“Stretch your usual patterns Recognize that habit provides a certain discipline or safety. Do not become locked in habit.
- Read a type of literature that is unfamiliar to you
- Avoid television for an extended period
- Send an unexpected letter
- Go a different way
- Try new tastes,colors, smells,sounds, ideas
- Stop affirming, “Oh, I’m not very good at (fill in your particular thing) and then undertake a project AS IF you are good at that thing.
- Introduce yourself to someone you have been wanting to meet.
- Recognize the power of your words. Accept that they have a consequence(words build cultures, and preserve and destroy them). Every word has a story and a degree of impact. Do not say of your words, “Oh they don’t matter.” They matter a good bit.“
I love it! Stretching my habits and goals really works for me whether applied to the teeny-tiny ones or the larger type of “life goals”. Some habits that I have in place are good ones that I’d just like to Super-Size or build upon!
For example one new (old) teeny-tiny goal or habit that I have is that of taking excellent care of my teeth. I do an average job of this now, but could do much better.
When I go to my six-month dental check-up this June, I’d like to be able to flash my pearly whites and say matter-of-factly to my dentist, “Yes, of course I floss!!” Only, here’s the thing it’s almost April and I can’t remember the last time that I actually did! (Bad, I know!)
I know that reintroducing flossing into my existing daily brushing routine is the ultimate goal,but I wonder… Why wasn’t I successful the last time with regards to sustaining this desired habit? Perhaps, I might explore this a bit more in depth.
1. MOTIVATION! I’d have to say that my heart wasn’t really in it! It just seemed like something I “should be doing.” (Shoulds are the kiss of death!)
2. WRITE IT DOWN. I didn’t write my goal/intention down and instead I just let the idea knock around in my head. In this way, it never graduated from “a good idea” to a daily habit. 
3. START SMALL. Last time I just declared that I would begin flossing every day even though I hadn’t been in the habit of doing it consistently. Better to start small and build on your successes.
4. LOCATION. One big obstacle was that of even finding my floss!!
Hmm I think I understand now, why I wasn’t successful before! With the above things in mind; I’m going to try on an artful approach to adding flossing to my daily routine!
This time, I am motivated in part by knowing that my 6 month exam is in 3 weeks! I’ve definitely written down my intention-for now to floss twice a week. (Not to mention the increased accountability since I publicized it here!) {grin} Lastly, I will stock up on floss and place several spools throughout my house, so that location need not be a problem again. (I’m crossing my fingers here though…I swear we have gremlins that move around our things!)
I’m curious, What new habit or ritual have you been successful at implementing and how did you go about it?
It seems that it is easier to build on positive changes than to start from zero. I find it best to work on incremental changes. That works in any case, whether I am starting from what seems to be rest or continuing.
As a teacher I get Summers off. When I return after a long break it is initially hard for me to get in the swing. I have to get to know the students. My stamina is low. I am getting used to a whole new pattern. The change starts with a commitment that I am going to show up and hang with it. As I get adjusted with the renewed habits I get into the rhythm. Eventually I am able to more clearly see what I am engaged in and how I can make a daily practice of seeking improvement. At the same time I try to trust in what works.
In contrast, over the shorter Winter break it is easier to return to school. My gains in work and practice are still fresh. I get to build on the momentum already there.
Hi Zew!
Thanks so much for your comments. I agree with what you said about how it’s far easier to build on positive changes instead of starting from zero. : ) Yes!
For me, it can really shift my mood at the onset if I’m able to acknowledge the little bit that I already do towards achieving a goal.
Come to think of it…Maybe that’s why parents respond to their kids cries of, “Are we almost there!!!??” with…”Yes, we’re “almost there”. I guess “almost there” sounds better than “we have miles and miles to go!”
As far as flossing my teeth, I don’t think I can set out to do it every day. What I can do is do it today and see where that leads.
Zak,
Way to go with this! Start small and build from there, ‘eh?
I’m reminded again how much it helps me to state “out loud” or write “out loud”
what new habit I want to commit to.
I’ve accomplished my goal of adding flossing to my repertoire by doing this twice over the last two weeks. Woo Hoo! It’s good news too because I just got a reminder postcard from my dentist about my upcoming appointment on May 8th. (Sooner than I had thought!)
Tessa,
I love your ideas about changing it up. I have often wanted to trade my grocery cart with someone else’s so I could try new things and not be in such a Cheerio and tunafish rut. 50 buck limit and I’ll meet you at the checkout.
Hi Patti!
Thanks so much for visiting and posting.
Hmmm I think I love YOUR idea for changing it up at the grocery store!