How Do We Create Change for the New Year?
Our habits are the building blocks of our day-to-day lives. We open our eyes in the morning, get out of bed, brush our teeth, and go to make the coffee without thinking about what we are doing because it is routine and in our daily program. We have routines for what we eat, how we engage with others, and often focus on the thoughts about what we will do tomorrow. These routines are blocks from our own self-realization to achieving the goals that we may have in our lives. We have created a program from the past that is reinforced by our current thoughts and feelings that drive our behavior. What would happen if we were to stop for a moment and break the “program”????????????
What if we change the unconscious behavior of mindlessly walking downstairs to let the dog out or make the coffee? By breaking this program, we allow more space to bring in new “habits” and break the cycle of behaviors that may not serve our well-being. It’s truly about breaking the “self programming” that most of us have done for years. This will allow us to create new healthier habits that become the routine.
Start your habit change process by building awareness. Notice your daily procedures step by step. It can help to simply make a list of your daily routines.
All change begins with making choices. What habits do you like? Which habits are you willing to take the steps to change?
Attach a new habit or behavior to something you already do regularly. To add a moment of mindfulness to your routine, you might create time right after you brush your teeth each morning. After I brush my teeth, I will sit down and breathe mindfully for two minutes.
Gain clarity about what you want to do and how you will do it. Start your habit change process by building awareness. Pay attention to your current habits and identify one that you want to change in some way.
Start with a simple step. Let yourself know that one small step at a time can add up to powerful new habits and behaviors. Establish a “two minute” rule for new habits. Break the habit into a small enough chunk that it can be accomplished in two minutes or less. If you want to begin exercising, start your practice with just a two-minute window; ie: “After my shower each morning, I’ll get on my yoga mat (or do stretching exercises) for two minutes.”
Remember the “why.” Keeping in mind why we’re doing something – the personal value, meaning, and importance of a behavior can be helpful. Set your intention on the purpose of why you are choosing to engage in this new habit. Be forgiving of yourself but try to remain disciplined in your efforts.
I like to write my intentions to give them life and this facilitates more long-term results than simply thinking about them. You may also want to consider sharing them with a friend or significant other to support you during the transition.
-Dr. Logan
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