completed or worked towards something from bucket list
  • Listen to a podcast
  • Learn from a TED Talk 

SELF-CARE HABITS TO TRACK

  • Quality alone time
  • Practice positive self-talk
  • Go on a date with yourself
  • Write down one thing a day you love about yourself
  • Unplug from technology every night 1 hour earlier – then fill your time with something else you’ve been wanting to do
  • Practice deep breathing
  • Create a ‘feel better’ list and use is daily (when needed)
  • Do something that physically feels good – hot bath, using essential oils, getting a massage, etc
  • Ask for a hug
  • Spend time in nature
  • Do something creative
  • Stay true to your personal boundaries
  • Wash face and moisturize nightly

CREATIVE HABITS TO TRACK

  • Brainstorm creative ideas every day
  • Write for 30 minutes a day
  • Spend time learning about artists, writers
  • Work from a different location every day – new locales spark creativity and new ideas
  • Read poetry
  • Write poetry
  • Try new creative outlets – like social media – try Youtube, love sketching – try watercolor
  • Creative reflection and journaling
  • Network with other creatives
  • Allocate time to regular daydreaming (doing nothing and seeing where your mind travels)
  • Use an adult coloring book
  • Work on a puzzle
  • Take a meaningful photo every day
  • Learn a creative skill like brush lettering
  • Make a new recipe – aim for something new a few times a week
  • Work on a craft

SOCIAL / RELATIONSHIP HABITS TO TRACK

  • Call your mom/dad/sister/brother
  • Say I love you to your partner
  • Kiss your spouse
  • Family dinners
  • Date night
  • Be a good listener
  • Do something kind for someone
  • Don’t use your phone when talking to someone
  • Stay in contact with people that matter to you
  • Sex with your partner – especially great if you’re trying to conceive
  • Stop texting and start calling people
  • Have a weekly girl’s brunch or night out
  • Talk to someone you don’t know
  • Don’t complain
  • Look for things you have in common with someone – especially if you don’t get along
  • Reply to text messages
  • Send a handwritten letter (or postcard) to a friend or family member

BAD HABITS TO QUIT

  • Reduce screentime to less than 1 hour
  • Getting takeout
  • Eating fried food
  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • Mindless eating / binge-eating
  • Buying coffee out
  • Biting nails
  • Drinking soda
  • Mindlessly scrolling
  • Being late
  • Negative self-talk
  • Using screens before bed
  • Staying up too late
  • Skipping meals
  • Procrastination
  • Buying things you don’t need – overspending
  • Too much social media
  • Being rude/angry to the people you love
  • Leaving things to the last minute
  • Dwelling on the negative
  • No phone at the dinner table
  • Any other negative habit you have – focus on ending it and keep track of that!
  • Interrupting people
  • Gossiping

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE HABIT TRACKER TO GET STARTED

Once you download the free habit tracker, you can start by choosing one or a few of these habit ideas to focus on. Before long, you’ll be on your way to building better habits across different areas of your life. This daily habit tracker provides space to monitor your weekly habits, and soon enough, your new routines will become second nature.

TIPS FOR USING A HABIT TRACKER

Set the Right Goal with the SMART Method: Make sure your goal aligns with what you truly want to achieve. If you’re not invested in it, your habit tracker will end up with more empty spaces than you’d like.

Be Honest: Tracking your habits only works if you’re truthful with yourself. Remember, this tracker is for you and no one else.

Have Fun & Get Creative: Use colorful pens, markers, or try different habit trackers to keep things exciting and engaging.

If You Miss a Day, Don’t Worry: Missing a day is no big deal! Just pick up where you left off the next day.

Don’t Track Habits You Already Do: For example, there’s no need to track brushing your teeth (unless you’re teaching this habit to a child). Focus on habits you’re actively working on.

Try Habit Stacking: Add a new habit onto an existing one. For instance, if you already drink a cup of coffee every morning, try using that time to meditate for 5 minutes.

Start Small: Begin with simple habits and build from there. Once you’re comfortable with your routine, you can tackle more complex habits.

Create Time for Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished. What would you change for the following week or month based on what you’ve learned?

Be Kind to Yourself: Habit trackers aren’t about measuring your worth. If you don’t hit all your goals, avoid negative self-talk. Instead, look at what worked, what didn’t, and apply those insights to improve in the future.

HOW MANY HABITS SHOULD YOU TRACK?

I believe it’s not about the quantity of habits, but rather selecting the right ones to track.

Personally, I recommend keeping it to a manageable number—ideally no more than 5 at a time. Tracking too many can become overwhelming and may make it harder to stick to any new habits. But ultimately, you know yourself best, so choose what works for you.

If you’re just starting out with habit tracking, I suggest beginning with one important habit you’d like to introduce into your routine.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating positive habits into your daily routine is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By tracking your progress and celebrating your achievements, you can build momentum and create lasting change. With the 225 habit ideas and free printable habit tracker provided, you have the resources to embark on a journey of self-improvement. Remember, small steps lead to big results. Start today and unlock your full potential.

21 USEFUL SKILLS YOU CAN LEARN IN 21 DAYS FOR FREE

Did you know that you can actually master a new skill in just 21 days without spending a dime? It’s not a myth! Whether you’re feeling bored, stuck in a rut, or simply looking for ways to make the most of your time, there are countless opportunities to pick up something exciting and useful—without breaking the bank. And the best part? You don’t need to commit months of effort to see progress. By dedicating just a bit of time each day, you can build a foundation in skills that might even become your new passion. So, if you’re ready to put that energy into something productive during quarantine or any downtime, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s explore the exciting possibilities!

With all the extra time on our hands during quarantine, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a never-ending loop. Kudos to you for sticking to the government guidelines and staying safe—your commitment to following the rules is something to be proud of! And hey, while we can’t explore the world like we used to, we can still embark on exciting journeys… right from the comfort of our own homes. Yes, I’m talking about the wonderful world of learning new skills.

No, no puns here—I promise! If you’re serious about diving into something fresh and fun, you’re in the right place. In this blog, I’m going to guide you through a variety of easy and quick skills you can learn for free, all online. I’m rooting for the curious learner in you, and I’m sure you’ll find something here that sparks your interest.

Now, some of these skills might not necessarily boost your resume, but trust me—they’re a great way to shake up your routine, keep your mind engaged, and most importantly, have some fun. Ready to start? Let’s jump right in!

Programming

With more and more people flocking online, innovators are working hard to provide the best possible digital experiences. If you’re looking to dive into the world of programming and get comfortable with different coding languages, you don’t have to look far. Platforms like W3Schools offer free lessons that make learning coding accessible to everyone.

So, if you’ve ever thought that learning new skills was expensive or out of reach, think again! It’s entirely possible to build your programming knowledge without spending a dime. Ready to start your coding journey? W3Schools is the perfect place to begin!

Morse Code

Morse code is a fascinating skill that’s sure to leave you in awe. It’s a unique form of communication that relies on just two simple symbols: the ‘dot’ and the ‘dash.’ Despite its simplicity, Morse code can be used to encode all the letters in the alphabet, and learning it will sharpen your mind as you train yourself to quickly interpret these signals. It’s an excellent way to boost your mental agility and improve your focus. Ready to get your hands, eyes, and ears working together? Start learning Morse code and unlock a new way to communicate!

Typing

“Are you the type who’s always glued to the computer, constantly typing away and sending messages to friends? If your hands are practically fused to the keyboard, then you’re already halfway to mastering a valuable skill—typing! All those long messages you’ve sent didn’t go to waste; they’ve helped you develop your typing speed and accuracy. Now, why not take it a step further? Head over to Thetypingcat, a free tool that lets you test and improve your typing skills. It’s a fun way to track your progress and become an even faster, more efficient typist!”

Sign Language

You don’t always need words to express your emotions—sometimes, a simple gesture can say it all. While sign language is an essential tool for the deaf community, did you know it’s also incredibly beneficial for early learners? It helps young children communicate earlier and more effectively, allowing them to express themselves before they’ve mastered spoken language. Isn’t that fascinating? By learning sign language, you’re not only opening up new ways of communication but also enriching your understanding of how we connect with each other.

Marketing Course

Digital Marketing is a growing and ever-evolving field, and mastering it can give you a significant edge in today’s competitive world. Whether you’re looking to reach a broader audience or boost your career, having the right knowledge in areas like content marketing, digital advertising, and more can set you apart. Luckily, HubSpot offers over 9 free digital marketing courses that cover everything from content creation to advanced strategies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—take advantage of these valuable resources to upgrade your skills and stay ahead in the digital age!

Calligraphy

Are you someone who absolutely loves the way your handwriting looks? If so, calligraphy might just be the perfect skill for you! This elegant art of beautiful writing is sure to make a lasting impression, whether you’re writing a letter to a loved one or just want to enhance your writing style. The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools—just grab what you already have in your stationery box! Simply visit Calligrascape, and you’ll be on your way to mastering perfect strokes in no time.

Editing

The power of editing lies in its ability to transform and perfectly communicate your vision. Photo editing allows you to enhance the images you’ve captured, bringing out the best in them. It’s an art that helps highlight the details you want to shine. If you’re just starting, Snapseed is a fantastic free app that makes photo editing easy and accessible. For more advanced tips and tricks, check out Vandelaydesign, which offers tons of helpful resources to make you fall in love with your photos even more. You don’t need to be a professional to use these tools and techniques—everything starts with learning the basics, and from there, the possibilities are endless!

Photography

“Nostalgia has a way of transporting us back to our favorite moments, and what better way to preserve those memories than through photography? Capturing moments in time allows you to relive them whenever you like. Photography is a powerful skill that lets you show the world through your own lens, offering a unique perspective on the everyday. To get started, all you really need is a camera and a creative eye. Whether you’re using your smartphone or a professional DSLR, learning the basics of photography can open up a whole new way of seeing the world around you.”

Sewing

Crazylittleprojects is a fantastic resource where you can learn the art of sewing for free. Sewing is a skill that requires patience and precision, turning simple threads into beautiful, handmade garments. It’s incredibly satisfying to create something with your own hands, and as you progress, you’ll find the process both rewarding and enjoyable. The best part? Sewing doesn’t require expensive materials to get started—just a basic sewing kit and your creativity. And remember, making mistakes is part of the learning process, so don’t be afraid to dive in and experiment!

Instrument

Most of us find ourselves swooning over melodies and rock albums, and while the lyrics often strike a chord, it’s the instruments that truly touch the heart. There’s something magical about how the lyrics breathe life into a song, while the music itself makes us feel fully alive within it. Beyond just being a source of entertainment, music has the incredible power to reduce stress and boost happiness. It’s a universal language that connects us all, whether we’re listening or playing. So, why not explore learning an instrument and experience the joy and emotional release music brings?

Volunteering

Are you surprised by the mention of ‘volunteering’ and wondering how it could possibly help improve your skills? Let me clear that up for you. Volunteering not only allows you to share what you’re good at, but it also provides valuable opportunities for personal growth and learning. The satisfaction of helping others can go hand-in-hand with refining your own skills. Whether it’s honing leadership, communication, or problem-solving abilities, volunteering is a win-win. And if you’re unable to physically visit places, don’t worry—Virtual Volunteering has made it easier than ever to contribute to meaningful causes from the comfort of your home.

Writing

“Writing is an invaluable skill, whether you’re crafting books, articles, social media posts, or even just journaling. We’re constantly surrounded by content, and if you love writing, it’s a skill worth honing. Edx.org offers fantastic courses to help you master the art of writing, no matter which form you’re interested in—be it creative writing, technical writing, or professional content creation. Don’t stress about which type of writing you want to focus on; they’ve got you covered. Everyone has their own unique writing style, but through these courses, you’ll enhance your skills and refine your craft to become a more confident and effective writer.”

New Language

Duolingo is a fantastic free mobile app that offers a platform to learn new languages at your own pace. Whether you’re interested in mastering Spanish, French, Japanese, or any other language, Duolingo provides the tools to do so absolutely for free. Not only is learning a new language a productive skill, but it also makes international travel much easier and more enjoyable. Imagine being able to communicate in a country where you plan to settle or visit—it opens up a whole new world of experiences. Plus, learning a foreign language enhances your communication skills and sparks creativity, making it a valuable skill in many aspects of life.

Dance

Have you ever wanted to master some cool dance moves? With all the free time you have, why not put it to good use and start practicing? YouTube is your best friend here—offering a treasure trove of free dance tutorials for every style imaginable. Whether you’re into hip-hop, ballet, or even K-pop, you can easily find lessons to match your interests. So why wait? Jump into those videos and start dancing your way to a new skill!

Yoga

We all know the many benefits of yoga, from improving flexibility to promoting mental peace. However, practicing the right techniques is essential to get the full benefits and avoid potential injury. Alison offers free yoga courses, including certified programs that teach proper form and techniques. By learning yoga the right way, you can achieve a healthy body and a calm mind—without spending a dime! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your well-being and deepen your practice. Take advantage of these free resources and start your yoga journey today!

Cooking

Food truly is the way to a foodie’s heart, and there’s nothing quite like cooking a delicious meal and sharing it with your best friends. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through mouth-watering food posts online, tempted to try making those dishes yourself, now’s your chance! Allrecipes is a fantastic resource to help you master cooking at home, with step-by-step instructions that can turn any dish into a restaurant-quality meal. Whether you want to experiment with new ingredients or perfect your favorite comfort food, cooking is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings during lockdown. Why wait for food stalls to reopen when you can make delicious dishes right in your own kitchen?

Games

We all know how games like chess can sharpen our minds, improve strategic thinking, and teach us valuable lessons in planning and decision-making. If you’re eager to learn chess, Chess Talk is a fantastic online resource that offers free lessons to help you get started. But don’t worry if you’re more into virtual games! Online gaming can improve skills in its own unique way. Take PUBG, for example—the world’s most downloaded game. Playing it enhances communication, builds better strategic thinking, and even teaches you how to defend and react in high-pressure situations. Whether you’re into traditional board games or virtual battles, there’s a lot to gain from both worlds!

Art and Crafts

Art and crafts offer endless creative possibilities and can be made on the spot with just a few simple materials. These DIY projects not only boost your imagination but also allow you to turn everyday items into something beautiful or functional. One great example is origami, the art of folding paper into intricate shapes and designs. From creating decorative pieces for your home to transforming waste into something amazing, crafting lets you express your creativity and adds a personal touch to your space. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s always something fun and satisfying about making something with your own hands!

Blogging

Anyone can start a blog—no need for supernatural talents or advanced skills. The key is having the passion to share, inform, and inspire others. With the right mindset, your words can make a real impact. But, as simple as it may seem, there’s much more to blogging than just putting thoughts onto paper. From understanding your audience to mastering SEO, blogging requires a mix of creativity, strategy, and consistency. If you’re ready to dive deeper, there’s a whole world of tips and techniques to explore that can take your blog from good to great!

Gardening

The beauty of nurturing life through gardening is truly mesmerizing. The effort you put into tending to your plants is always worth it, and there’s something deeply satisfying about watching them grow. Gardening might leave you with muddy boots and dirt-covered hands, but the reward is in the joy and peace it brings. If you’re ready to dig in, grab your gardening tools and start a garden with plants you adore. Before you get started, check out Greatist for tips and inspiration to help you cultivate a thriving garden. It’s a fun and blissful activity that’ll bring you closer to nature!

Painting

Do you love playing with colors? Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone who simply enjoys painting as a hobby, there’s always room to grow and learn more. Coursera offers free courses that can help you explore the world of painting and enhance your artistic skills. It’s a great platform where you can dive deeper into techniques, styles, and the fundamentals of art. Just head to the website to get started! Remember, improving your drawing and painting skills requires practice, so make sure to invest in a good painting kit to help you bring your creative visions to life.

conclusion

These are just a few productive and fun skills you can learn online for free. They’re quick, easy, and perfect to get started with from the comfort of your home. Choose a skill that excites you, and take advantage of free platforms to practice and improve. Why not take on a challenge to learn one skill over the next 21 days? It’s a great way to stay productive and make the most of your time during quarantine. Share your progress and experience with us in the comments section—we’d love to hear about your journey!