When we stop to think about it, we're all creatures of habit. We’re running on autopilot most of the time. Most of us get out the same side of bed every morning, put on the same shoe first and our subconscious mind guides us through the same morning routine every day without us even having to think about it!
We've got some good habits and some not-so-good habits. So how do we change our habits? How do we get rid of those bad habits and replace them with more positive behaviours?
It all starts off by understanding that YOU have the ability to choose your habits, your behaviours and who you want to be in life. Maxwell Maltz who wrote the bestselling self help book Psycho-Cybernetics emphasised the importance of self-image to personal happiness and fulfilment. Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the '21 Day Habit Theory' has become an accepted part of self-help programs.
Most of us have something we’d like to change about ourselves, but we procrastinate and put things off… we need to learn a lesson from the Nike folks and “Just do it!”
I put this into practice a number of years ago in an effort to get in shape. I made a bet that I could lose 10 inches off my waist in 6 months and immediately went to work on re-defining my self image. Instead of seeing myself as a busy business owner and parent who didn’t have the time to plan meals or work out, I pictured myself as being in the best shape of my life.
To live up to this new self image, I started going to bed earlier so that I could get up earlier and go for a run each morning before work. I drastically changed my diet and ate much healthier. I developed a weekly workout plan and bought jeans that were two sizes too small for me. I made a point of weighing myself, checking my BMI and taking my measurements regularly.
Changing habits and behaviours is tough, but I stuck with it. I lost about 35 pounds and achieved my goal in 3 months instead of 6. I ran my first marathon that year and was in the best physical condition of my life.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
Unleash your potential - make your positive life change today!
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2 Responses
21 days to change
Wow!
Hello Martin; this is new to me, but I can understand what you are saying. Was there a specific event that sparked your change, or was your reading the catalyst?
I am sitting here thinking "when will my 21 days start", which probably means not yet.
Watch this space?
Thanks your for your posting Martin.
Hazel Stimpson
Hi Hazel!
Hi Hazel – I’d ‘let myself go’ and had been planning to get back in shape… but got stuck on the ‘planning’ stage!
I was on a night out with my brothers who were teasing me about my increased girth and made a bet that I would fit into a pair of 32" jeans by the summer (6 months). The next day I went into a store and tried on a pair of 32" jeans… they didn’t get past my thighs!
That prompted me into action.
Whilst my approach was pretty extreme, I would suggest starting today and make 1 positive change… if you don’t take that first step, you sure as heck won’t take the second one! 🙂
Best wishes on your journey.
Martin