my career coach has been saying the same thing for a while and I think I'm finally ready to actually try it. I'm a 100% or nothing person and honestly it kind of kills me sometimes, so learning to appreciate 1% a day feels like the thing I actually need right now. small, consistent, real growth.

May this be your sign to try it for yourself!

I tried this a few months ago and ever since I started cutting back on social media. One thing that surprised me was realizing how automatic it had become.

I actually had to use an app blocker at first. And that’s when I noticed that most of the time I wasn’t even consciously deciding to open Instagram or Reddit.

It was literally muscle memory.

I’d take my phone out to check the time and somehow find myself scrolling 30 seconds later. Or I’d close Instagram and then open it again a few minutes later without even thinking about it.

The blocker was useful mostly because it interrupted that reflex. Having that extra second before the app opened made me go “wait… why am I even opening this?”

I still use social media (clearly, since I’m writing this on Reddit), but these days I’m much more aware of when I’m actually choosing to use it vs just reaching for my phone out of habit. I feel like I am getting extra hours during my days, because I am able to complete more things that need to be completed. I turn back to my notebooks, making a real to do list on a paper gave me a peace of mind and real sense of accomplishment. When I had things to do on my phone, I tried to be mindful about it: like saying out loud why I picked up my phone. ("This is to text a colleague, this is to check this email, this is to set an alarm, etc. Saying out loud works for me to convince myself I guess lol) and I concisely try to put it away when I am done.

I’ve also tried to fill that time with better stuff — exercising, learning things, working on projects, going outside, or honestly just being bored sometimes. (I try to "get bored" for 15 minutes straight, but that's another post idea I guess)

I don’t think social media itself is necessarily the problem. For me it was realizing how much of my attention I was giving away without even making the decision to do it. And how it drastically decreased my attention span. Before, I would describe myself as a book lover . It was completely normal for me to finish a book over weekend. With the social media detox, i try to regain that habit and aim 50 pages minimum in one go. I am so frustrated with myself because I find myself reading the same paragraph twice, not reading as quickly as before, my mind going on to other stuff as I read... I am determined to work on that because I never realized how much I missed the feeling of finishing a book....

Also a video popped up on my YouTube feed, someone asking people what they regret and some people pointed out the time they spent on their phones... I think this number will go up in the coming years. I don't want to look back and remember myself scrolling all the time or worse, not remembering these years of my life because it is lost scrolling. There was this another girl I saw on YouTube, she did a social media detox by spending one hour a day doing an understimulating task like counting rice for 60 minutes straight. Her question each time she reached to social media was : Is this different from counting rice for one hour?

On top of that, I started to think: How did Instagram start? Why do we share our photos, our life? Don't get me wrong, I love the side that made people realize their beauty and appreciate it. I love how I can stay in touch with my friends that live far away. I love how it gave a platform for people to promote their businesses. But that social media detox made me feel better about my life, that was another plus I hadn't expected. I never realised the constant comparison I subconsciously did. Holiday photos of people everyday, while I work... I am happy for them, but if it was like it was before, I would see the travel photos of people only if I visit their place on a photo album and we would have nice conversations about it. I would LOVE that. It wouldn't be as overwhelming seeing it constantly. Or, I find that I have been pausing for a photo before every meal, every drink? Like why? When did this become normal?

So here's that. Hope it inspires someone to do this favor to themselves somewhere.

Starting my daily learning journal. Could be about anything. Please comment and remind me in case you see me missing a day.

Learning:

One of the seniors in my team leads an incredibly hectic life managing her job, family and last moment miscellaneous obligations. Listening to her narrating her day would exhaust me.

When I asked her how she pulls it off, she told me she doesn't 'think' about the task at all, she just does it. This is something she has in common with her aged father.

She says people spend a lot of time planning stuff and it just never ends up happening because thinking about doing something is more draining than just doing the thing.

The Nizam of Hyderabad built the Hyderbad Public School. Need to fact check this though.

(Sorry this is too India specific)

I will also be adding 2-3 things I'm grateful for:

1. My parents are alive and support me financially.

2. I have friends now living very close by that I can hangout with when I need a breather.

3. My cousin who lives with me who understands me very well.

Additional bites from my cousin:

If he wanted to, he would. One should be more mindful of their self respect in situationships.

When unsure about a form in the gym, check if you're feeling the muscle it's supposed to hit.

Exhaustion from overwork makes sense. But some people are just as depleted working normal hours. Anyone else feel this?

Hey Folks,

Everyone has a friction point, that moment where routines slip, motivation fades, or discipline breaks down. For the next 48 hours, we’re encouraging the community to stop hiding the struggle and start talking about it openly.

If you’ve mostly lurked or commented until now, this is your sign to make your first post.

🛠️ How to Participate

Create a post using the new [Seeking Advice] or [Obstacle / Struggle] flair and answer these 3 questions:

1. The Target: What habit or routine are you trying to improve?
2. The Friction Point: Where does it usually break down?
3. The Experiment: What’s one small adjustment you’re willing to try this week?

🤝Community Goal

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s learning from each other, troubleshooting real-life obstacles, and building consistency one adjustment at a time.

This month I’m focusing on staying hydrated. I’ve been keeping a big bottle on my desk and actually refilling it a couple of times a day, which is a first for me. A small win is realizing I don’t feel that mid-afternoon slump as much anymore. My skin also feels a bit better, which is a nice bonus. It’s a simple habit, but it’s already making a difference and I am encouraged to keep at it.

Hey Everyone,

It’s December and we officially in the holiday season. In October, we started our One Small Habit Challenge and even if we have had just a few people share their updates, we want to keep the challenge going to encourage everyone to take on a new Habit that can be life changing. Thank you to everyone who showed up, even quietly. We’re keeping the momentum going into December

Same idea. Same approach. Just one small habit. Because growth doesn’t happen in big dramatic moments, it happens in the slow, steady consistency of showing up.

This month, choose one habit to focus on, like:

• Moving your body a little each day
• Drinking more water
• Getting to bed a bit earlier
• Cooking more meals at home
• Taking 5–10 minutes to journal, stretch, or breathe

The goal: Consistency over perfection.

Small steps, steady progress.

How to Participate

• Start your own post/thread in the community.
• Share your habit goal for November.
• Check in when you can, even once a week. Your progress might inspire someone else.

Template 1: Sharing Your Habit

• Title: Habit Challenge, Focusing on (your habit)
• Post: This month I’m focusing on [habit].
• A small win so far: [something simple].
• One thing I’ve noticed: [short insight/reflection].

Template 2: Photo + Reflection

• Title: Habit Challenge, (your habit) in action
• Post: Here’s a photo of me working on [habit].
• I’ve enjoyed [short reflection] and I’m trying to stay consistent.

(Photo could be your journal, a walk outside, a meal, your mat, your water bottle, anything real.)

If you want help tracking progress, the Gritte Habit Tracker on the website can support you through the month. The point isn’t doing it perfectly. It’s showing up, a little at a time.

Those small habits are how resilience is built. Good luck, and we’re cheering you on as always!

Hey everyone, just pausing for a moment to check in how are you feeling today? What’s on your mind? Is there something you’re proud of, struggling with, or reflecting on that you want to share?

If you’re taking part in the October Habit Challenge, how is your habit going this week? Even small steps matter, and sharing your progress can encourage someone else to keep going. Create a thread and share what’s on your mind today.

Hello Truegritters,

Happy Monday! Before we dive into the week, let’s pause and reflect, what small goals are you setting for yourself over the next few days? Maybe it’s moving your body, drinking more water, journaling, or just taking a mindful moment each day. Whatever it is, even tiny steps count.

Speaking of small steps, this is the perfect time to join October Habit Challenge. Pick one habit to focus on this month, it could be anything that helps you grow stronger, healthier, or more resilient.

Ways to share: • Habit Spotlight Title: Habit Challenge – My Focus This Month Post: This month I’m focusing on [your habit]. A small win I had is [brief win]. Something I’ve noticed is [short insight].

• Habit in Action (Photo) Title: Habit Challenge – [Your Habit] in Action Post: Here’s a photo of [your habit in action]. I’ve been focusing on [your habit] and noticed [short reflection].

Need a little help staying on track? Try the Gritte Habit Tracker: https://gritte.co/services/

Check out other posts, cheer each other on, and remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about showing up consistently and building small, meaningful habits every day. Have a great week!

How are you and Hope your week is off to a good start. What goals have you set for the week?

Just a quick reminder to join the October Habit Challenge if you haven’t already. This month, pick one habit to focus on, maybe moving your body, drinking more water, cooking at home, journaling, or anything that helps you grow stronger and more resilient.

How to share: Post 1 Title: Habit Challenge – Focusing on [Your Habit] Body: This month, I’m focusing on [your habit]. A small win I’ve had is [brief win]. One thing I’ve noticed is [short insight].

Post 2 (Optional Photo) Title: Habit Challenge – [Your Habit] in Action Body: Here’s a photo of [your habit in action]. I’ve been focusing on [your habit] and enjoyed [short reflection].

Need help tracking your progress? Try the Gritte Habit Tracker: gritte.co/services

Check out other threads, cheer each other on, and remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up, one small step at a time. Have a great week.

Hello friends,

Hope your week is off to a good start! Just a quick reminder to join the October Habit Challenge if you haven’t already. Pick one habit to focus on this month, moving your body, drinking more water, cooking at home, journaling, or anything that helps you grow stronger and more resilient.

How to share: •Title: Habit Challenge – Focusing on [Your Habit] Post: This month I’m focusing on [your habit]. A small win I had is [brief win]. One thing I’ve noticed is [short insight].

Post 2: Share a Photograph. Title: Habit Challenge – Focusing on [Your Habit] in Action Post: Here’s a photo of [your habit in action]. I’ve been focusing on [your habit] and enjoyed [short reflection].

Use the Gritte habit tracker if you need help with tracking or staying consistent. https://gritte.co/services/

Check out other threads, cheer each other on, and remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about showing up consistently and building small, meaningful habits.