We are so much the product of our habits. So how to form habits that take us where we want to go? And break the ones that don’t serve us? One way is called the ‘chain method’ and having a visual helps. An old-fashioned calendar is one way, a journal another, a chart on your fridge can do the job also. Whatever works for you, the key is that you see it regularly in such a way as to keep it in the forefront of your awareness, hard to ignore or forget.
Using a physical calendar as an example, whatever the habit you wish to form or break, mark each day. If it is a habit you are breaking (drinking, smoking, excessive social media), each day you stay clean, put a big X (or smiley face or whatever floats your boat). If it is habit you are creating (exercise, reading, healthy/nutritious eating, journaling), then fill in the day with golden highlighter. Your goal is to create an unbroken chain for as long as you can. The longer your continuous chain, the more invested you will become in maintaining it, the stronger the pull to watch it grow.
Closing Quotes:
“Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.” – Nathanael Emmons
“If you want to change your world, you need to start cultivating good habits.” – Mina Tadros
“Good habits are the key to all success. Bad habits are the unlocked door to failure.” – Og Mandino
“Forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not.” – Octavia Butler
“If you pick the right small behavior and sequence it right, then you won’t have to motivate yourself to have it grow. It will just happen naturally, like a good seed planted in a good spot.” – BJ Fogg
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier