Let me first say that I don't advise doing this unless absolutely necessary. Most people don't need to take these steps. Only follow this advice if you urgently need a change in your life. This is for those who feel stuck or overburdened and can't find an escape route.
- Fresh fruit is the sole snack you'll have. No chocolate, no candy. Just fresh fruit.
- Take a cold shower. The jury is still undecided on the health benefits of cold showers, but there’s no question about their power to boost your mental toughness and self-discipline. Building mental fortitude is the main goal here.
- Establish a consistent bedtime and adhere to it every night, 7 days a week. Create a sleep routine that enables you to go to sleep at a reasonable hour, get 8 hours of rest, and wake up early enough to be effective before school or work. I suggest aiming for 10pm. It may take some time to adjust to an earlier bedtime, which is why it's crucial not to disrupt your sleep pattern on days off.
- Swap out your pillowcase every three days and refresh your bedding weekly. While this might be a routine practice for some, it could feel excessive to others. However, resting in a clean bed can enhance your skin's health and lead to better sleep.
- Exercise three times a week, but make sure to engage in some form of physical activity every day for at least 30 minutes—no excuses. This can be as simple as a 30-minute walk early in the morning before having breakfast. Keep your body active every single day.
- Listen more than you speak, stay open to learning. Absorb what others teach you, but also reflect on it deeply. Ponder over it. Research topics further. Aim to be a sponge for valuable information while discarding the irrelevant bits.
- Steer clear of rumors and unnecessary conflict. Concentrate on your own growth and surround yourself only with positivity.
- Say “No” without feeling guilty. If someone requests something you’re not interested in or that won’t benefit you, politely turn them down.
- Engage with reading every day, whether it's Medium articles, non-fiction, or fiction. It doesn't matter what you choose; you'll either gain new knowledge or spark your creativity. Both outcomes are beneficial.
- Pick up a new skill. It could be practically anything; each new ability adds another string to your bow.
- Before heading to bed, spend some time thinking and reflecting. Consider your goals and the actions required to accomplish them. Also, take a moment to acknowledge the positive things you achieved during the day.
- Forget about trying to satisfy others; your commitment is to change your life, not anyone else's. Do this for yourself. Be selfish with your time, focus, and energy. True friends will get it.
- Kick off your day with two glasses of water and aim to consume at least two liters throughout the day.
- Avoid watching the news and discussing politics. Disconnect from the world as much as you can and focus on your inner self.
- Begin by creating a budget and reducing expenses wherever you can to save as much money as possible. There’s nothing better than having a solid emergency fund.
- Dedicate 3 hours each day to thoroughly pursue your ambitions. This could be divided into an hour before work or school and two hours afterward, or arranged in a way that suits you best. However you choose to split it, make a commitment to spend time every day working towards your goal.