Motivation is what makes it happen; Healthy habits and discipline are what keep it going...
Good or bad, consider how much our life revolves around habits. The alarm blares at 6 am, hit the snooze button once, couple more times again and now we are up dragging, undecided, and in whatever mood, our mind and body decided to be in. This sets the tone for our day and repeats day after day.
We all have some type of habit, however, learning how to cultivate healthy habits and discipline is where the real magic happens.
The myth is it takes 21 days to build a habit. The truth is, it is a bit more complicated than that. It takes time, effort, and dedication to create new habits. However, it’s never too late to break bad habits and create new healthy habits in their place.
Try these tips for easing into your new routines as quickly as possible:
Do you want this? Be honest with yourself, Do you want to make a change? What will be your WHY?
Reflect and assess. While you’re contemplating your reasons, visualize your future self. Focus on what you have to gain instead of just pleasing others. (whew, don’t get me started on this, but show up for yourself)
Plan ahead: Hold the excuses! Let's make a list of things you want to do more of and what you want to do less of. It can be small or big, most important or least important, it is yours.
Start small. Work towards changing only 1 habit at a time. Changing 2 or 3 at a time can be very hard because it takes a lot of energy, and we are not about to do all of that. Burn out will not be the theme of the new year, okay!
What will I do instead? Once you know your cues, you can choose a different response. Tie habits to other activities. Incorporate support if needed
Be consistent. Practice makes perfect! It’s hard to change a habit if your teen’s behavior is not reliable. Regularity reinforces itself.
CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSES!!!
Remember, many of our habits were formed early in life, while we were still trying to figure out what living was all about, have stuck around. And unless we make a conscious choice to change them, they will continue to be a part of our life.
You are the greatest project you will ever work on!
Until next time, do not forget to get A Dose of Self!