Habits are what define us. Good habits lead to positive routines, efficiency, and order. , bad habits lead us in the opposite direction and lock us into rigid, negative patterns of behavior.
Our happiness or lack thereof, success or lack thereof, and even our level of health and fitness are all connected to and a result of our daily habits.
The stark reality is that we may know how to eat, how to exercise, and how to get in shape, and yet we're no closer to achieving our goals than we were months ago. We may have the best intentions to improve, but we find ourselves still "sinking" and practicing the same destructive habits.
What does it give?
For the most part, it's hard to create new, healthy, "permanent" habits, even with the best of intentions to become better. But there is a way to overcome these seeming "stumbling blocks" of resistance that arise and try to keep us locked in harmful, unhealthy habits.
What is this secret formula that we can follow that makes these blocks neutral?
Believe it or not, there is a lot of science behind the habit-forming process, and an "addictive" formula that actually works is available to anyone.
Here's the secret:
"Dream big, start small."
In other words, pick one habit that you want to change for the better. Keep it small and achievable and focus your energy on this small/tiny habit for 21 days to one month. By keeping it small and simple, you'll drop the temptation to say "no" and be more likely to keep going.
For this new "little habit" to be successful, it must be -
Behaviors that you can do at least once a day
Something that takes less than 30 seconds
It requires little effort but is relevant to complete behavior
The bottom line is "don't bite off more than you can chew". Omit. Throw away the illusion that your life goals have to be big bold things that can only be achieved when the timing is right, or you have better resources, or you finally catch that "big break."
Waiting for your "big break" before moving forward is like Charlie Brown sitting in the pumpkin patch waiting for the "Big Pumpkin" to appear. It will not happen. In reality, it's the baby steps...the baby steps that you take that "move the energy" in the physical realm, and that's what attracts your "big break" to you.
Remember you can't start a big fire, you have to start it first and then feed it with kindling. See your life goals as small, daily behaviors (sparks) that are repeated until a successful habit is formed.
"Doing it" is what counts, and if you keep things small and achievable, you're much more likely to "do it."
What seeds of change would you like to manifest in your life this week that could grow into a healthy behavior or habit?
Want to start working out? That is admirable. Shoot five minutes a day for one week. That's all it takes. You can do it!
Cook from scratch? No problem. Aim to create one meal from scratch per day or per week. Design it around your schedule without adding stress.
Want to get out of debt? Start by saving a "defined amount of money" each week. Or start earning much more weekly.
Don't try to earn everything at once.
When you decide to create a new habit "in a small way", you are harnessing the power of your subconscious mind and making it easier for yourself once you get the hang of it.
Explore and choose one small habit you can start today that will help you improve your life.
Take small steps to shift this habit from negative to positive and find ways to stay accountable. Transfer your new healthy habit to an older, established habit or something you do and watch it become part of your routine. Easy peasy!
As your small tasks become easier to complete, expand your goals and efforts while building momentum with future victories. Collecting these "small victories", especially in the beginning, makes it easier to continue to enjoy other "small victories".
Wise Chinese Proverb:
"It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to take a great leap forward only to stumble backward."
Carolyn Hansen - Your Health and Fitness Specialist
"I help clients take care of their health before circumstances prevent it. If your pursuit of a life of true physical and mental wellness is the way to go, I'll put you in the driver's seat."
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