10 Super Simple Ways to Improve Your Life by 10% in 2024

After the chaos of Sept 11th, I made some positive changes in my life. I stopped partying, started sleeping better, and embraced morning workouts. My life didn't transform overnight; there were no grand declarations on September 12th. Yet, I gradually got fitter, read more books than I planned, and embarked on a journey of self-improvement.

This gradual change taught me a valuable lesson: life is an infinite game of continuous improvement.

It's about small, consistent steps, aiming for just a 10% improvement in various life aspects. These incremental gains can lead to significant transformations over time.

Here are ten practical ways to achieve a 10% boost in your life this year.

Enhance Productivity with Time Management: I just started using the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to structure my day more effectively. It’s difficult, but better than what I was doing in the past.

1. Apps like Todoist or Trello can help. Let me know which one works best for you.

Boost Physical Fitness Gradually: Instead of drastic fitness goals, aim for a 10% improvement. Increase your workout duration, intensity, or frequency incrementally. My best advice here is to find a workout that includes varied workouts, and lots of people who will hold you accountable, and ideally make the workout more fun.

• For example: Running groups, CrossFit (I know, I know), or any class environment.

• If you prefer the lone wolf route - I get it, I once ran a marathon by myself. Then If you currently exercise 30 minutes a day, adding just 3 more minutes can make a difference. Remember, consistency is key.

Upgrade Your Skills: Identify key areas in your professional skill set that could benefit from improvement.

1. Dedicate time each week to learning new aspects related to your field. The way I did it was to look at the gaps in my previous work year. I noticed that I was doing an inordinate amount of sales/rev ops tasks, and I wanted to get better. So I found an MIT online course on how to build high-velocity organizations and signed up. It was difficult at first to find the time, but I would log into web calls during my commute on the train and do homework on the weekends. Because I knew it was sharpening my axe, and making me a better and more valuable member of my team, I didn’t need to be motivated. I loved it! Maybe you will too?

2. Online platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of courses that can enhance your skills by at least 10%. Here’s a full breakdown of all of the FREE classes offered by Coursera.  

Financial Health Check: Aim to improve your financial health by 10%. This could mean increasing your savings rate, reducing debts, or investing more wisely.

1. I use Mint, but there are lots of these apps out there. Personal Capital can help track and manage your finances more effectively.

Enhance Networking: Grow your professional network by 10%. Attend industry events, join professional groups, or participate in online forums.

1. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting with peers and industry leaders.

Mindfulness and Mental Health: Dedicate a small portion of your day to mindfulness practices. Just 10 minutes of meditation, yoga, or journaling can significantly improve your mental health and stress levels.

Read More: Set a goal to read 10% more books this year. Whether for personal enjoyment or professional development, reading can expand your perspectives and knowledge. Consider joining a book club for motivation and discussion. I use Audible, and I listen to books at a 1.5x speed. It’s a hack I started years ago, and now I’m addicted to it. If I love the audiobook, I buy the real book. Silly, I know - but there is something about putting a book on my bookshelf in my study that I love.

Improve Communication Skills: Work on enhancing your communication skills by 10%. This could involve practicing public speaking, writing, or even active listening. Tools like Toastmasters can be a great way to improve speaking skills.

Healthy Eating Habits: Improve your diet by incorporating 10% more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Small changes in your diet can lead to substantial health benefits over time. I use supplements to help - Athletic Greens are my morning post-workout - go-to routine.

Personal Development and Hobbies: Dedicate time to personal development or a new hobby. Spend 10% of your free time on activities that fulfill you, whether it’s learning a musical instrument, painting, or coding. I’ve found real joy in joining the School of Rock and playing with like-minded adults on a stage.

Improving by just 10% in these areas can lead to a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling life. Remember, the goal is not to overhaul your life overnight but to make manageable, incremental changes that add up over time.

Here's to a 10% better you in 2024!

Keep up the good work, 

Chris