When it comes to being the best version of ourselves, it means looking at what we want to get rid of and what we want to keep. It means adjusting habits by starting new ones and stopping ineffective ones. As a high achiever, you probably have some great habits.
But, how do you tackle the one you have had a hard time getting to stick?
It is helpful to understand that when you create an effective (good) habit, you create a more positive mindset. It happens when you pay attention to the behaviors you can control and act on them. When you can actively make a change, you will also notice a change in mood. It perpetuates a positive cycle of change.
Developing and keeping good habits is about converting the short-term habit into the long-term one.
Here are some tips for doing this:
You really have to know what you are going after. Clarity and specificity are crucial. Brendan Burchard says, "You have to know who you are, what you value, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and where you want to go. This kind of knowledge makes you feel better about yourself and about life.”
I can't say this enough -- START SMALL! For example: revamping your eating and starting a new exercise program at the same time is NOT helpful. People get overwhelmed by doing this and quit. Please do yourself a favor and just DON'T. Start small!
Schedule your new habit. Just like a meeting or appointment, whatever you want to change needs the same amount of attention. It will eventually become part of your routine and then you can be less formal about it.
Track your progress. You need to have some way to measure your progress, because we tend to forget where we were. Start a habit journal or find another way to measure your progress.
REWARDS! This is the one area people forget about or do not implement and it is a crucial step in solidifying your success. We need to celebrate small victories along the way, and this can be done by implementing rewards. A reward can be anything from validation from another person to something material. The KEY here is to make sure it truly feels like a reward. You may have to test it out.
I saw the term super-supporter and I have loved it. So, find your Super-Supporter and call on them to help you out. Having a super-supporter will go a long way in turning your short-term habit into a long-term one.
When it comes to mindset, setting intentions on your habits will keep you in a frame of mind consistent with your life goals.
You can do this!