Habits
Interestingly, it’s nearing that time of the year when we all make “New Year resolutions” which oftentimes only tend to last the first few months before we revert back to our default pattern otherwise known as “Habits”. As the saying goes, - “First we create our habits, and then our habits create us”. It’s general knowledge that our success in life is intimately connected to our habits, and without a conscious examination of these said habits, New Year resolutions will continue to be a temporary and cyclic pattern year on year.
Therefore, it suffice to say that the pressing need is actually a change of “Habit(s)” which can commence at any point in time as oppose to “New Year Resolutions”which are generally tied to the commencement of a new calendar year. Relying on “will-power” to change a particular habit is perhaps the wrong way to go about behavioral change. Our primary focus should be centred on breaking old habits that impede us by gradually building new habits that propel us to the version of ourselves we want to see.
So here are some key things to bear in mind;
Specificity - There’s something powerful about being specific. You have to be specific about the type of change you’re seeking. For instance, saying you’ll like to read more is merely an aspiration. But by saying you’ll like to read for 30mins a day every morning at 10am shifts an aspiration to a commitment. Specificity is an underpinning element of behavioral change.
Start Small - Oftentimes, the enormity of what needs to change can discourage us from making such change, so starting small is always advisable. If your goal is to become fitter, start by exercising at home for 10-15mins/ 3 days a week and grow from there. There’s better chance of following through with this as opposed to the guilt of having an unused gym membership.
Motivation - “Motive for Action”. By hinging motives to our need to act often propels us to commit to change. For instance, a motive to someday buy your family a desirable home can serve as an enabler to pursue your dreams. Know your motive.
Trigger - It’s vital to know what triggers our existing bad habits. By being aware of and avoiding those triggers, we have a better chance at implementing change. If want to stop looking through your phone the minute you wake up, by consciously altering the trigger of your phone being within palpable reach immediately increases your chances of making this change.
Reasonable Alternative - Change in itself is uncomfortable. So as opposed to stopping a habit abruptly, its advised to replace such habits with reasonable alternatives to gradually implement change e.g Replacing unhealthy snacks with healthier options means you still get the pleasure of snacking without the possibility of ill health.
Celebration - Always celebrate your wins. We humans are reward driven, so creating a method of making yourself feel a positive emotion by celebrating your gradual growth during or immediately after every small achievement can help fast-track your affinity for the new habit(s) you’re mastering.
Conclusively, good habits have the power to drive out bad habits. But it’s important to establish that habit formation or behavioral change is a skill, the more you practice, the more you get better at it.
Remember - “You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence therefore is not an act, but a Habit” - Aristotle
Peace, Love & Light.