#1 New habits take time. Be patient.
- There are mixed views on how many days it takes to form a habit. There is a general agreement that the intensity of the emotion plus the newly desired behaviour determines the length of time it will take to become a habit. The consensus is 14-21 days to 90 days and beyond is required.
- Brian Tracy (trainer, author, and speaker) advises that to develop new behaviours into successful habits must include:
- committing to your decision and not allowing excuses to throw you off course.
- sharing your plan with others to keep you accountable and contribute to your motivation.
- scheduling time to visualize achieving your new habit. Help your subconscious mind to welcome and make the habit automatic.
- including an affirmation to speed up the process and help make this new behaviour a habit.
- rewarding yourself. This is considered to be the most important step because of the positive association created in the brain, when performing the habit.
- When will you commit and begin? Don’t delay. Avoid regrets.
#2 Remember, change is a process, not an event.
- Merriam-Webster defines change as “to become different”; a verb.
- Jim Rohn said, “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change”.
- George Bernard Shaw said, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself” and “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”.
- It’s a process, not an event…how will you contribute to your process?
#3 Wear a watch. You will be less distracted.
- Did you know that wristwatches have been around for over 100 years and although their popularity may have waned, they are making a comeback. Beyond a fashionable accessory, consider their actual purpose. Is there a message hidden in this comeback?
- So, while Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, introduces the Apple Watch and all it can do, notice the allure of this novelty. With all the “advantages” it offers, it does not support a more focused, relaxed lifestyle…
- Research shows people will naturally navigate towards distractions, therefore, are you prepared to be intentional and to decrease them in order to create a different lifestyle?
- From a pure etiquette perspective, looking at your watch verses your phone is considered a preferable action.
#4 Journal your progress.
- Journaling is a method to process your experiences and make better sense of them.
- Researchers have proven that journaling does reduce stress and tension.
- Journaling documents your journey, successes, and challenges. They are filled with learning nuggets. What are you learning from your experiences?
#5 Learn to manage your stress. This is not a ‘one-size’ fits all solution.
- It begins with identifying the sources of your stress.
- Journaling may reveal clues and/or patterns.
- Implement changes to how your respond to stress. You can choose to avoid, alter, adapt or accept the stressor.
- The secret to stress management is to remember that it all boils down to taking control of your life. Do you feel that you have control of yours?
#6 Rediscover ‘FUN’.
- The benefits are numerous: improved imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and mental health. It will keep you feeling young, enhance relationships, and heal wounds. Furthermore, it will decrease your stress and improve your wellbeing!
- Identify the playmates in your life. Consider family, friends, and pets as good start!
- Dal Richards is 97 years old and attributes his longevity to the fact he has followed his passions, which include playing his clarinet or saxophone. What’s your passion?
#7 Find someone wanting a lifestyle of wellness to partner with.
- Several organizations celebrate success because a group comes together for a common purpose (Weight Watchers, AA, congregations, etc.).
- Experts agree that the meeting of similar purposes is beneficial to all members of the group because there is learning from each other’s experiences, ideas, successes and challenges.
Ready to join our 12 Weeks To Summer membership? This 12-week online programme will prepare you for summer and enhance your wellbeing by exploring 12 dimensions of wellness. New intake begins on April 15th.
