Transform Your Habits and Your Life
Are you tired of setting lofty goals only to find yourself falling short? Do you find yourself stuck in a cycle of wanting change but struggling to make it happen? If so, you’re not alone. I have some insights and actionable steps that can help you break free from this pattern and cultivate lasting change in your life.
As James Clear brilliantly stated in his book, Atomic Habits, “You won’t rise to the level of your goal but fall to the level of your system.” It reminds us that achieving our goals isn’t just about setting ambitious targets; it’s about building effective systems and habits that support those goals. So, let’s dive into some actionable steps to help you transform your habits and ultimately, your life:
Start Small:
Begin by identifying what you can do on your worst day. It could be as simple as taking a short walk around your block or doing a few minutes of stretching. The key is to establish a habit that you can stick to consistently, even when motivation is low.
Embrace the Plateau of Latent Potential:
Understand that progress isn’t always linear. There will be times when it feels like you’re not making any headway despite your efforts. This is what James Clear refers to as the “Plateau of Latent Potential.” Trust that change is happening beneath the surface, even if you can’t see it yet.
Incremental Progress:
Take small, incremental steps towards your desired habit. For example, if you want to start working out, begin by walking around your block for a week. Then, gradually increase the distance or intensity of your walks each week. This gradual progression makes the habit more manageable and sustainable over time.
Community Support:
Consider joining a class or group where you can receive support and accountability from like-minded individuals. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make it easier to stay committed to your habits, especially during challenging times.
Habit Stacking:
Harness the power of habit stacking by pairing your new habit with an existing one. For instance, if you’re trying to incorporate more reading into your routine, commit to reading for 10 minutes immediately after brushing your teeth in the morning or before going to bed at night.
Remember, change takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Trust in the process, stay consistent, and celebrate your progress along the way. The journey towards a healthier, happier life begins with small, intentional steps.
So, what habit will you commit to starting today? Share your goals and progress with me—I’d love to cheer you on!
Wishing you all the best on your journey of transformation.
I believe health is the foundational pillar in life. “If you have your health, you can focus on a million things. If you don’t, you focus on one.” We have to be intentional about our health.
We all pay for health. Sometimes we pay upfront for a membership, taking time to work out, and eating healthy.
Other times we pay on the back end.
Here are a few challenges I give myself (I am great at copying what others do, so I always try to give examples):
Plan 3 workouts this week
Right now I am doing upper body lift because of a torn hamstring. They aren’t the workouts I want to do, yet they are what my body can do. What are the right workouts for you in this season? Strength or Tread 50 can be a great way to make a change.
Meal prep
Plan your meals. It is one of the biggest keys to success. Eat as much as you can from home. It saves money and you control the ingredients. I get it takes time, but the ROI is high!
Do non-exercise movement:
Can you make sure you get 8,000-10,000 steps a day? Be intentional about moving when possible. Especially if you have a desk job – take calls walking around the office or block if possible. Set a timer every hour and do 10 push-ups and 10 squats.
Other Pillars for Intentional Living
Family
Scheduling date night, time with the kids, family dinners, vacations. Intentionally trying to connect because my teenagers don’t typically want to just hang out with their mom…unless they need me to pay for something!
Friends and Community
I divide this up into 3 areas. My inner circle – my close friends. I try to connect as often as possible. Next is my “Corner” – 8-10 people that aren’t my closest friends but may be people I work with or friendships that are developing. Last is community. This is the group of people I know and like. We share interests and these people can become part of my corner. Taking time for all 3 categories is helpful for me!
Faith
I know I operate better with quiet time in the morning. That is either a bible study, prayer, or meditation. I have a mind that goes all over, and grounding it in faith has become something that is a non-negotiable for me. I used to get up and workout or work and my days significantly changed when I started with quiet time.
Finances
Because I own businesses and payroll happens every 2 weeks, this is one I pay attention to. Knowing your numbers and living within your means can be one of the best ways to reduce stress. I try to intentionally know our numbers, expenses, what we can save, and what we can give. Without being intentional, saving and giving don’t often happen.
Do you want to live an intentional life?
You can!
Pick one area today and start! If you need to focus on health – start there!! If you are doing well in the health category, pick another area!!
Remember it is our daily decisions that change our life.
Remember the person you want to be at the end of 2024!