According to the experts, about 95% of what we do is automatic, a habit. Only 5% of what we do comes from conscious decision-making (will power, etc.).
The experts also say that after 30 days of performing a specific ritual, the new activity becomes a habit – and we then do it automatically, without thought. Some say this happens as quickly as 21 days.
Instead of accepting it at face value, I’m going to put it to the test. I'm going to spend the remainder of my 76 day experiment building 1-2 important, enhancing habits. I will hard-wire in a couple of behaviors that are "multiplying" - in other words, they increase my capacity tenfold (and thus help me get closer to my goals). Instead of habits that drain my energy and resources, these habits will empower.
For example, here’s my initial brainstorm on Habits I’d Like to Develop. These are the habits I desire, that come to mind right away:- Writing in the morning. I consider writing to be one of my top, most important forms of work.
- Visualizing success 1-2 times a day.
- Being on time to appointments.
- Enlarging my confidence and my caring each time before I meet someone.
- Remaining calm and collected in heated or frustrating situations.
- Taking a “renewal” break after every 90 minutes of concentrated work.
- Always thinking in terms of abundance.
- Being happy. (Yes, staying in a positive mindset is a habit.)
- Being grateful (I'm working on that one now with the Gratitude Journal).
- Going into a snack-free mode 3 hours before sleep time.
- Thinking of one thing I can do tomorrow that would make the greatest impact on my progress toward my goals.
- De-piling and eliminating clutter once a day.
- Following up with new and old friends on a regular, consistent basis.
- Writing in the morning.
- Being happy.
- Before going to bed, thinking of the big thing for tomorrow.
I think I'll go for planning my next big thing each evening. Being happy sounds good but it's a little too vague for me at this particular time. Maybe that will be the habit I commit to hard-coding into my brain in December.
Okay you're turn...
I invite you to join me.
What one habit would you most like to develop? Write down the habit that you feel would benefit you the most at this time in your life:_____________________________________________________________________________
If you can only think of a habit you’d like to break, write it down, but also be sure to write down a good habit that will act as the bad habit’s replacement.
This habit could be related to the skill you want to develop (see my previous Improve a Skill Because Progress = Happiness blog post).
Let me know what you pick.
I am going to go take a renewal break now, as I've been writing for 90 minutes. Time for cereal with the kids :)
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