Nudges
The table below is designed to give you an insight into what nudges entail.
These examples are designed to give you ideas for daily mini-challenges that can help build your discipline. Remember, the key is to choose tasks that push you outside your comfort zone—selecting something you already enjoy won’t have the same impact. If any of the options below feel challenging or unpleasant but could ultimately benefit you, consider incorporating them into your routine.
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10 random push-ups
15 random bodyweight squats
Early morning walk or run
100 surprise [pick the exercise] after workout
Take the stairs instead of using the elevator
Yoga for 10 minutes
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Orders something healthy when eating out
Fast until noon
Fast for X days
No sugar all day
Skip dessert when tempted
Skip snacking after dinner
Choose a fruit instead of a sweet treat
Replace a meal with a healthy smoothie
Avoid adding sugar to your coffee or tea
Try a new healthy recipe
Avoid processed foods for a day
Eat slowly and mindfully for one meal
No red meat consumption for a week
Drink herbal tea instead of a late-night snack
Use olive oil instead of butter while cooking
Eat a salad before your main meal
Avoid eating out for a week
No alcohol week/month
Drink a glass of water before each meal
Eat only home-cooked meals for a weekend
Meal prep for the week ahead
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Breathwork
Meditate for 5 minutes
Journaling for 10 minutes
Create a gratitude list
Practice deep breathing for 10 minutes
Perform a body scan meditation
Take a mindful walk, observing your surroundings with no electronics
Do a guided visualization exercise
Spend time in nature without any distractions
Observe your thoughts without judgment for 5 minutes
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Sort and organize digital or physical files
Unsubscribe from all unwanted emails
Organize a junk drawer
Create a budget and track expenses
Organize bookshelves by category
Clear out old contacts from your phone
Create a filing system for important documents
Declutter your workspace at the end of each day
Plan your outfit the night before
Implement a system for household chores
Organize your pantry or kitchen cabinets
Organized closet or desk or room, etc…
Deep clean your car
Sort through old emails
Plan next day's schedule
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Read an article on a completely unfamiliar topic
Read an article or book from an opposing viewpoint
Watch a documentary on a subject you know little about and might even find boring. No phone use during the movie
Attend a lecture or seminar on an unfamiliar subject
Explore a new genre of books or literature
Research a historical event you know little about
Learn a musical instrument
Learn a new language
Analyze a complex film or piece of music
Engage in public speaking
Reading for x minutes with no distractions
Solve a complex puzzle
Write an article or blog post and sharing publicly
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Sing Karaoke (preferably sober)
Start a conversation with a stranger
Compliment someone you don't like
Volunteer at or organize a community event
Introduce yourself to a neighbor you don't know.
Attend a social event
Join a new club or group activity
Ask a colleague you don't know out for coffee or lunch
Host a small gathering or meetup
Reach out to an old friend or acquaintance
Participate in a group discussion or forum
Offer to help someone with a task or project
Join a public speaking or debate club
Engage in a team sport or group exercise
Participate in a community art or music event
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Attend a networking event
Update your resume and linkedin
Role play different customer service or sales scenarios with your colleagues (if applicable)
Organize a team-building activity at work
Ask for a challenging assignment at work
Request a performance review or feedback session
Attend a professional development workshop
Set specific career goals for the next year and go over them with your boss and/or colleagues
Reach out to a mentor or industry leader for advice
Read a book related to your field
Participate in a webinar or online course
Offer to lead a project or meeting at work
Network with professionals outside your immediate circle
Volunteer for a cross-departmental project
Practice a new skill relevant to your job
Attend a conference or industry event
Contribute to a professional blog or journal
Set up informational interviews in your field
Explore lateral moves within your organization
Take on a part-time job or side project
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Cold Plunge
Cold Shower
Extra x minutes in sauna when you want to get out
Keep room 5 degrees warmer than usual
Keep room 5 degrees cooler than normal
Sleep without a blanket.
Spend an hour in complete silence
Sleep without a pillow for a night
No social media for a day
Spend a day without using any digital screens
Use public transportation instead of personal vehicle
Spend a night camping in the backyard
Use stairs only, no elevators or escalators for a day
Avoid sitting for x amount of time
No TV for a day
Walking instead of driving somewhere