Personal growth and self-improvement is a journey that begins with the cultivation of good habits. These habits, once formed, can significantly enhance our quality of life and even make life more enjoyable. The same habits can however, can also be easily eroded when challenges come knocking. Especially when these habits have recently been formed. It’s been said that it takes between 21 days and 66 days to form a new habit, depending on the effort and complexity of the habit.
Another study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that, on average, it takes about 18 to 254 days for individuals to break a habit, with the median time being 66 days. For someone that’s striving for personal growth and self-improvement, these are facts we need to have in mind and remain cognisant of them, even as we strive for a better life.
Recent developments in the country that have left many feeling angry, unhappy, and helpless. This is a recipe for stress and depression, that can easily degrade into destroying of the very habits one might have been working on. I personally found myself dwelling on the negative aspects that drained my energy, making me less productive than I was before. I realized that the few good habits I had formed were slowly being eroded by allowing my mind to dwell on things I cannot change.
Daily good habits
Good habits like, daily gratitude for the things you have around you can easily be replaced by grumbling. Gratitude for things like the opportunity to work and earn a living, the gratitude for good health, gratitude for the people or family around you, gratitude for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of movement, among many others. There’s always something to be grateful about.
Another habit like living in the present can be easily replaced by anxiety. When you dwell on the future, worrying of things past or things yet to come, you become indisposed to anxiety. It’s been found that most of the things you worry about never come to pass. Anxiety is window for many issues like excessive worry, fear, panic attacks, irritability, sleep disorders. To physical issues like gastrointestinal issues, heart issues, fatigue, muscle tension and change in appetite. And to behavioral issues like substance abuse, procrastination and a negative impact on relationships.
Another habit is to focus on what you can control. Yes, the economy might be going south, business might be looking grim, there’s a lot going on perhaps that you cannot control. Instead of allowing that to dictate your emotions, how about focusing on what you can control. Dwelling your emotions and energy on crying about spilt milk will not get more milk on your table. What can you do now? What can you actively prioritize, whether to counter that or to build yourself up for the long term? Can you cut down on your expenditures?
What skills have you always wanted to acquire? There’s a wealth of free education you can gain from the internet now, from YouTube, to online MOOCs, and other providers. The knowledge is limitless, from improving personal skills, to new language, business skills, social media and even online work. Why not spend that time you spend worrying or complaining to sharpen your sword?
Taking care of your personal well-being is another habit well worth pursuing. Need to lose weight? Did you know that depending on the kind of work you do, you might not need 3 full meals a day? And if you do, carrying packed lunch will be healthier than eating the deep-fried food you frequently find yourself buying? A vegetarian diet is also fair priced and friendly to the pocket, save in two ways – your health and wealth.
Need to put in more exercise? Which places do you go by car that you can go by foot as much as possible? You’ll save the fuel and parking expense and get in some exercise. Replace some of the time spent in damaging habits with some physical fitness. This can be replacing the office-gossip hours with taking a walk round the block, or the drinking evening hours with an evening stroll, possibly with your friend, family or significant other.
Maintain a positive mindset. You are the average of the five people you spend your time with. Are you watching too much news or following social media too much? Most of these channels only peddle bad news. Rarely will you find the news channels airing good or encouraging messages – they’re important to know but can also be damaging to your mental health. Spending much time watching or following these, and you’re a good candidate for stress and depression.
The Art of Forming Good Life Habits
The formation of good life habits is a deliberate and strategic process. Consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation. By performing your chosen tasks at the same time each day, you create a routine that your brain can easily follow. This consistency helps to reinforce the habit, making it a natural part of your daily life.
Innovation and Flexibility in Habit Formation
Creativity and flexibility are key elements in the process of habit formation. You can experiment with different strategies to make the process more enjoyable and effective. For instance, you might pair a new habit with an existing one, a technique known as habit stacking, to make it easier to remember.
Flexibility is also crucial in habit formation. If a particular habit isn’t sticking, don’t be afraid to modify it to better suit your lifestyle or preferences. The goal is to create habits that enhance your life, not add to your stress.
Preserving Good Habits During Difficult Times
Below are a few strategies to help maintain habits during these periods.
Firstly, it’s important to be kind to yourself and understand your needs during difficult times. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, you might need to adjust your habits accordingly, but be cautious not to drop them altogether.
Tracking your habits can be a useful tool. By keeping a record of your habits, you can monitor your progress and identify any potential issues. If you notice that you’re struggling to maintain a habit, you can take proactive steps to address the issue.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of support. Having someone to share your journey with can make it easier to stick to your habits during challenging times. This could be a friend, family member, or even a support group. Sharing your goals and progress with others can provide motivation and accountability.
Remember, cultivating good life habits is a journey, not a destination, and each step you take brings you closer to a healthier, happier life. Don’t give up on your achievements due to a small set-back.
And yes, they’re all small stuff in the bigger picture of things.
