My husband and I left a conference in Jackson, MS.
We were chattering away about one of the sessions.
Miles down the highway he asked, “Are we on the right road?” He looked puzzled.
“Sure we are!” I said confidently, and went on with whatever I had been saying. I’d traveled this road before, I knew what I was doing.
A half-an-hour later, he said, “Are you sure we’re on the right road?”
We were not.
He admitted, he knew the first time he asked. He didn’t insist because he didn’t want to irritate me.
When Should You Change Directions?
When is the best time to change direction? As soon as you realize that it needs to be changed!
With our habits it can feel overwhelming to recognize that something needs to change. And, when we do, we can spend too long deciding how to redirect.
The time is now.
How To Change Directions?
In my Shape Good Habits program, I teach people to start now, start small, and start with one.
START NOW: There are hurdles here.
— “I don’t know what to do.”
— “I don’t know how.”
— “I don’t have time.”
START SMALL: The first small step I invite is to welcome a less-than-five-minute baby step on the way to meditation practice.
START WITH ONE: This is the only one for now. When it is established, a new habit can be added. It turns out that consistency is more important that quality or quantity when it comes to these little steps.
Where Should I Start?
Suggested new habit: INTENTIONAL SILENCE
Once a day, sit still and quiet and pay attention to breathing for five minutes or fewer. Set a timer.
Post reminders for yourself everywhere. It works better if it is scheduled. A way to remember is to connect it with something else you already do.
Power move: connect with an accountability partner.
Simple. Easy. You already know how to sit and breathe. You have five minutes a day for your health.
Celebration
A critical element that people miss is that of celebration. So find yourself at least one accountability partner who shares your journey to begin a new habit.
Get a calendar and put beautiful check marks or stars every day that you do this. Tell your accountability partner.
Power move: tell your accountability partner when you DON’T follow through too!
This practice grants the confidence and puts you on the road to choices and actions that point you in the direction of your dreams.
Beginning a new habit is simple, once you decide.
We are creatures of habit. Researchers estimate that 40% of what we do every day is simply habits repeating themselves.
When we realize that our habits are hurting us, we must pay attention and love ourselves into new ones.
Celebrating you in your journey!!
