Hey everybody, welcome back this week to our broadcast Business, Money, and Christianity. We’re a financial podcast that approaches everything from a faith perspective, and we want to welcome you into our studios today.
Every week, we try to drop in for about 15 minutes or less to share one key point on how to make your life better and more successful. We do all this from a faith perspective. Even when we don’t reference it directly, everything we talk about is based on biblical principles — because we believe that God’s Word actually works in everyday life.
Today, I want to talk about the value of rituals — those things we do over and over again.
One definition of a ritual is a routine of behavior that’s repeated regularly. Now, I’m sure just about everyone listening has a smartphone. I’ve got an iPhone, and if I open it up real quick here — I don’t know if you can see it, but I have my day divided into categories. From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., I’ve got five things I do. From 9 a.m. to noon, four things. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., another four things. And from 5:30 to 7:30, three things.
These reminders pop up on my phone every day at their specific times, and I do them. Those are rituals — things we do every day to make ourselves better.
High achievers have rituals. In fact, most successful people follow some kind of ritual pattern. They make sure to get certain things in — whether that’s exercise, reading, prayer, or meditation. Rituals help us build success through consistency.
So today, I want to give you five rituals to consider building into your life — simple things that can help you grow and succeed.
1. Upgrade a Micro Skill Once a Month
What’s a micro skill? It’s something small — something that doesn’t take a lot of effort but makes your life easier and saves you time.
For example, I realized one day that I wasn’t using my iPhone to its full potential. Most of us only use a fraction of what our phones can do. Two apps that come built into iOS — Notes and Reminders — changed how I manage my day.
I decided to take one day to really learn how to use them. Notes became a place where I jot down ideas — for a book I’m writing, something I’m studying, or just a thought that comes to mind. It syncs to iCloud, so I have access everywhere.
Reminders helps me manage my tasks. If someone asks me to help with something months from now, I just say, “Remind me on January 1st,” and I’m done. I even use Reminders for practical things — like fertilizing my yard or changing the oil in my car.
That one small skill upgrade saved me time and made my life smoother. So take one day a month, pick something small — maybe a feature on your phone or software you use — and learn it better.
2. Develop a Growth Ritual — Read a Book a Month
Are you reading regularly? Growth requires input. I read constantly — well, technically, I “listen-read.” I use Audible and usually have several books going at once.
Right now, I’m reading Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a biography of Mark Twain, and Cues, a fascinating book on body language. I also just finished an autobiography of Hudson Taylor, the British missionary to China in the 1800s.
Here’s the key: Don’t just read books on topics you already like. Stretch your mind. Read something outside your usual interests. Even if it’s challenging, it broadens your perspective and deepens your understanding.
3. Create a Social Ritual — Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Once a month, do something socially uncomfortable. Successful people know how to connect with others — and sometimes that means pushing past your natural limits.
I’m naturally introverted. I remember once stepping onto a packed elevator. Everyone was facing the door, and I was the last one in, facing them. It was awkward. I almost walked away, but I told myself, “No, David — face this.”
So I stepped in, the doors closed, and I said, “You’re probably wondering why I called this meeting today.” The whole elevator laughed. That small moment broke the ice and broke my own fear.
Do something similar. Strike up a conversation at a coffee shop. Ask someone about their drink. It doesn’t have to be deep — just engage. Building that social muscle is a ritual worth having.
4. Practice a Monthly Act of Service
Do something kind for someone — especially when they’re not expecting it.
Maybe leave a sticky note on a coworker’s desk thanking them for their help. Write a quick thank-you card. Leave a kind quote on the office whiteboard. Send a funny or encouraging meme midweek.
If you work remotely, send a small gift card with a note: “Wish we could grab coffee — enjoy one on me.”
Acts of service don’t have to be big. It might be a $5 car wash card, a meal for a family, or simply a few kind words. These gestures brighten someone’s day — and they’ll brighten yours too.
5. Audit Your Calendar
Learn to use your calendar effectively. It’s one of the best productivity tools you have.
I use an app called Coalinger (I can share the link), which connects to my schedule so people can book time with me. I also use Google Calendar — I’m not a big fan of Google products, but this one is excellent.
I keep multiple calendars — business, family, vacation — each color-coded and marked “busy” or “free.” It helps others know my availability and keeps my life balanced.
I’m even working on upgrading my calendar system so my assistant can manage it more easily — which might just become my next micro-skill project.
These are five simple rituals you can start building into your life:
- Upgrade a micro skill once a month.
- Read a book a month.
- Do something socially stretching.
- Perform an act of service.
- Audit and improve your calendar.
You might also have your own daily rituals — like reading, exercising, or journaling — that keep you grounded and growing.
Rituals keep us on track. They shape our days and, over time, shape our lives.
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We appreciate you being here, and we look forward to seeing you again next week. Take care, and have a great weekend!
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