Habits and such

I was talking to Eden this week about how I don’t want to do anymore self-development.

And he said “but you do already do it naturally. You go to the gym, dance, eat well, journal, learn new things, have a business, rest, plan, meditate, read*...”

Oh you’re right... I realised, I did so much self-development that now these “self-development activities” are just habits.

But I wasn’t always like this... I was the definition of bad habits.

So today let’s chat about the basics of good habits and how to self-develop into just regular programming.

*Please note, I don’t do all of these things everyday. I do a mix of them daily.

So only 4-5 years ago, I used to go to bed at 3am, eat ice cream for lunch, party every night and then I wondered why my freelancing business wasn’t working well.

My brain, schedule and overall life was a mess, how did I expect my business, an extension of my life, to also not be a mess? Be so for real Little P.

Realistically, it took me a long time and a lot of effort to get to where I am today. And some days I still crave some of those bad habits...

But I didn’t go from “Bad habit Penelope” to “Good Habit Penelope” overnight. I gradually added habits, stacking them and over the years I became Good Habit Penelope.

Here’s how you can become the Good Habit version of yourself.

Start with a good morning routine and a good night routine.

Mornings choose from: meditation, sunlight, hydrate, journalling, breakfast, walk/run, gym, movement, star jumps, reading, podcast...

Avoid: your phone and any blue light for 30-60 minutes.

Evenings choose from: stretching, early dinner, games with family or partner, shower/bath, skincare, reading...

Avoid: phone or blue light right before for 30-60 minutes.

What are my morning and evening routine, you ask?

Truthfully, these change often but right now, like this month of February 2026, my routines look like this.

Mornings: make bed, sunlight on the balcony, hydrate, shower, gua sha my face, drink saffron in hot water, read, coffee, breakfast.

Night: walk outside or treadmill, early dinner, shower, skincare, sweet treat with tea or protein shake, TV or game, read in bed.

These routine are both nothing crazy, but they are both healthy and easy enough to follow.

Having routines in place is good for the brain because it keeps your decisions at minimum, leaving room for more important things.

So find what works for you and create your own version of healthy habits and routines.

Yes... but how???

Okay, okay... I’ve got more for you.

Habit Stacking.

So James Clear wrote this book called Atomic Habits. It’s a fabulous read if you’re looking for some self-development in this area. I’ll sum it up for you anyway...

Basically 1% better everyday is better than 0%. So even if you did one good habit today, that’s better than none.

It’s not an all or nothing mentality.

So you slept in and snoozed your alarm this morning. But instead of deciding not to give the day a chance, you chose to go to the gym.

That’s one point to the person you want to become.

Every little thing compounds into a habit. Small daily improvements (1% better) can make you 37 times better over a year.

James Clear also talks about:

The journey and not the destination: Many people say “I want to lose weight” Thats a destination. Instead the goal should be “walk 1 hour everyday”. Focus on the systems (the process) rather than the goals (the outcome).

Becoming your habits: Focusing on who you wish to become and adopting “what would I do as this person?” It’s identity change.

Change your environment: Set yourself up for success by reducing friction around your habits. Like if it’s too cold to go outside for a walk, go to a treadmill or If you eat lots of junk food, don’t buy so much at the store.

The ice cube: Progress is often invisible like an ice cube in a room that’s temperature is rising. You don’t notice that the ice cube is melting slowly until you see it. The ice cube is still melting and eventually you will notice. You’re the same. People quit because they don’t think it’s working. It’s working, don’t expect anything overnight.

And he also talks about the Four Laws of Behaviour Change which is about making your habits enjoyable and palatable.

So hopefully that gave you a little bit of inspiration to start doing something you’re putting off or to incorporate better habits, routines and systems into your personal life.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s just about trying. And each day your goals become closer and closer.

Before you know it, you’re the person you wished you were 3 years ago.

Love,
Penelope