Creating a new habit is not easy.
It’s simple. The framework is so simple!
Yet, some days it’s as if you hit a wall.
I’m having one of those days. I am continually seeking to shape my life for the better.
I recently took a small group through a three-week adventure called an Epic Quest. The participants were invited to begin a new habit by focusing on it for three weeks. I was a participant too.
My new habit was to create a TikTok video every day. And I did it, almost every day.
And, I didn’t hate it.
People tell me that a lot of the people I want to serve are on TikTok, and it is a good place to share my wisdom in bite size chunks. I can see the value in it. I want to do it.
I’m wildly uncomfortable with my flaws. I do not enjoy seeing myself on video. Ever. That makes it easy for me to forget to do it.
Practice
Of course, I know, the only way to get better is to practice.
The thing is we finished up right before a holiday week. We had houseguests coming, so the next few days were spent in preparing, welcoming, and enjoying the holiday festivities.
I had promised myself that I would pick it up again as soon as our company left.
It has been a week.
This morning is the first I’ve thought of it.
I’ve already spent some time on the usual self-talk.
“I’m a fraud.” “Who do I think I’m kidding?” “Why would anyone listen to me? I don’t even know how to start one new habit.” “My videos suck, people won’t ever watch them.” “I’m wasting my time and effort.”
But I know what to do.
Begin Again
I listen to the negative self-talk. I brush it off my shoulder. And, I get back to work.
Will I make a TikTok every day from now on? Probably not.
Will I begin again? Yes. Today. @chaplainedie
Will they be good? Depends on the standard. They will get better.
Beginning again is the secret to continuing.
You can listen to your negative self-talk. You simply may not continue to believe it. It will keep you stuck right where you are.
Always, begin again.