Let’s Spring Clean Your Habits!
I’ll be the FIRST to admit that I have STRUGGLED with habits. 🤷🏻♀️ But, maybe… just maybe… I’ve been looking at them all wrong! In today’s episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (and I’m STILL learning!) about habits! Let’s get off the struggle-bus together, shall we?
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Before we get started, I am currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, and I refer to it QUITE a few times in this post! In other words: Go get you a copy. 😉
THE DEFINITION OF HABITS: Of course, we’ve gotta talk about the definition of “Habits”! Essentially, habits are systems that help us automate tasks in our lives — so we have brain space to think about other things! A habit-loop works like this: ➢ Cue ➢ Craving ➢ Response ➢ Reward.
THE MINDSET OF YOUR HABITS:
I’ll be honest: I’ve really struggled with this! I do NOT like routine, but I don’t want that to become a part of my identity. It’s so easy to let our identity be shaped by the lies we believe. For instance: “I’m not organized.” or, “I’m always late.” These are ideas that we cling to to create our identity! Changing those underlying beliefs is CRUCIAL to changing our habits. Our mindset always, ALWAYS comes first!START NOTICING YOUR HABITS:
I want you to think of this step like noticing cars driving by. Pretend you’re picking out red and blue cars, and just begin to notice the habit loops you find yourself in. I also want you to do this WITHOUT shame or guilt! Every habit we do serves a purpose — even the unhealthy or unhelpful ones! Scrolling your phone might be a habit to help you destress in the moment… so even though it’s not something you want to continue to do mindlessly, it has still served a purpose for your life.BRAINSTORM YOUR CURRENT HABITS:
Write every habit you currently notice down! Wake up, check phone, etc. Then, rate them by giving them a + (positive), — (negative), or = (neutral). Then, list any habits you’d like to ADD. Take a closer look at your habits. Do you see any underlying cues/responses that are showing up again and again? I recently realized that I had ONE habit loop that has been at the root of several of my “negative” habits! Sometimes multiple habits are tied to the SAME habit loop.TEST IDEAS WITH HABIT STACKING:
Habit stacking has been one of the most HELPFUL habit tools I’ve ever tried! The idea is that you’ve got an entire array of habits you’re already doing — brushing your teeth, making your coffee — and you can “stack” another habit before or after that current habit. I wanted to be more consistent about flossing my teeth (I’d always forget or just avoid it), so I habit stacked it with brushing: I’m not allowed to brush my teeth unless I floss first!
Before you scroll away, I hope you remember: Your identity isn’t stuck here! Habits aren’t designed to keep you stuck, but to allow you to do MORE of the things that matter to you! (ie: CHASING WONDERMENT! 🥳)
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