Robert Downey Jr Habits for Peak Performance and Sobriety
Periodic Table of Habits
Filters & Legend
Impact:
Effort:
Category:
Impact
High
Medium
Low
Effort
High
Medium
Low
Categories
Low Effort
Medium Effort
High Effort
High Impact
4
HP
Hydration Protocol
19
RS
Restorative Sleep Protocol
3
PN
Plant-Based Nutrition
7
FS
Family Scheduling
10
DJ
Decision Journaling
11
CR
Cognitive Reframing
1
ST
Strength Training Regimen
8
1C
12-Step Commitment
14
CI
Character Immersion
Medium Impact
6
SS
Supplement Stack
12
ME
Mindful Eating
15
GM
Gratitude Mapping
2
WC
Wing Chun Kung Fu
5
YI
Yoga Integration
9
CC
Creative Collaboration
13
DM
Digital Minimalism
17
PS
Philanthropic Scheduling
18
SA
Script Analysis Ritual
20
CC
Creative Cross-Training
16
CE
Cold Exposure
Low Impact
No low effort habits
No medium effort habits
No high effort habits
Strength Training Regimen
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Combines compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses with functional movements to build muscle mass and boost metabolism. Includes 4-5 weekly sessions focusing on different muscle groups.
Wing Chun Kung Fu
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Practices this Chinese martial art 3-4 times weekly for 60-90 minute sessions. Emphasizes close-range combat drills, wooden dummy techniques, and sensitivity training.
Plant-Based Nutrition
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Follows 80% vegan diet emphasizing legumes, quinoa, and plant proteins. Allows occasional sustainably sourced fish. Uses nut-based cheeses and algae supplements for nutrients.
Hydration Protocol
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Consumes 1 gallon of water daily with added electrolytes. Uses timed bottles to ensure consistent intake and tracks urine color for hydration status.
Yoga Integration
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Performs 30-minute vinyasa flows 6 mornings weekly. Focuses on hip-opening poses to counteract weight training tightness and uses pranayama breathing techniques.
Supplement Stack
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Takes curated supplements including omega-3s from algae, plant-based protein powder, and vitamin D3. Avoids stimulant-based pre-workouts.
Family Scheduling
Impact:
Effort:
#Connections
Blocks 6-8PM daily for uninterrupted family time. Includes device-free dinners and weekend adventures with his children.
12-Step Commitment
Impact:
Effort:
#Growth
Attends weekly meetings and maintains sponsor contact. Reads daily meditation literature and does nightly inventory.
Creative Collaboration
Impact:
Effort:
#Productivity
Hosts weekly brainstorming sessions with Team Downey writers. Uses improv techniques to explore character motivations beyond scripts.
Decision Journaling
Impact:
Effort:
#Growth
Writes 500 words nightly analyzing key choices. Uses prompts like 'What fear influenced this?' and 'How does this align with values?'
Cognitive Reframing
Impact:
Effort:
#Growth
Practices identifying negative thought patterns. Uses physical anchors like rotating a ring to trigger perspective shifts.
Mindful Eating
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Chews each bite 20+ times. Uses chopsticks to slow pace and eats from blue plates shown to reduce appetite.
Digital Minimalism
Impact:
Effort:
#Productivity
Limits social media to 20 minutes daily via app blockers. Uses dumbphone during family vacations.
Character Immersion
Impact:
Effort:
#Productivity
Lives in character 2 weeks pre-filming. Learns related skills like violin for roles and adopts mannerisms full-time.
Gratitude Mapping
Impact:
Effort:
#Growth
Creates weekly mind maps of positive influences. Shares these with mentors and family to reinforce connections.
Cold Exposure
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Takes 3-minute cold showers post-workout. Uses cryotherapy monthly for recovery.
Philanthropic Scheduling
Impact:
Effort:
#Connections
Allocates 10% of income/time to charity. Focuses on prison reform and addiction nonprofits.
Script Analysis Ritual
Impact:
Effort:
#Productivity
Reads scripts aloud while walking. Uses different voices for characters to test emotional resonance.
Restorative Sleep Protocol
Impact:
Effort:
#Health
Maintains 65°F bedroom temperature. Uses red lights post-8PM and tracks sleep stages via Oura ring.
Creative Cross-Training
Impact:
Effort:
#Productivity
Practices piano daily and takes sculpture classes. Limits acting-related activities on weekends.