Every 15 Minutes Counts Towards Progress

You can make meaningful progress in just 15 minutes. Real momentum comes from consistently making smart, imperfect choices—because progress doesn’t require perfection.

Over a decade ago, when I designed our logo, I chose a tree with seven leaves to represent our “Make it a 7” philosophy. On a scale of 1–10, a 7 is a win. Chasing perfection fuels anxiety; aiming for “good and moving forward” creates growth. 

The seven leaves represent the seven essential life areas. You don’t need perfection in any of them—aiming for a 7 is enough to stay healthy and moving forward. When an area is consistently ignored, it slips well below a 7, and that’s when stress, imbalance, and problems begin to show up.

Invest at least 15 minutes each day in each life area. Some areas will naturally require more time, but 15 minutes is the right starting point. These small, consistent choices compound over time. Here are five outcomes I consistently see when people commit to these 15-minute decisions.

15-Minutes Results

1. Clarity as you reflect on the different areas of your life.
2. Improved life balance because you'll spend time in neglected areas.
3. Encouragement as you start recognizing progress.
4. More confidence as your competence grows in different life areas.
5. Life transformations as you keep consistently doing hard things.

If this was helpful, SUBSCRIBE TODAY and get instant access to my free video and worksheet: Shatterproof Yourself — 7 Small Steps to a Giant Leap in Your Confidence.

15-Minute Ideas

Below are some of the activities to work into your life, even if you only have 15 free minutes. Make note of those that seem inspiring and work one or two into your life today.

Spiritual

• Go on a walk and notice what you experience with all 5 of your senses.
• Complete the Daily 5 & 5
• Answer some gratitude questions

Family

• Plan your next trip to see family
• List qualities you appreciate, admire, and are thankful for about friends and family
• Write and send a card or letter
• Text some past pictures to friends and family

Health " Self-Care

• Start a food/nutrition journal
• Stretch, lift weights, or engage in cardio
• Face a fear
• Start a workout log

Intellectual

• Listen to an audiobook or podcast
• Start making a list of your all-time favorite books
• Ask a friend questions about a topic where they have more knowledge than you

Social & Fun

• Work on a puzzle at project
• Research hobbies and list out the ones that interest you
• Call a friend who is fun and encouraging
• Engage in a hobby for just 15 minutes

Career/Business

• Watch a short YouTube video on communication skills
• Update your LinkedIn profile
• Organize
• Invite someone to lunch and get it on your schedule
• Ask for some professional advice from a friend

Financial

• Organize your finances (you can get a lot done in 15 minutes)
• Make a list of the ways you sometimes overspend
• Reach out to a friend who is good with money
• Make a list of your debts

Take Action

Focus on the progress you've made toward your goals, regardless of how far you are from reaching your goals. In other words, measure progress based on how far you've come, rather than how far you still want to go. Every 15 minutes counts!

If this was helpful, SUBSCRIBE TODAY and get instant access to my free video and worksheet: Shatterproof Yourself — 7 Small Steps to a Giant Leap in Your Confidence.

Resources

Stop Procrastinating & Get Things Done (post) by Adam Gragg
Eliminate Mental Clutter & Procrastination (post) by Adam Gragg
How to Create a Positive & Productive Work Environment (post) by Adam Gragg
Take Risks Frequently! (post) by Adam Gragg