Power of Mini Habits
We all have goals. Big or small, there is something we desire to change. Most of us are unaware of our habits that need to change, in order to reach those goals.
Where do we start? Many of us have the "all or nothing" mentality, which sets procrastination in motion. How do we change things overnight? Answer is it takes time. This is where you must see the power of mini habits.
Let’s say you plan on jumping into a new strict diet or starting an intense workout routine. It will only make you miserable and waiting for it to be over. Any results that come from this are bound to reverse just as soon as we quit. The way we get lasting results, is by changing our daily little habits. These compound overtime and become second nature to us.
When we have a personal goal in mind, we must envision living as though we have accomplished that goal. Who are you? Be specific. Are you healthier? In better shape? Driving that car you’ve always wanted? Living in the dream house? Working your dream job? You must see it, in order to start living it.
The ideal version of yourself knows the power of many habits. They developed healthy daily habits, that are now simply routine. That version of you eats healthy food, walks daily, invests in knowledge, turns off social media, gets up early and the list goes on.
How to use the power of mini habits
Whatever you are wanting to change, break it down into one area that you will start with.
Having too many goals, large or small, is overwhelming and exhausting. Multitasking tricks us into thinking we have it all under control, when really we are only giving a small percentage of our focus to each task.
Some many habits can go hand in hand. If your goal is to get healthier, you could focus on developing a good sleep routine, walking 20 minutes a day, and cutting sugar out of your diet. Small change done on a consistent basis, forms habits that become automatic. Therefore, your results will be long-term and much easier to sustain.
Keeping in mind that it takes an average of 66 days for habits to develop, give yourself a break if you slip up a few times. Nobody gets a perfect straight away! Except that nobody is perfect, get back up and keep going. The power of many habits must be practiced in order to form.
Make it a team effort
Accountability is an easy thing to avoid, when we have no one to answer to.
We are much more likely to skip out on our walk, or sneak in that cupcake, when no one is looking. Holding ourselves accountable comes with discipline, discipline comes with practice, practice comes with accountability.
Meet up with a friend to go walking. Share your goals with friends or family, telling them will be enough to make it more real. Be mindful of your language while talking about goals. Rather than say "I want" to get healthier say "I am" getting healthier. Rather than saying, "I can’t" eat that, say "I would rather not" have that.
Our language tells our minds what is fact. Avoid hesitant or negative phrases, as our brains will see this as fact and build connections to it. Focus on what you are doing right, and goals you are working toward, and that is what your brain will start seeing automatically.
Reward yourself
Give yourself milestones. When you reach one, reward yourself. Have you went on a walk every day for the past two weeks? Perhaps a foot massage would be a wonderful treat. Been studying a new subject all week? Put the books away and take a night to unwind with a movie.
Even though habits are formed with consistency, we need to have that moment of reward. This will not only avoid burnout, but also show us how hard work is worth the effort.
Start small, start slow, just make sure you start. You hold the key to unlocking your future. Don't hide in your comfort zone or you will miss the opportunities ahead. Start a new habit today, and be on the road to success!
