121 Good Habits to Have for Well-Being, Success, and Happiness

Good habits are the best tool to drive massive action and become a better version of yourself every day.

Stacking good habits generates momentum, forming the foundation for well-being, personal growth, and success. And they work on auto-pilot, eliminating the need for sheer willpower and motivation.

But what are some good habits to have in life?

This article provides inspiration.

So, let’s dive in!

• What are good habits?
• Importance of positive habits
• Good habits vs bad habits
• How to develop good habits?
• 121 Good habits to have
• Beyond good habits

What are good habits?

Good habits are the consistent positive behaviors that contribute to your well-being, growth, and success. The best habits are personal and align with your goals, values, and aspirations.

Examples of good personal habits include:

• Writing habits if you want to become a writer
• Learning habits if you want to pursue continuous growth
• Cooking habits if you want to eat healthier but delicious meals
• Exercise habits if you want to achieve optimal energy levels

Once you develop a good habit, it becomes an automatic action that propels you forward without giving it much thought or willpower.

Habits save mental energy.

Rather than negotiating with yourself on whether you should or shouldn’t do something today, you just do it.

For example, going to the gym has become a non-negotiable activity for me. Even when I’m hungover, I’ll at least go out for a run.

That’s the power of better habits.

The importance of positive habits

Motivation and willpower fluctuate throughout the day and week. And relying on them isn’t a good long-term strategy for success.

Exercise is a great example. 

New Year’s resolution statistics show that countless people want to work out more. People feel fired up at the beginning of each year. Yet, a staggering 64% quit their resolution by February.

Why?

While motivation and willpower provide an initial boost, it fails as a long-term fuel source to drive action. Transforming motivation into a new habit is essential for lasting self-discipline.

Having a stack of good habits fosters continuous self-improvement, goal success, and well-being – without much effort.

Good habits vs bad habits

There are obvious good habits like exercise. And there are obvious bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking.

But the best habits depend on the following:

• Support your personal growth, well-being, and success.
• Align with your life goals, values, and desired outcomes.
• Contribute to your physical and mental health.
• Lead to balanced, positive long-term results.

This idea also gives us clues to the characteristics of a bad habit:

• Increase overwhelm, anxiety, and stress.
• Don’t help you achieve your goals and ambitions.
• Have detrimental effects on your health and wellness.
• And disturb the balance of development in the key areas of your life: personal growth, well-being, success, and fulfillment.

Some harmful habits are difficult to identify – especially when they’re generally seen as good habits.

Let’s clarify that.

Is reading one self-help book per day a good habit? I would say so. But reading one book per day also costs a lot of time. And if you want to become a better writer, then reading takes from your writing time.

After all, everyone only has 24 hours in a day.

And we often get caught up in “busy work” – or “busy habits” in this case – and no longer think about the most effective usage of our time.

The idea is simple: Your best habits align with your highest priorities.

Watch out for becoming too busy with “good habits” that do not or no longer serve your goals, improve well-being, or foster fulfillment. 

How to develop good habits?

We already covered how to build habits through a simple step-by-step process. Here’s a summary of those steps:

1. Identify your goals
2. Start small
3. Create a plan
4. Set reminders
5. Practice daily
6. Monitor progress
7. Celebrate milestones
8. Reflect and adjust
9. Build on success

Read this habits guide for a thorough breakdown.

121 Good habits to have every day

The most important habit you can develop aligns with personal goals, ambitions, and dreams. 

What good habit would make the biggest impact on the quality of your life?

That’s the best new habit to develop.

If you want to become a writer, writing should be your priority.

If you want to lose weight, eating healthy and exercising are musts.

The best habit is personal and helps you achieve your goals.

Alternatively, start your day with an easy habit. Then, use the momentum gained to create more challenging or keystone habits.

For example, making coffee and reading inspires me to get out of bed. So I started with those habits. Once I read a few pages, I went straight into my keystone habit: writing.

Struggling to identify your keystone habit?

The list of good habits below is always a good place to start. They benefit everyone and provide a strong foundation.

10 Good daily habits to have for success, fulfillment, and well-being

Do you want to live your best life? Here’s a short list of my favorite daily habits to have in life:

1. Set daily goals: Focus on actions within your control to boost motivation and make progress towards your dream.
2. Read life-changing books: Gain insights from the greatest minds in any field or check out my book recommendations.
3. Exercise: A workout routine improves energy, boosts self-esteem, and increases overall health.
4. Seek clarity: Clarify your values, goals, learnings, daily tasks, vision, mission, and more to keep them top of mind.
5. Reflect often: Look back at your past to learn from your mistakes and review the obstacles, and progress on your goals.
6. Wake up early: Accomplish meaningful tasks and habits early in the morning, setting you up for an amazing day.
7. Focus on character growth: Compete with your past self and aim to become better, smarter, and stronger.
8. Practice thinking: Engage in deliberate and critical thinking to enhance problem-solving abilities and ignite your creative genius.
9. Focus on what you can control: Take responsibility and focus on what you can control to foster a positive and proactive mindset.
10. Smile: Cultivate the simple daily habit of smiling to improve your mood, feel amazing, and enjoy its many other benefits.

These positive habits mainly focus on self-improvement, well-being, creativity, and success. Areas I value a lot to live a happy life.

15 Good health and eating habits

Healthy habits improve your energy levels, boost your mood, impact aging, and affect your mental well-being.

11. Stay hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to boost and maintain energy and concentration levels.
12. Limit processed foods: Reduce consumption of processed foods to avoid unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives.
13. Eat the rainbow: Consume nutritious, healthy foods, including various fruits and vegetables, to promote overall vitality.
14. Eat less often: Give your body a break to cleanse itself, promoting health and longevity. I enjoy intermittent fasting.
15. Strength training: Increasing or maintaining strength is useful for everyone, but it’s especially important as you age.
16. Aerobic training: Maintain good heart health and stay sharp with endurance exercises like running or swimming.
17. Exercise daily: Pick your favorite sport or workout routine to improve your well-being and physical health.
18. Practice portion control: Being mindful of portion sizes is a healthy way to control your weight and prevent overeating.
19. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to food choices and chew thoroughly, leading to healthy eating habits.
20. Manage stress levels: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as daily meditation, deep breathing, and hobbies.
21. Practice good hygiene: Regular handwashing, dental care, and general cleanliness prevent germs from spreading.
22. Limit alcohol intake: Moderate alcohol consumption promotes liver health, better energy levels and improves overall well-being.
23. Practice regular stretching: Incorporate stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent muscle stiffness.
24. Maintain a healthy posture: Proper posture supports spinal health, prevents back pain, and promotes overall body alignment.
25. Practice safe sun exposure: Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to minimize the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Adopting these habits improves energy, well-being, physical health, vitality, and longevity. 

10 Good sleep habits

Good sleep habits are essential for optimal energy, peak productivity, and overall well-being throughout the day.

26. Get enough sleep: Sufficient sleep rejuvenates the body, improves cognitive function, and increases mental alertness.
27. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at consistent times to improve sleep quality and reduce drowsiness.
28. Create a bedtime routine: Establish a relaxation routine that signals your body to unwind and prepare for sleep.
29. Keep your sleep environment comfortable: Aim for a dark and quiet bedroom at a comfortable temperature.
30. Limit exposure to screens before bed: Avoid devices with blue light emission, as they interfere with your sleep cycle.
31. Avoid stimulating substances: Minimize or avoid using caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol near bedtime.
32. Use your bed for sleep and intimacy only: Avoid stimulating activities like working or watching TV in bed.
33. Plan your day: Plan your tasks for the day ahead improves productivity and reduces overthinking and stress.
34. Journal your worries away: Write about your struggles, emotions, and concerns to clear the mind for a good night of sleep.
35. Practice relaxation techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or aromatherapy relaxes the body and mind.

Establish a healthy sleep routine and you’ll feel better and experience greater mental clarity, creativity, and productivity.

20 Good morning habits to start the day

Good morning habits set the tone for your day. Achieve some goals and habits to feel accomplished by the time the rest of the world awakens.

36. Wake up early: Start your day early to work on an empowering morning routine checklist that sets you up for success, rather than having to rush for work.
37. Make your bed: Achieve a quick win to start your day with a sense of accomplishment and self-discipline.
38. Drink a glass of water: Replenish your body with water after a night of sleep to rehydrate yourself and kickstart your metabolism.
39. Practice gratitude: Expressing gratitude every single morning promotes a positive mindset and sets the tone for a joyful day.
40. Light stretching: Stretch or practice yoga in the morning to boost circulation, energy levels, and flexibility.
41. Eat a healthy breakfast: Fuel your body with a healthy meal to gain essential nutrients early in the day.
42. Meditation or mindfulness: Take a few minutes to cultivate mental clarity, focus, and inner peace.
43. Practice personal grooming: Take care of personal hygiene and groom yourself to boost confidence.
44. Review your goals: Review your tasks and short- and long-term goals to keep them at the forefront of your mind.
45. Engage in positive affirmations: Speak positive self-talk aloud to improve self-esteem and create an empowering mindset.
46. Read or listen to inspiring content: Stimulate your mind through books, podcasts, or educational videos.
47. Prioritize important tasks: Tackle the most important task early in the morning when your mind is fresh and focused.
48. Avoid excessive screen time: Minimize screen exposure in the morning to reduce distractions and promote mental clarity.
49. Take a moment for self-reflection: Spend a few moments reflecting on your growth and areas for improvement.
50. Practice deep breathing: Incorporate exercises like the Wim Hof Method to oxygenate your body and feel amazing.
51. Listen to uplifting music: Start your day with uplifting and positive songs to enhance your mood.
52. Joyful dance: Dancing can be a fun way to set a positive mood and foster mental well-being.
53. Get natural light: Step outside to soak in natural sunlight, which regulates your body’s internal clock.
54. Express acts of kindness: Begin your day with a small act of kindness, such as sending a thoughtful message.
55. Smile and laugh: Start your day with a genuine smile and find something that makes you laugh to boost your mood and well-being.

Most people start with a snooze and later rush to work. Instead, take charge of your morning to promote growth, well-being, and success.

15 Good self-care and mental habits

Good mental habits are essential when poor mental health is a serious problem. Here are a few habits for mental peace:

56. Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment helps reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being.
57. Keep a gratitude journal: Use gratitude to promote positivity and a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.
58. Engage in positive self-talk: Use positive affirmations and self-encouragement to boost your self-esteem.
59. Challenge negative beliefs: Challenge and reframe negative thoughts to promote resilience and foster a positive outlook.
60. Foster self-compassion: Be kind and forgiving toward yourself to improve mental and physical well-being.
61. Engage in creative acts: Participate in creative pursuits to enhance cognitive, problem-solving, and creative skills.
62. Engage in hobbies: Pursue hobbies and leisure activities that provide an outlet for relaxation, joy, and personal fulfillment.
63. Prioritize self-care: Regularly engage in physical activity and other forms of self-care and relaxation to nurture yourself.
64. Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness to reduce resentment and promote inner peace.
65. Limit media consumption: Be mindful of media intake and information overload to improve clarity, focus, and peace.
66. Practice self-reflection: Regularly reflect on experiences, emotions, and goals to increase self-awareness.
67. Maintain a positive attitude: A positive attitude promotes resilience, well-being, and a productive work environment.
68. Connect with nature: Spending time outdoors reduces stress, improves your mood, and enhances overall well-being.
69. Read for pleasure: Engage in reading for fun to calm your mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
70. Schedule downtime: Allow regular periods of relaxation and schedule a rest day to promote rejuvenation and prevent burnout.

Incorporating self-care habits on a daily basis promotes balance, well-being, fulfillment, and increases the overall quality of your life.

20 Good work and productivity habits

Good work habits boost productivity, proactiveness, and better collaboration, empowering you to level up in your career.

71. Take the initiative: Take ownership of tasks and responsibilities to demonstrate leadership and drive success.
72. Be punctual: Being on time shows respect for others’ time and makes you appear more professional.
73. Maintain a clean workspace: An organized, clutter-free workspace promotes focus, efficiency, and creativity.
74. Go the extra mile: Exceed expectations, build your reputation, and stand out in your field.
75. Practice effective communication: Clear communication fosters teamwork, minimizes errors, and enhances efficiency.
76. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback to stimulate growth and continuous improvement in work performance.
77. Improve time management skills: Utilize time-blocking, prioritization, and avoid multitasking for optimal productivity.
78. Maintain work-life balance: Strike a balance between work and personal life to enhance overall well-being and reduce burnout.
79. Build positive relationships: Connect with colleagues and root for their success to promote collaboration.
80. Practice proactive problem-solving: Anticipate challenges, think ahead, and find solutions to save time and resources.
81. Learn a high-income skill: Upgrade your assets and stay updated with industry trends to maintain a professional edge.
82. Celebrate accomplishments: Recognize and celebrate milestones to boost morale and motivate yourself and others.
83. Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks to achieve critical goals efficiently and effectively.
84. Do The One Thing: Identify and act on the most impactful task to transform your character, career, and life.
85. Set clear goals: Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation, increasing productivity and success.
86. Practice time blocking: Schedule blocks for different tasks to manage your time effectively and avoid distractions.
87. Break tasks into smaller steps: Breaking complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps reduces procrastination.
88. Minimize distractions: Create a distraction-free environment by turning off notifications and minimizing interruptions.
89. Take regular breaks: incorporate short breaks between tasks or use the Pomodoro technique to increase focus.
90. Use productivity tools: Utilize productivity apps, goal and task management systems, or project management tools to streamline your work.

Good productive habits improve your efficiency and effectiveness and lead to greater satisfaction in your work.

10 Good learning and study habits

Good study habits enable you to learn faster, memorize more, and shorten your learning curve.

91. Establish a learning routine: Consistent study schedules enhance focus, productivity, and retention of information.
92. Create a dedicated study space: Have a designated area to improve concentration and minimize distractions.
93. Use active learning techniques: Engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and testing to improve comprehension and retention.
94. Take thorough notes: Write and review notes to reinforce learning and organize information.
95. Review your notes: Reflect on your notes on a regular basis to improve comprehension and retention.
96. Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonics aid memory by associating information with visual or verbal cues, making recall easier.
97. Break up complex learning: Break challenging subjects or assignments into manageable parts to reduce overwhelm.
98. Use varied study methods: Employ techniques like reading, summarizing, visualizing, and teaching.
99. Practice self-assessment: Engage in practice tests, quizzes, and self-evaluation to identify areas of improvement.
100. Teach others: Explain concepts to others to solidify your understanding and reinforce your knowledge.

Incorporating good learning and study habits optimizes your learning potential and develops a lifelong love for knowledge acquisition.

11 Good social habits

Good social habits enable you to connect with others, gain more empathy and understanding, and build deeper relationships.

101. Listen actively: Pay attention to others during conversations to increase understanding and empathy.
102. Show empathy: Understand and share the feelings of others to foster compassion and build meaningful connections.
103. Be respectful: Treat others with kindness and consideration to create a positive and harmonious social environment.
104. Maintain boundaries: Respect personal boundaries and provide space to build trust.
105. Initiate conversations: Take the initiative to start conversations, opening doors to better and new connections.
106. Be reliable: Keep your commitments to build trust and improve your reputation as a reliable friend or colleague.
107. Practice good manners: Politeness, courtesy, and basic etiquette contribute to a pleasant social atmosphere.
108. Celebrate the success of others: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of others to build a supportive social network.
109. Be inclusive: Value diversity and ensure everyone feels included to promote equality and foster a sense of belonging.
110. Practice active engagement: Participate actively in social settings, events, and activities to feel good and build relationships.
111. Be your most authentic self: Stay true to yourself and show genuine interest in others to create meaningful friendships.

Good social habits cultivate empathy, respect, inclusivity, and authenticity, fostering deeper and more meaningful relationships.

10 Good financial and money habits

While money isn’t everyone’s favorite topic, good wealth habits are essential to reduce stress and live a carefree financial life.

112. Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to a savings account to ensure consistent savings.
113. Track your expenses: Monitor your spending habits to increase awareness, make better decisions, and manage your finances.
114. Create a budget: Set a budget to allocate your income wisely, save money, and work towards financial goals.
115. Live below your means: Spending less than you earn is the only way to achieve financial freedom, regardless of your income.
116. Pay bills on time: Meet payment deadlines to maintain a good credit score and avoid late fees and penalties.
117. Reduce debt: Use additional income to pay off debt to minimize interest payments and unlock financial freedom.
118. Minimize impulse buying: Practice mindful spending and avoid impulsive purchases to control unnecessary expenses.
119. Comparison shop: Research and compare prices before purchasing to find the best value for your money.
120. Invest for the future: Invest in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or retirement accounts to build a financially secure future.
121. Stay informed: Keep up with financial news, market trends, and personal finance topics to make informed decisions.

Adopting good financial habits provides control over your money, builds wealth, and propels you towards your financial dreams and aspirations.

Beyond good habits

Routines transcend new habits into a chain of positive actions that elevate your well-being, success, and happiness.

And morning routines are a very effective way.

Your willpower is at its peak during morning hours. It sets the tone for the rest of your day. And crafting a well-designed morning routine increases consistency, focus, and intention. 

Imagine feeling accomplished before starting your workday.

A morning routine enabled me to make daily progress on my goals, eventually leading me to escape my 9 to 5.

I first learned how to set up powerful morning routines with the Morning Ritual Mastery program. And I bet you’ll love it, too, if you want to create a morning routine for lasting success and fulfillment.

Create an Empowering Morning Routine

What’s next?

Building good habits transforms your life. 

Just one keystone habit can ignite a major positive change. But even developing a few good habits from the list above leads to a happier life.

Key points discussed:

• The best habits to develop are your keystone habits, aligning with your goals, values, and aspirations.
• Good habits can become bad habits when they no longer serve your goals or take time away from higher-priority habits.
• A good habit stack contributes to various aspects of life, such as productivity, health, confidence, and long-term goal success.

Here are more resources to build good habits:

• Goals on Track is a goal-planning software with an integrated habit tracker, perfect for aligning your habits with your goals.
• Morning Ritual Mastery Course by Stefan James
• Best books about habits

Do you want exceptional habits to create a more authentic and meaningful life? Then sign up for the weekly newsletter below to gain my best personal growth tips and strategies straight into your inbox.