We are all creatures of habit. And that’s both good news and bad news. The good news is that we are able to accomplish more throughout our day on automatic pilot. In fact, studies show that about 60-70% of our activities can happen with little discernible effort on our part.
Let’s look at taking a shower as an example. When we jump in the shower, we don’t have to consciously think, “What body part do I want to lather up first?” And then, “Which body part do I clean next?” If we went through a deliberate and conscious process, we would take forever to get through our shower. Instead, we are able to quickly and expediently go through the motions and emerge clean and fresh in mere minutes – all because we can default to our habits.
The bad news is that not all of our habits help us. Let’s face it, we all have habits that are not really in our best interests. Common bad habits include:
- Watching too much TV
- Eating crap (processed flour and sugar)
- Getting distracted at work by social media
- Mindless scrolling on your smartphone
- Hitting the snooze button on your alarm instead of getting up and exercising
Without going into the science of habit formation and change, I want to issue you a simple challenge. Just for today, I want you to consciously select one of your bad habits and do something about it. One simple commitment on your part and the discipline to follow-through and actually do something.
So before you dismiss this article and go about your day, give me 30 seconds. What’s one thing you wish you didn’t do or one thing you would like to start doing but you keep procrastinating or making excuses?
Now, what’s one thing you can do about it today that is different and better for you in the long run? Can you commit to doing that one thing today?
That’s it. One thing. Today. You’ve got this!
