Habits

For many of us, the new year means starting fresh, changing things, or becoming better at something. Unfortunately, while we have the right intentions and feel motivated to make all these changes, our environment and days quickly let us return to our status quo. This is not due to a lack of determination or discipline; instead, we often lack the tools and understanding of how our mind works or set high goals that are impossible or hard to reach.

When looking at some statistics, especially around this time of year, we see an increase in January filled with good intentions. Still, by March's arrival, many have reverted (at least partially) to their old habits. Stats indicate that fitness centers are at the top of the list.

Often, after you set your goals, things get in the way, and you might not achieve what you wanted to. This can lead to disappointment. How often have you told yourself, “I am not disciplined enough" or “I should be better"?

First, and this is important: stop blaming yourself! Next, I suggest you think about what you really want. Why are you looking to create a new habit or routine? Have you identified this, or is it because society and everyone else is doing it?

1. Write down your goal(s).
2. Now, go ahead and write the complete details about each goal.
3. When this is done, you must identify WHY you are setting this goal, be honest with yourself, and ensure it is your personal goal.
4. Finally, you will need to map out the steps for HOW you will approach this.

Details and steps to achieving goals help your mind feel at ease, as it does not need to think about how to solve the problem. A lofty goal with little detail leaves your mind guessing and trying to figure things out, which can be draining and uncomfortable.

Here are some thoughts and examples:

Starting a new fitness program
• If you aim to go to the fitness center four times a week, start by thinking about the one day when you know it will be easy and you have time to commit. Then, increase from there.
• If your goal is to become fit in general, ask yourself if it is the fitness center or online; there are many great programs out there.
• You need to know and feel you can commit. If you already feel like, urgh, I will have to go to the gym, I am very sure you will be part of the March statistics.

Changing eating habits:
The same principle applies to incorporating healthier options: don’t change everything at once.
• Start with breakfast on a Monday, and make it simple and easy. Next, you can focus on Monday lunch and dinner before moving on to the next days.
• Please make sure you enjoy it. So many people start changing meals to things they aren’t excited about or dread eating, and then, while chewing that new food, they fantasize about what they could be having instead.

What are the issues with going big, bold, and quick – the famous BBQ
1. You are creating something uncomfortable for your mind.
2. Your mind always wants to reserve energy. Trying to keep up with your everyday life and new setup can exhaust you quickly.
3. Your mind constantly seeks to solve problems, so you feel overwhelmed.
4. Days will present other things that make finding the time or adhering to your original plans challenging.

Lastly, there are two things to remember: preparation and timing. If you prepare your clothes, oatmeal, or whatever the task may be the night before, you will succeed faster. Starting something new when things or your schedule are crazy will feel overwhelming. Please choose a date that works for you. Just promise me you won’t procrastinate.

I want you to celebrate small steps. If you completed your first step or made a change, take pride in that—remind yourself that you have accomplished something meaningful that will help you move closer to your goal! See this as a journey with a few stops along the way. If things go wrong—and they will—replace the phrase, “I will start new or over,” with, “I will continue further on this journey.” By doing this, your mind will not feel as easily demotivated.

Of course, many more factors are key to your habit success, including your environment, sleep, tools, and more, so stay tuned for more updates.

Believe in yourself and take pride in every step you are taking!