Growth & Wellbeing

February 9 2025

The End-of-Day Checklist That Will Keep You Grounded

Learn how a 5-point checklist and journaling routine can help you reflect, grow, and feel fulfilled.

Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to let the days blur together without taking a moment to pause and reflect. Setting aside even a few minutes at the end of the day can make a world of difference. Reflection helps you understand what went well, what didn’t, and how to move forward with more intention.

I’ve been using my end-of-day checklist to help me with self-reflection and self-awareness. It’s a simple yet effective self-reflection tool to stay grounded. This checklist has helped me end each day with clarity and purpose by centring on five key areas of my life. It’s adaptable, so you can use it as a starting point to create your own version, perfect for starting 2025 with a clear mind and a strong sense of direction.

Why Self-Reflection is Important

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to operate on autopilot—completing tasks, juggling responsibilities, and rarely stopping to take stock of how things are truly going. While this approach might get you through the day, it often leaves little room for growth or personal clarity.

Self-reflection is a way to step back, take a breath, and assess your day with intention. It’s not about judgment or perfection but about understanding yourself better. It gives you the chance to realign with your values, track your goals, and identify areas where you can improve.

Psychology studies have shown that regular self-reflection can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and even improve decision-making. By taking a few minutes to ask thoughtful questions and process your day, you create space to learn from your experiences and approach tomorrow with a clear, focused mindset.

Self-reflection exercises like an end-of-day checklist can help you:

Track Progress: Are you moving closer to your goals or getting sidetracked? Reflection helps you measure progress, adjust priorities, and stay aligned with what’s most important.
Build Self-Awareness: Taking time to review your decisions and actions helps you uncover patterns—what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can grow.
Relieve Stress: Writing things down or mentally processing the day can ease mental clutter and help you let go of unnecessary worries.
Encourage Self-Compassion: Reflection isn’t about being hard on yourself. It’s a way to approach your day with curiosity and kindness, acknowledging where you did your best while understanding where you can improve.

My 5 Priorities for Self-Reflection

When I first started reflecting on my day, I realised I needed structure. I wanted to focus on areas that felt meaningful and achievable. I decided to focus on five key priorities that felt most important to my life and personal growth. These priorities became the foundation of my end-of-day checklist. They align with goals many of us strive for in our lives.

To reflect effectively, I created a series of questions for each of my five priorities. These questions help me assess my day in a focused, non-judgemental way. The goal isn’t to scrutinise every moment but to gain clarity about what went well, where I struggled, and how I can adjust for tomorrow.

By asking myself these questions daily, I can track my progress, celebrate small wins, and pinpoint areas for improvement.

1. Feeling Fulfilled Every Day

We all want to end our day feeling like we did our best, whether at work, in our relationships, or in our personal projects. For me, fulfilment means knowing that I did my best, whether that’s finishing one important task or simply making progress in a small way. It feels great to end the day satisfied with your effort.

Did I accomplish at least one meaningful task today?
Did I adjust or reschedule unfinished tasks?

2. Following Values and Making Good Decisions

Staying true to your values is important, whether they come from religion, personal principles, or a moral code. For me, this meant staying connected to my faith and making decisions I could be proud of.

Did I complete my prayers or any spiritual practice?
Was I patient and thoughtful in my interactions?
Did I avoid harmful habits, like swearing?

3.Loving and Caring for Yourself

Self-compassion is something we often neglect. Taking a moment to care for your own well-being is essential for mental and emotional health. This priority reminds me to check in with myself and recognise how I’m feeling.

How am I feeling today?
Did I take time to rest or do something I enjoy?

4.Learning and Pushing Boundaries

Challenging yourself to improve adds meaning to each day. I want to keep evolving by learning something new or stepping out of my comfort zone every day. It’s fulfilling to challenge yourself to explore new horizons, adapt to changes, and continuously evolve and grow.

Did I learn something new or work on a skill today?
Did I challenge myself?
Did I step out of my comfort zone?

5.Taking Care of Your Body

Physical health is important for your overall well-being. Finding time to move, even in small ways, helps you feel more present and energised.

Did I move more than I did yesterday (even small steps count)?
Did I spend time outside or get some fresh air?

The key is keeping these questions simple and achievable. They focus on progress rather than perfection, which will help you stay motivated instead of feeling discouraged. For example, rather than asking, “Did I finish everything?” I ask, “Did I do my best?” This small change makes self-reflection a positive experience.

How to Create Your Self-Reflection Checklist in Notion

Setting up your daily checklist in Notion is a quick and convenient way to keep your self-reflection practice consistent. Notion’s flexibility makes it an ideal tool for organising your priorities and tracking them anywhere, whether you’re at home or travelling.

Here’s how you can get started:

Start with a New Page in Notion
Open Notion and create a new page. Give it a title like “Daily Reflection” or “End-of-Day Checklist” to keep it clear and purposeful.
Create a List View
Within the page, create a list view which will be where you create your daily entries. Create one page to start your template.
List Your Key Areas and Questions
Within your new page, sdd your five reflection areas as headings. Under each, write the corresponding questions you want to ask yourself.
Keep Space for Free Writing
Add a section for journaling anything else on your mind, notes, reflections, or goals for tomorrow.
Save
Once you’re happy with the setup, save the template. Every time you create a new journal entry, your template will populate.

For detailed, step-by-step guidance on using Notion for this purpose, check out this guide on scribe.

Stay grounded with this simple, daily self-reflection tool

Self-reflection doesn’t need to take a lot of time or be hard to do in order to be useful. You can make a daily habit that keeps you grounded and on track with your goals by focussing on a few key areas and asking yourself simple, deep questions.

The mix of practicality and self-compassion in this reflection method is what makes it work. It’s easy to use the schedule, and it will only take you a few minutes at the end of the day. At the same time, it encourages a kinder approach to self-assessment, focusing on what you achieved rather than what you might have missed.

December 13 2024

Overcoming Perfectionism Paralysis: Free from Fear of Failure

Doaa Growth & Wellbeing

Let go of your fear of failure and embrace imperfection for growth and progress. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

You’re Not Alone

You’re staring at an email, fixing one sentence, and overthinking every word.

We’ve all been there.

Tasks that should have taken five minutes stretch into an hour because perfectionism has you in its grip. You might think it’s a sign of dedication, but really, it’s a sign of something much more draining: the need to be perfect.

I used to feel the pressure to get everything right, to do everything flawlessly. Growing up, I felt I had to be the best, do the best, and show up in a way that was polished, impressive, and “perfect.” Only when I found myself wasting time over tiny details did I realise that perfectionism is a trap.

The Struggles of Perfectionism Paralysis

Perfectionism often disguises itself as striving for excellence. Although it seems to be pushing you to improve, you are more frequently left feeling stuck. For many, this need to be flawless leads to what’s called perfectionism paralysis, a state where you’re so afraid of making mistakes or not meeting impossible standards that it stops you from taking any action at all.

Perfectionism isn’t the same as wanting to do your best. It’s an unrealistic expectation of yourself that prevents you from moving forward. When you’re too focused on getting it “perfect,” you end up with procrastination paralysis. It’s the very opposite of progress.

A broken pencil. This image could represent the idea of progress and growth despite imperfection, reinforcing the notion that things don’t have to be flawless to be valuable.

Perfectionism as a Weakness (Yes, You Heard That Right)

You might be thinking that wanting to do your best is a good thing. Yes, of course, but when perfectionism takes over, it shifts from motivation to a mental block. Perfectionism can make you feel like your worth is tied to your achievements and how flawless your actions are. I’ve realised no one cares as much as you think they do. Most people are just focused on getting through their day, dealing with everyday challenges, just like you. When you stop holding yourself to impossible standards, you start to let go of the need for external validation, and that’s when growth really begins.

This pressure to be perfect is often a leftover feeling from childhood. It’s a reaction to years of thinking that being on top would earn me love or recognition. The key to overcoming this mindset is embracing that just trying your best is not only acceptable but vital for personal growth.

Fear of Failure is The Hidden Villain

One of the biggest drivers of perfectionism is fear of failure. We’re afraid of what people will think if we make a mistake, if our work isn’t flawless, or if we aren’t always “on.” The more mistakes you make, the better you get. In fact, it’s through our mistakes that we learn the most. Without the freedom to fail, there’s no room to experiment, to improve, or to build resilience.

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress,” -Winston Churchill

A Weight You Don’t Have to Carry

The reality is, perfectionism is exhausting. It drains your time, your energy, and your mental health. Focus on progress instead of chasing an unattainable ideal. Take action, even if it’s messy or imperfect. Celebrate the small wins along the way. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve when you stop putting the weight on your shoulders.

Shift Your Focus to Progress: Perfection constantly moves like a mirage. Instead, aim for improvement. Celebrate the effort you put in and the growth you experience, not just the final result.
Practice Self-Compassion: When you make mistakes, don’t beat yourself up. Treat yourself like you would a friend, show some understanding and patience.
Set Realistic Expectations: Set achievable goals that allow room for error. This gives you the space to experiment and improve.
Let Yourself Be Human: Understand that nobody is perfect, and that’s what makes us real. Embrace your quirks; they make you who you are.

A path or road with twists and turns – Symbolizing the non-linear journey of life and personal growth

What You Gain When You Let Go

Once you stop trying to be perfect, you’ll notice something amazing; you’ll feel freer. Stopping overthinking every decision allows you to make choices more confidently. You’ll try new things. You’ll take risks. And you’ll be amazed by how much you evolve.

You’ll also embody more authenticity. Authenticity, not perfection, is what truly connects you with others.

December 6 2024

5 Reasons Why Assumptions Can Be Dangerous

Doaa Growth & Wellbeing

Understand the impact of assumptions on communication, creativity, and personal development. Practical tips to avoid them and build stronger relationships.

Assumptions are quick judgements that fill in gaps in our understanding. While they might seem convenient, they often substitute facts with fiction, leading to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and unnecessary conflicts. In relationships, problem-solving, or self-improvement, assumptions can hold us back more than we realise.

According to psychologist David Burns, people frequently make snap judgements because they are anxious to resolve ambiguity. People sometimes draw hasty conclusions without enough information when confronted with unclear or unsettled situations. These judgements give the impression of closure. Prioritising the feeling of problem resolution over accuracy can result in misunderstandings or unnecessary stress.

Here are five reasons why assumptions can be dangerous and how we can avoid falling into the trap.

1. Assumptions Create Blind Spots

Assumptions often prevent us from seeing the full picture. For example, if a colleague hasn’t replied to your email, you might think they’re ignoring you. In reality, they could be swamped with deadlines or dealing with a personal issue.

These blind spots skew our perceptions, leading to frustration or unfair judgment. Avoid this by pausing and considering alternative explanations before jumping to conclusions. We can improve communication and understanding by confronting our presumptions.

2. Assumptions Restrict Creativity

When we assume, we often limit our thinking. This stifles creativity and prevents us from exploring new possibilities. Imagine that a team member thinks a particular idea won’t work because it hasn’t been tried before. This belief shuts down innovation before it even begins.

The most groundbreaking ideas often come from questioning the status quo. Instead of assuming, ask, “What if?” or “Why not?” to unleash your creative potential.

3. Assumptions Can Fuel Conflict

Assumptions about others’ intentions can easily lead to conflict. You might think your friend doesn’t care about you if they forget your birthday. This idea could lead to unnecessary hurt feelings or arguments, even though the oversight might have been unintentional. To keep our relationships healthy and diffuse tension, it’s best to slow down.

4. Assumptions Oversimplify Complexity

The world isn’t always black and white, and expectations tend to make things sound too simple when they’re not. For instance, assuming a candidate’s resume tells you everything about their potential might cause you to overlook someone with unique skills or perspectives.

We are better able to make balanced, sensible decisions when we accept the complexity of people and situations.

5. Assumptions Hinder Personal Growth

One of the main risks of assumptions is that they hold us back from growth. If you assume you’re unsuccessful at something—like public speaking or learning a new skill—you might never try, robbing yourself of the opportunity to improve. Growth happens when we challenge our beliefs and push beyond our comfort zones. Replace “I can’t” with “I’ll try” to open the door to learning and progress.

How to Avoid Assumptions

Ask Questions: Take a moment to make sure you understand. Simple questions like “What do you mean?” or “Can you explain further?” can prevent misunderstandings.
Be Curiour: Stay open to learning and new experiences. Curiosity encourages exploration.
Practice Empathy: Try to see situations from others’ points of view. Recognising that others’ experiences shape their actions can help you understand their intentions better.
Challenge Your Thinking: Regularly reflect on your beliefs. Ask yourself, “Is this based on facts, or am I filling in the gaps?”

Assumptions can cloud judgement, start unnecessary conflict, and limit both creativity and growth. However, they are not inevitable. Try pausing and asking questions the next time you find yourself assuming anything. Doing so can lead to better relationships, clearer decisions, and a more open approach to life.

November 27 2024

Your Brain is a Muscle: Here’s How to Make It Stronger

Doaa Growth & Wellbeing

Neuroplasticity proves it’s never too late to grow your brain. Be curious, embrace challenges, and build resilience to improve your mental performance.

Lately, life’s felt like a mental boot camp for me. Between work challenges, diving into advanced studies, and juggling personal projects, my brain has been in overdrive. It’s been overwhelming, sure, but also deeply satisfying—kind of like that post-workout soreness when you know you’ve pushed your muscles to the limit.

It turns out that mental “stretch” is a real thing. Just like muscles, your brain gets stronger when you push it. Science shows that your brain is like a muscle. The more you challenge it, the stronger it gets. This amazing process, called neuroplasticity, is your brain’s way of adapting, growing, and creating new connections.

The Science of Brain Development

Neuroscientists have made fascinating discoveries about how our brains adapt. Neurons form the brain’s communication network. When you learn something new or practice a skill, your neural connections get stronger and more intricate. With frequent use, neural pathways become more efficient and responsive. It’s like upgrading your internal operating system.

Your Brain Loves a Challenge

Think about the last time you pushed yourself to learn something new. Perhaps it was attempting to cook a complicated recipe or learning a skill you thought you would never master. At first, it seemed impossible, right? Your brain was rewiring itself to understand the new task.

In 2019, researchers at the University of Oxford found that adults who learnt to juggle actually developed the areas of their brain responsible for visual and motor skills. In the study, people were divided into two groups. For six weeks, one group received weekly juggling training sessions and was told to practise for 30 minutes each day. The group that learned to juggle showed changes in the white matter of their brains compared to the non-juggling group. These changes were caused by the amount of time spent training and practicing, not the degree of skill acquired; however, the more you practise, the better you will become.

This study challenged the common idea that the brain’s structure remains static in adulthood by proving that learning a new ability can result in measurable changes in the structure of the brain.

The Work is Worth It

Just like building muscle at the gym, it takes effort. When you continue with a challenging task, your brain builds resilience. It gets better at tackling the next challenge because it remembers how to adapt. Over time, things that once felt impossible feel like second nature.

Cheat Codes for Mental Strength

Start small: Take your time and focus on one thing at a time. Take large challenges and break them down into smaller, more manageable parts to make them feel less overwhelming. Learning is a marathon, not a sprint.
Make it a routine: Consistency beats intensity. Learning one new word or tackling a puzzle each day can really make a difference.
Celebrate your wins: When you learn something new, your brain releases dopamine, which acts as a natural reward system. Each small success shows how far you have come. The sense of achievement you get, even from grasping just one idea, is your mind’s way of giving you a little pat on the back.
Embrace the Challenge: Keep in mind that feeling discomfort and frustration is a natural part of the journey towards growth. It means your mind is adjusting. Stick with it, and you’ll come out stronger.
Mix up your Learning: Keep your brain engaged with different activities. Learn a language one day, try a logic puzzle the next, watch a documentary on a complex topic another day.

The Reward: A Stronger, Sharper You

Growth often feels uncomfortable at first. As you keep going, you will find a more resilient and intelligent version of yourself. This is proof that your brain, like a muscle, thrives when you use it. When you look back and see what you have accomplished, it is all worth it.

November 23 2024

Overstimulated as an Introvert? How to Balance Work, Life, and Rest

Doaa Growth & Wellbeing

Understanding the toll of constant stimulation and simple ways to recharge.

Being an introvert often feels like you have a hidden battery that depletes faster in certain situations, and modern life seems designed to drain it even faster.

Working from home, you’d think I’d have a better handle on overstimulation. After all, I don’t work in a noisy office with busy coworkers. However, my mind is constantly racing from virtual meetings, managing a team, working on personal development projects, and staying connected with loved ones.

By the end of the week, I often feel physically exhausted. My mind, which is continuously on, needs a moment to switch off—but how often do we allow ourselves to do so? It might be difficult to slow down while juggling commitments and side projects, such as this blog. However, learning to pause is not a luxury for introverts; it is a necessity.

Why Overstimulation Is More Common among Introverts

This is supported by science, so it’s not just your imagination. Compared to extroverts, introverts react differently to stimuli. According to research by psychologists such as Dr. Laurie Helgoe, author of Introvert Power, introverts’ brains are more responsive to dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to excitement and rewards from outside sources. While extroverts might thrive on a busy environment, introverts can quickly feel overwhelmed by too much activity.

Multitasking, virtual meetings, the pressure to constantly “do more” are all part of modern life, and it’s no surprise that so many of us feel worn-out by Friday.

Being a manager or in a leadership position can also intensify this. Maintaining leadership, guiding others, and resolving issues often calls for emotional energy, which can be very taxing for introverts. Additionally, when you combine work responsibilities with personal ambitions, such as job progression, studying, or side hustles, the mental balancing can feel relentless.

Recognising Excessive Stimulation

Overstimulation is not always clear to introverts. You may not notice it until it manifests physically.

Mental fatigue: Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated.
Emotional irritability: Feeling unusually sensitive or frustrated.
Physical symptoms: Headaches, tension, or a heavy feeling in your body.

These are signs that your mind is craving stillness, and ignoring them can lead to burnout.

The Value of Doing Nothing

One thing I’ve learned is the importance of allowing myself to simply be. Taking a moment to do nothing—no phone, no tasks, no pressure—creates space for thoughts to happen naturally. Acknowledging how I’m feeling helps me reconnect with the present instead of constantly worrying about what’s next.

Reflection doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out task either. It can be as simple as spending five minutes with your journal or sitting in quiet reflection before bed. The goal isn’t to accomplish anything, it’s to just let your mind settle.

A journal or notebook lying open, possibly with doodles or notes.

Practical Ways to Recharge

If you’re feeling overstimulated, here are a few strategies that have worked for me:

Schedule quiet moments.
Block off time in your day, even 10 minutes, to sit quietly or engage in something soothing like reading, meditating, or simply closing your eyes.
Engage in a low-pressure hobby.
For me, that’s painting. It doesn’t require much mental effort but gives me a sense of accomplishment and creativity. Choose something you enjoy that doesn’t feel like a chore.
Set boundaries with stimulation.
If meetings are draining, try to space them out or request no-meeting afternoons if your workplace allows it.
End the day with a wind-down ritual.
Whether it’s a cup of tea, writing down your thoughts, or just sitting in silence, creating a ritual signals to your brain that it’s time to switch off.
Prioritise what truly matters.
Juggling work, side projects, and personal life is thrilling but exhausting. Reflect on what’s most important and focus your energy there.

The Bigger Picture

Living in a world that encourages continual connection can be difficult for introverts. However, by recognising signs of overstimulation and prioritising time to rest, you can protect your energy and find balance.

Making time for yourself isn’t selfish. When you give your mind time to rest and recharge, you return to life more focused, creative, and ready to face whatever comes next.

So, whether it’s doing nothing, enjoying a hobby, or spending a quiet evening in your favourite spot, allow yourself to pause. Trust me, your overworked brain will appreciate you.

November 22 2024

Why Paint by Numbers is the Perfect Winter Activity

Doaa Growth & Wellbeing

Paint by numbers is the perfect cozy activity for the cold season. Spark creativity, and unwind from daily stress with this enjoyable and simple hobby.

Have you ever tried something completely new and found yourself so absorbed that time just slipped away? For me, that “something new” was painting by numbers.

At its core, paint by numbers is exactly what it sounds like: a canvas pre-printed with a design, divided into sections labeled with numbers that correspond to specific paint colors. You don’t need any prior experience, just a willingness to try.

I gave it a go after searching for a creative outlet for ages. I’d considered sports, graphic design, even coding, but those all felt too overwhelming or stressful to learn after long workdays. Then a colleague suggested paint by numbers—it had helped her manage stress. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

My First Painting

The first design I chose was a vase filled with vibrant yellow, red, and white flowers. I’d never painted before, and at first, it felt clumsy. Staying within the lines wasn’t as easy as I expected, and I doubted how it would turn out.

But before I knew it, hours had passed. I’d completely zoned out, focusing entirely on one section at a time. There were no distractions, no worries about what I hadn’t done that day, or what awaited tomorrow.

I just was—in the moment, with a brush in my hand.

By the time I finished that first painting, it wasn’t just about the result (though hanging it up was a proud moment); it was about the experience itself. I’d found something that gave me joy and allowed me to unwind in a way I didn’t know I needed.

Why Paint by Numbers Works So Well

Painting, even as guided as paint by numbers, has so many benefits:

Stress Relief: The repetitive, detailed process is calming and meditative, allowing you to quiet your mind.
Improved Focus: It requires concentration, which can help you get better at honing in on tasks in other areas of life.
Encourages Creativity: Though you’re following a template, it’s still a creative process. You see a design come alive with your own hands.
Helps You Slow Down: In a fast-paced world, it’s rare to truly pause. Painting teaches you patience and to appreciate the process, not just the outcome.
Perspective on the Big Picture: Working on tiny, seemingly disconnected details only to see them form a cohesive masterpiece can mirror how we approach challenges in life.

For me, painting in the evening is when I feel the most relaxed. I put on some soothing music, light a candle, and enjoy the process. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a hectic day.

Ready to Start?

If you’re curious to try it, I’ve linked the beginner-friendly paint-by-number kits here. Choose a design that resonates with you, settle in with a cozy setup, and let your brush lead the way!

Whether it’s the cold season or just a regular weeknight, paint by numbers is one of those rare activities that feels fulfilling and restorative all at once.

November 21 2024

How 15 Minutes of Jogging a Day Boosts Creativity

Doaa Growth & Wellbeing

A quick jog each morning can help kick-start a day of clear, focused thinking.

Beyond the physical boost, I discovered that a short jog also fuels my creativity in ways I never expected. Here’s how I turned a 15-minute habit into a powerful tool for mental clarity.

Stick around to get my cheat code for staying consistent!

Over the past few years, working from home has brought a lot of benefits, but it’s also shifted me toward a more sedentary lifestyle. While I wouldn’t trade remote work for anything, I found that without a commute or office space to move around in, my activity level dropped. I could feel the impact on my health and energy, and it became clear that I needed to make a change before things got worse.

If you’re anything like me, finding time to exercise can be a challenge, but making even a small effort can do wonders. I started with just a simple walk around the block. That first day, it took me 30 minutes, and by the time I got home, I was out of breath! 😅 Still, I stuck with it, scheduling it in before my work day to make sure I wouldn’t put it off. And after a few weeks, I felt stronger and ready to try something more challenging.

How Jogging Has Supercharged My Creativity

As I built consistency, I felt a major shift mentally, too. That brief time outside gave me a sense of mental clarity I hadn’t expected. Ideas began to flow, and my motivation to dive into creative projects grew. Now, I finish my loop around the block in 15–20 minutes. It’s just the right amount of movement to start my day fresh and with a positive mindset.

Here’s my simple 15-minute routine:

First Jog (5 mins): I start jogging as soon as I leave the house, a quick burst to wake up my body and clear my mind.
Walking Break (3 mins): I slow down to a walk to catch my breath and take in my surroundings. I don’t let myself get too comfortable — just enough to recharge.
Second Jog (5 mins): I pick up the pace again, jogging until I feel that familiar rush of energy.
Cool-Down Walk (2 mins): I finish with a gentle walk back home, feeling refreshed and ready to dive into creative work.

In total, I cover about 2.2 km, or roughly 2,300 steps. It’s not an intense workout, but that bit of movement is enough to reset my mind and prepare me for the day ahead. Make sure to to stretch before and after though!

What Happens Mentally During My Morning Jog

I’ve noticed that jogging gives me more than just physical energy. During those 15 minutes, I:

Zone out of daily pressures and just focus on the rhythm of my body. It’s a great way to disconnect from stress.
Notice the little things around me, from a leaf falling to the ground to the cool morning breeze. Those small moments help ground me and spark inspiration.
Feel a sense of freedom, as if there’s nothing holding me back. It’s a time when I can really push myself, both physically and mentally.

The Secret to Staying Consistent

If you’ve read this far, here’s the real hack to making this habit stick:

Lay out your clothes the night before. When you wake up, just get up, brush your teeth, put on your workout gear, and GO— no overthinking, no time to make excuses. I know it’s tempting to wait until after coffee, but trust me, when you get back, that coffee (or matcha, or tea) will taste even better, and the sense of accomplishment will carry you through the day.