Article by Jonathan Milligan
Breaking habits can be one of the most difficult endeavors that you can pursue. Our bad habits are like brother-in-laws that move into the spare bedroom. They are hard to get rid of! So, is there hope? Can I ever change? Everyone has at some level has a longing to be better and get more out of life than they are currently experiencing. The problem is we try to “microwave” good habits into our life and it doesn’t work.
Don’t we see this every New Year’s Day? I call them one-timers. They are going to finally do something about all of their bad habits in one day! They are going to eat right and go jogging. Just see for yourself the road is filled with joggers on New Year’s Day. So, why does it not stick for 99.9% of the population? Because you need more then will power. You need a game plan. Here are 3 steps to get you started.
1. Develop the Habit of Starting – Simple put, just get started. Too many times we try to do way too much. We want to go from zero to the 3 minute mile. We can also be perfectionist and want a whole plan mapped out before we dedicate to something. However, if you can develop the habit of starting, you will be much better off. Do not focus on finishing…just starting. Instead of thinking that you cannot exercise because you do not have 60 minutes, decide that you do have 10 minutes and can go for that long. Every time I have told myself that I always go over the 10 minute mark because I am now engaged in the process.
2. Set Aside Good Intentions – Most of think that if my heart is in the right place everything will eventually work out, but that is not the case. You are a sum of your choices in life. You are right now as a result of the good and bad choices that you have made. Having good intentions is not the same as taking steps in a desired destination. You need to rid yourself of every excuse and intention and get started.
3. Get Raw Accountability – Most of us live our lives isolated with no accountability. Having accountability will draw you up out of mundane living and elevate you to a whole new level. You can use a negative type of accountability to get yourself to take action. Tell a friend to check in with you in a week and if you have not exercised every single day you will pay him $ 20 bucks. Having that type of motivation will keep you moving forward at developing better habits.
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