Add One New Habit that Ignites Change

“First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” Denis Waitley

Habits develop to serve us. There are good habits, and those that hold us back from our full abilities. Developing one good habit after another gives birth to impressive new results. This article lays down the challenge to choose one new positive habit to commit to developing daily in order to boost results and ignite change. Grab a pen and paper, and follow these simple steps:

1- Quick Exploration- Jot a list of sabotaging thoughts or behaviors that hold you back (*examples below). Consider personal life, home, work, family, health, money, spirituality, etc. A habit may be a thought pattern that needs to shift. Now, by each item on your list write a new positive habit that would create and support new results. Add to your list any new habit you would want that is not listed.

“99% of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.”  George Washington Carver 2- Pick a New Positive Habit You can be Excited about- Humans follow through on what they want. Review each item discerning what you have to gain. How will you grow by successfully developing this new behavior? Is there a habit that knocks out numerous obstacles? Instead of selecting what you should do, choose the one that gets you excited, the one you keep coming back to. Commitment is primary in creating a change. Deepen commitment by choosing the one you really want. 

3- Ingrain into Your Mindset What You Want and Do Not Want- When planning vacation we create a vision of the trip, where we are going /what we are doing. The idea shifts into a belief to the point of anchoring the emotions of the experience, ‘It’s going to be fun, relaxing, romantic, adventurous, etc.’ The more vivid and believable, the more it triggers action that gets us to the beach, golf course, ski slopes, lake house, etc., no matter what. We also get clear on what we do not want and act to avoid it.

In the same way, get clear on what you will gain by developing this habit. How does it feel to achieve this change? How will you be different? Experiencing the end result in a way that makes it real, achievable, and exciting raises motivation and deepens commitment to action. In contrast, remembering the pain and consequences of not following through can be a real kick in the pants.

Take a peak into the future. On your paper jot what you have to gain by building this life changing habit. Then write what will happen without following through. Write the feelings you experience under each circumstance. Now, add structure to ingrain the benefits and consequences into your mindset to activate action. For example, write the new habit along with the benefits and consequences on the top of your ‘to do’ list, on an index card, or put into your phone or computer as a daily reminder. Do you have your chosen structure? Review it daily. Focus more on the positive. Use the negative to spark positive action if a sabotaging stance sets in. Remember the pain of regret, but more importantly never lose site of the thrill of reaching the ideal end result.

“Habits are cobwebs at first, cables at last.” Chinese Proverb

4- Set Yourself Up for Success- You know yourself best: when you are most energetic or tired, when you feel enthusiastic or overwhelmed, etc. Customize an action plan that strengthens the belief you can do this. Plan high energy tasks when you have energy. Block small time commitments to make it easier to follow through daily. Consistency is more important than duration at the start. Getting started is the hardest part so just begin. Block time in your schedule and make the commitment.

5- Measure Progress & Do Not Quit Over Slip Ups- When developing a new habit your brain is ingraining the new connection. Habits are shortcuts for the brain. So if we initially lose focus it is easy for the brain to fall back to established pathways until a new connection is strengthened. If you fall off course, jump back on track. It is damaging to beat yourself up. Continue carving the neural pathways that support the behavior you want. Track progress daily focusing one day at a time. Use whatever works for you or pick up a Rewarding Daily Habits tracking chart at http://www.startingnowcoaching.com/changebehavior.html. Reward yourself for progress made!

“Bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow.”  Yiddish Proverb

6- Determination- Remember, the discomfort you feel is a sign you are creating change. You are capable of much more than you realize. Persist daily with an attitude of resilient determination. You are on the brink of achievement. Stay determined!

7- Get Support- Connect with a partner and support each other in establishing new habits. Be encouraging and have accountability to each other. A coach can also work with you to stay on track.

"Good habits are worth being fanatical about." John Irving

Whether a new habit takes 21 or 66 days to develop the key is to begin and focus with commitment one day at a time. By saying ‘no’ to instant gratification you say ‘yes’ to a higher quality of life. Focus more on what you are developing than what you are leaving behind. Establishing one positive habit after another creates change that builds confidence and a successful track record. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can experience the rewards of change. Add one new habit and ignite change…Starting Now!

* Examples of common sabotaging thoughts and behaviors- negative self talk, overwhelm, procrastination, lack of focus, wasting time, unhealthy or bad habits, sleep deprived, comparing to others, playing the victim role, plus NOT: planning ahead, exercising, setting boundaries, listening, being authentic, tracking spending, saving, showing  appreciation, being grateful, and oodles more.