9 Things You Rarely Do For Yourself (But Should Do Every Day)
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this solo episode, Lewis Howes shares nine essential daily practices that most people neglect but should prioritize for greater clarity, confidence, and control. (00:25) He emphasizes that becoming the best version of yourself isn't about massive overhauls but rather small, consistent daily actions practiced even when no one is watching.
- The episode focuses on practical self-care habits that help prevent burnout while building self-respect and emotional regulation
Speakers
Lewis Howes
Lewis Howes is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and host of The School of Greatness podcast. He has written multiple books including "Make Money Easy," "The Greatness Mindset," "The Mask of Masculinity," and "The School of Greatness." Howes has built a media empire focused on helping people unlock their potential and live their best lives, interviewing world-class performers and experts for over 13 years on his podcast.
Key Takeaways
Protect Your Morning Attention
Your attention is your most valuable resource, and whatever you give it to shapes your mood, thoughts, and identity for the rest of the day. (01:33) When you immediately reach for your phone upon waking, you hand your emotional state over to the outside world, making other people's urgency your priority and their problems your stress. Instead, dedicate the first ten minutes of your day to yourself through breathing, stretching, prayer, gratitude, and meditation to train your nervous system for everything that follows.
Move Your Body Consistently, Not Intensely
Movement isn't about impressive workouts or looking a certain way—it's about regulating your nervous system, building confidence, and clearing mental fog. (04:18) Even ten minutes of daily movement can build self-respect because every time you move, you're telling your body "I'm listening, I care about you, and I'm showing up for you." Consistency beats intensity, and you're telling your future self that you respect where you're going.
Face One Hard Thing Daily
Confidence comes from action, specifically the uncomfortable actions you keep putting off. (05:12) Avoidance creates background stress that quietly drains your energy and erodes self-trust. When you tackle one uncomfortable conversation or difficult task daily, you build discipline as a form of self-care and start seeing yourself as someone who can handle discomfort rather than someone who avoids it. This compounds faster than motivation ever will.
Check In With Your Emotions, Not Just Tasks
Most people track their to-do lists but ignore their inner state, yet emotions don't disappear when ignored—they go underground and resurface as burnout, frustration, and exhaustion. (09:05) A neuroscientist and brain surgeon told Lewis that emotional regulation is the single most important skill every human being should master. Practice naming your emotions without judgment at least once daily, as awareness prevents burnout and helps you stay connected to yourself instead of operating on autopilot.
Create Clear Boundaries to Protect Your Energy
Most people are exhausted not because they're doing too much, but because they're doing too much of what doesn't matter to them and too little of what brings them joy. (13:05) When you say yes out of guilt to avoid conflict, you slowly train your nervous system to believe your needs come last. Boundaries aren't about pushing people away—they're about staying connected to yourself. Every time you protect your energy, you send yourself the powerful message that "I matter too."
Statistics & Facts
- Lewis worked as a truck driver for three months between attempting to play professional football, making $250 per week driving six hours daily from Columbus to Cincinnati. (13:58)
- James Clear's book "Atomic Habits" has sold over 10 million copies, demonstrating the massive demand for habit formation guidance. (40:16)
- Research shows that depending on the habit, formation can take anywhere from a couple weeks for easy habits to six to eight months for difficult ones, with some studies averaging around 66 days. (40:56)
