Is there a habit you wish you could start that seems so elusive?
We all know our life would be better if certain routines were part of it, but it seems almost impossible to carve out time to make the habits a reality.
What if there were two times in your day that are perfect triggers for starting and keeping a new habit? I know it sounds too good to be true, but they really do exist.
The catch is you only get 2 of these, so you have to make them count. Of course, these aren’t the only times to start a habit they are just the easiest.
The challenge of starting any new routine is you have to stop doing one thing and start doing another. What makes it even more difficult is your current routine is easy or enjoyable and the new one will be difficult and maybe even painful.
The pain of change that accompanies any growth is what makes establishing a new habit so difficult.
So that leaves us with a choice:
Stay stuck with a pain-free habit, but haunted by the nagging reality we aren’t living up to our potential.
OR
Replace the regret of missed potential with the temporary discomfort of growth.
In any area you are excelling (and there are lots) you made choice #2.
You are excelling in that area because you established a few routines that have become so automatic you don’t even think about them anymore.
I want to help you add to those wins.
So what are those two easy times?
Right When You Wake Up
What is your current routine when you wake up? Do you hit the alarm 3 times? Do you stumble down the stairs in search of coffee? Immediately check your phone?
What if you did something better?
-Like turning on all of the lights to get fully awake, put some clothes on and go for a 20 min walk
-Started your day with prayer. Committing the new day to God.
-Something else?
The trigger of waking up every morning happens naturally and routinely. You never have to worry about it.
What new habit have you been struggling with maintaining? Why not try to establish it as soon as you wake up?
Right Before You Go To Bed
You may not go to bed the same time each night, but you always go to bed. The short time before you go to sleep is a perfect trigger to build an easy habit.
I use that time to read. So before I turn out the light I read something. If you struggle finding time to read the Bible this is the perfect time to build that habit. Before you turn off the light read a chapter. Then your mind can meditate on those words as you fall asleep.
I’m sure you’d agree it’s better to fall asleep to something positive than whatever you were watching on tv.
Granted all of the habits you need or want to create aren’t conducive to just these two time periods, but getting 2 quick easy wins under your belt will inspire you to keep going. Once you start making positive gains in one area the momentum begins to snowball into other areas.
Try it today and see if I’m right!
