Did you know that one simple habit can create the results of your life? I want to share with you an excerpt from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits:
“Your life today is essentially the sum of your habits.
How in shape or out of shape you are? A result of your habits.
How happy or unhappy you are? A result of your habits.
How successful or unsuccessful you are? A result of your habits.”
I 100% agree with the point that Clear is making. Habits are such little things, we don’t think they have that much power to shape our lives. Hell, we don’t even think about our habits as we do them.
But their importance is not to be swept away and never thought of again.
To become a strong warrior, like this blog is all about, then you do have to put effort into which habits you should be training.
Now, if you’re not sure where to even start or which habit is best, then don’t worry. I’ve got some tips that I have used myself to help you start.
Start with one small habit
The best way to start is choosing one habit to focus on. And ONLY one.
If you begin with a bunch of habits that you wish to introduce into your life, you will become overwhelmed very quickly. Trying to keep track of all the new habits you added will feel like an impossible task and more likely than not, you will think it is too hard and quit.
I don’t want that for you. I want you to succeed.
These habits are important to building your strength and training that inner warrior we know is hiding inside.
So, to start keep these 3 things in mind:
- Keep it small
- Focus on one at a time
- Make it enjoyable! (which brings me to my next point)
Make it enjoyable
A big part as to why people give up a new habit is because they find it more of a chore. Chores are not fun. At least, I don’t think they’re fun.
If you look at your new habit and you don’t feel any joy when you’re doing it, then odds are you will quit before it becomes second nature. By making it fun, there is a higher chance that the habit will stick and become a part of routine.
If I was to give an example of this, when I first started working out I had no clue what I was doing. I would go to the gym, wander about, and allow my anxiety to fill in my chest. Everytime I thought about going, I would have this feeling of dread. I hated it.
I needed to find a way to make it fun. That’s when I discovered BODi.
Hold on a sec! I know you're thinking, “oh great, she’s in an MLM.” I can tell you right now, I most definitely AM NOT. I am not a coach. I do not believe in recruiting and making money off of the BODi platform. However, the workout programs that they build are fun and work!
So yes, I am a BODi lover, but only for the incredible programs they create!
Anyway, back on track. I started following these workout programs and suddenly working out became fun. I love logging in and deciding what workout I want to do. There’s no more aimlessly wandering around. I know I’m getting results and I love it.
Making your habit fun and enjoyable will make it easier for you to get on track. Now, my example is from my personal experience.
The answer will be different for everyone so I can’t really give you a direct one.
So find your joy, and attach your habit to it.
Build it into your daily routine
The next step is to build it into your daily routine.
Related Blog Posts:
8 Tips for the Perfect Self-Care Routine
Set yourself up for success and block time for your habit. Even if it’s something so small that it’ll only take 5 minutes to do. Write it into your schedule so you can see it.
And then do it!
No excuses. When that time comes, do your new habit. And be consistent. Make it the same time everyday. Doing so will help your mind begin to make the connection that it’s time to do it.
Set a number goal
I am all about goals! Goals give you a target.
Archers cannot practice their shot without something to aim at.
Decide on a number of days that you want to achieve with your new habit. Typically, I do 30 days. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “it takes 30 days for a new habit to form.” In my experience, this is true! But if you’re wanting to start off small, then any number you choose will be enough!
Even if you choose 3 days. If you do your new habit for three days straight, then congrats! You’ve hit your target once, time to do it again with a new one!
Give yourself some grace
I’ve said this before and I will keep saying it until it is engraved into your mind.
Give yourself grace!
It’s not the end of the world if you miss a day. IF you are having a particularly hard day, maybe your sick or it’s been one of those days, then it’s OK to take a moment and work on your self care. Selfcare will always be more important than anything else in your life. I said what I said.
I’ve seen it too many times, even experienced it myself, things happen that you just can’t control and you miss a day or two, or even several, and you beat yourself up for it. You think you’ve failed and have to start over.
I’m here to tell you, you don’t!
Life is filled with ups and downs. You do your best on the days you can and those days you can’t is your inner warrior telling you it’s time to rest. Recovering is just as important. Your habit will be there when you’re ready.
To fail is to grow.
You got this.
You are a warrior!
