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C.H.O.I.C.E.
Creating Habits Only I
Can Embrance
Most people have some great habits that serve
them well. On the other hand, if you are like me,
you may have some habits you'd like to change or
improve.
 While it sounds easy to
create a new habit, it does take effort. Giving up
a good habit can happen very quickly. Multiple
demands on our time can cause us to stop doing
something even if it's beneficial for our overall
well being.
As part of my personal development
program, I've been going to a gym for the past few
years. In December, I got side-tracked with the
holidays and a very busy schedule. I got out of
the habit of going to the gym. I thought I'd be
able to get back there in January. Didn't
happen. My trainer and his wife had a new baby and
scheduling became even more difficult. Since then,
I've exercised a bit on my own, but it's not a
regular routine or habit.
On the other hand, I started a writing
habit at the beginning of 2009 and have been
writing every day since then. I made a commitment
to myself to spend at least 10 minutes per day
writing. That's over 500 days of creating a habit.
I'm not concerned about creating a masterpiece.
Most days I write a summary of the day.
On occasion, I create some content that I can
use in current or future
projects.
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So what's the
difference between these two?
Working out:
- Working out at the gym required me to adjust
to someone else's schedule.
- The exercise program at the gym requires me
to drive there and spend an hour at 3 different
times during the week.
- In my mind, I've created the message that
going to the gym takes a lot of effort and a big
time commitment away from my business.
- I have always worked with the owner of the
business and feel I need him to help me exercise
and push me where / when I need pushing. I need
to work with his very limited schedule.
Writing:
- I commit to something doable every day. 10
minutes.
- The writing is done every day.
- In my mind, I've created the message that
this is something I need to do. In other words,
I'm fully committed to my new career direction
as a writer.
- I can do this on my own schedule and don't
need someone else to work with me.
To get rid of a habit that doesn't serve us,
we have to replace it with a habit that does serve
us.
For example, I can give up 10 to 15
minutes a day of reading e-mails and non-essential
newsletters and replace that with 10 to 15 minutes
of walking or other forms of exercise. (Do you
hear me committing to something here?)
You've probably heard that a habit
takes 21 days to really get it into our life. Some
theories suggest more time and some suggest less
time. The key to changing a habit, is to
start!
Action is the only way to create a new
habit.
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Tips for Creating Habits Only I
Can Embrace
 Make the
CHOICE. The decision is
yours and entirely up to you. Changing habits
begins with thinking about it and changing your
mind about what is possible for you.
- Break it
down into
manageable moments. If 30 days seems impossible,
then break it down. When I gave up the habit of
smoking, at times, I'd hang in for 5 more
minutes. At the end of those 5 minutes, I'd hang
in for 5 more minutes. I gave up that habit over
20 years ago. It does get easier.
-
Build in
success. For example, if I
started working out at the same level I was at
in early December, I'd be sore and would be
overloaded. If I start at 10 to 15 minutes per
day with a routine that is doable, then I can
quickly build back up to the level and intensity
I was at last year.
-
Stay
consistent. My writing habit is
usually done at the end of my day. I do that
regardless of what other writing I've done
throughout the rest of the
day.
More C.H.O.I.C.E.
Tips
For
more tips on creating habits you really can
embrace, or to share you own
ideas, click here! | |
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Discover Your
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Denny
Stockdale
Award-winning author Denny Stockdale is a
professional coach, motivational speaker and president
of the Minnesota-based personal development consulting
company Stockdale Resource Group, Inc. More... |
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in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book
Awards!
Make this the turning point in your
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hidden dreams and passion for living.
Conversations from The Neighborhood Ice
Cream Shop: 8 Keys to Rediscovering Lost Dreams and
Finding Your Life's Calling by Denny Stockdale
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