Your challenge this week is to create a new healthy habit (or break an old unhealthy one). Here's a great article on the topic:
"Research
has proven that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Habits are an
essential part of our life, without them we would fail in most things we
try to accomplish. They help us to reach specific goals, stay focused
along the way and keep on pushing when the going gets touch. At the
same time, non-supportive habits can keep us from moving forward or
even hurt our well-being. As Dr. Andrew Weil says, anything you do
with repetition and emotion will become your reality. If you’re not
satisfied with your current experience, examine your habits.
Athletes
know too well how important it is to stick to habits, especially in
training. But most people struggle with their day to day practice of
habits and if you are one of them fear no more. You too can change your
bad habits into a good one, just take 21 days and you will be well on
your way to become a changed person.
Whether you want
to practice personal journaling or learn how to play the violin doesn’t
matter. Even to change negative habits into positive ones takes time.
The problem for most people is that they actually try to attack their
issues with too much fervour in the beginning and then give up if they
don’t see instant results.
I can’t recount how many
times I have tried to lose weight in the past. The problem though was
in me simply trying and not doing. It’s kind of a wishful thinking
phenomena where we wish for the best but fail in the actual doing part
of the whole situation. Please feel free to use the suggestions below
to help you get on track and use the next 21 days to form a new habit.
The 21 day habit practice
1.First
of all, you will need to be clear on your intentions. Do you really
want to play the violin? or was this wish merely conceived when your
best friend showed you their instrument.
2.Once you are
absolute certain you want to follow through with this, here is what
you do. First write down your intentions. It is important you use
positive affirmations to write these goals.
3.It helps
if you can identify your why. Why do you want to play the violin, lose
weight, run a marathon, etc. The bigger your conviction, the easier it
will be be for you to make the transition.
4.Create
diversions to help you stay on track. If there is a specific weakness
you battle that stops you from progressing and practicing every day,
try to find ways to distract you from the negativity. It will help to
keep you on track. Total honesty with yourself goes a long way here.
5.Celebrate
each step, regardless how tiny it is. You need all the help you can
get to keep motivated. It also helps to enlist the support of friends
or family members. People who can motivate you to keep on going.
6.Stay
clear of negative people. There will be those who try to sabotage you.
This doesn’t even have to be intentional. It could evolve from a
negative statement aimed at you, or even a deep rooted belief you had
since you can remember. Any trigger that could bring this out should be
avoided.
Use the following tools to help you on your 21 day mission
Positive
affirmations are a great tool to keep you mentally stimulated.
Practice them daily by saying “I am thankful for having lasted another
day”. Before long, the 21 days are over and your new habit is cast in
stone – or close to.
You can also use the power of
gratitude quotes or pictures to keep you visually empowered. Stick them
on your fridge, in your office, next to your bed, in the loo or
wherever you will be reminded that it only takes 21 days to form a
habit."
SOURCE: http://www.iamthankful.com/science/21-days-to-form-a-habit-you-can-do-it
Friday, May 31, 2013
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment