Hi Friends,
Were you inspired last week to think about how to start authentic connections? I hope so. This week, to go along with the spring theme of new things emerging in nature, let's talk about new habits. The problem about new habits is that they don't just emerge every spring on cue, as do the flowers, tree blossoms and nesting birds. It takes work to start a new habit. James Clear is the author of atomic habits and I want to share an excerpt of one of his articles:
"One woman named Cyde curtailed her snacking habit with the following strategy. “My husband still loves his Pringles, as do I, but they’re now kept in a locked car that’s parked in the cold. It works!”
Multiple readers are learning to wake up earlier. One reader named Daniel told me, “I jump out of bed every morning without any hesitation. The reason? The only way to turn off my alarm is to scan a QR Code I keep in the bathroom. This worked wonders for me.”
Chris utilized both environment design and habit stacking to stop sleeping in. He wrote, “I have a bad habit: Hitting snooze. To eliminate it, I “made it hard” and put my phone in the bathroom. The phone then became a habit stack. The first thing I do when I wake up: turn off alarm, go to bathroom, brush teeth, etc.”
One of my favorite examples was sent to me by J. Money. He wrote, “I brush my teeth right after putting my kids to bed every night (8pm), which has prevented me from eating or drinking (alcohol) at night for years… ‘Cuz who wants to re-brush them again!”
Do you see that these examples are practical and doable? Move the alarm clock away from the bed, brush your teeth to avoid late night snacking and hide Pringles in the car! Whatever works for you. Make it fun and doable. These are all doable. They don't require money, excessive time or elaborate preparations. They are all super simple to implement. So if you have a new habit you want to incorporate in your day, what simple way can you come up with? Terri Savelle Foy often talks about her simple habit of listening to encouraging messages. It's one of her five morning routine must haves. How did she start? She put a sticky note on her bathroom mirror that said "hit play." Simple? Yes. Expensive? No. Doable? Yes.
What habit have you incorporated in your day? Maybe it’s drinking more water or reading books. I started reading through some of the books I brought from my brother after his passing. How? I put it with my journal I write in every morning and I read a page maybe. Sometimes less and sometimes more. But with that method I have been able to read through quite a few books. Do others read more books? Absolutely. But that wasn't my goal. My goal was to read every day; just a little. And now I am in the habit of doing just that.
I would love to hear of a habit you started to implement. And, if you are wanting to start a new habit, give the above ideas a chance. See what works for you. And adjust it to your needs. As humans, we thrive on habits and routines. It relives our brain from having to make yet another decision. The decision is done. Every day. You don't need to think about it anymore. So how about it? Do you want to run more? How about putting the shoes by your door so you see them right away. Want to scroll less on social media? Set a timer. Be creative and decisive and get started. With one small atomic habit.
This weeks affirmation:
Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.
James Clear
Make it easy on yourself and start with one new habit. Go from there. Give yourself time. I can say it has huge impacts on your life to have a habitual morning routine. I don't have to convince myself. It runs like a program and I enjoy it and it grounds me for the day.
If you need help, I would love to guide you as you set up your own atomic habits for a more fulfilled life.
PS: Message me for a free consult to start moving toward a more confident you.
You are loved. Deeply loved. Loved beyond measure.
Until next time,
Isabelle
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