Our daily living patterns are constructed around the habits we follow—even when we are not aware of them. These habits that we follow often provide a sense of comfort—knowing what to expect as we navigate through our daily schedules. However, these same habits can get in the way of our success if they hold us back from making changes that can bring improvement.
There are times when changing the way we do things or changing the way we look at situations is very important for moving forward in a positive direction. That is why it is healthy and helpful to take a fresh look at our life patterns and notice if these comfortable friendly habits are keeping us mired in a rut.
Change can be difficult because it requires doing things differently. These changes can take place at work or in our personal lives, but since life is constantly moving, changing habits at some point in our lives is inevitable.
If you are looking to change some of your habits to create a more productive lifestyle, don’t be surprised if this change brings about a little stress. But in the end, once the changing new routine becomes as comfortable as the replaced old habit, you will find it worth the effort.
Establishing new routines takes time. You need to put these new routines into practice and continue following these routines for them to transform into comfortable habits. Building new habits requires discipline and commitment to create and maintain.
Change is difficult and awkward at times. But, habits are central to our daily lifestyle status quo, and when the status quo changes, habitual routines change. As you consider making changes in old familiar habits, be certain that you are altering your routines for positive reasons.
There are times when changes in your life force you to change habits that you have been following. If you find that you need to change your daily routines—for health reasons, career changes, or family obligations—be thoughtful about how you are going to alter things. Here are three steps:
- Journal your ideas about how you would like to incorporate a new or changed habit into your daily schedule.
- List strategies that you could use and create a doable and comfortable action plan.
- Allow at least a one-month trial period to see if the change is comfortable and working. With that amount of time, you are on your way to establishing a new habit.
Although changing habits can be stressful, the changes also can provide rewarding results. With all the changes in the way we conduct our businesses, navigate our personal lifestyles, and interact with technology, our comfortable habits will need some updating. Changing habits can create its own level of stress if you are not careful. When you formulate a new direction and way of doing things, you can also find it refreshing with a new start.
With any change, make certain that new habits can provide a sense of stability and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Then, the transitions which occur throughout your personal and professional life can be handled in a more positive and proactive manner.
Ann Gatty
Dr. Ann Gatty is a business development strategist with 30 years’ experience, who believes that everyone has the capabilities to get where they want to go if they are enabled with the right strategies and tools. As a business consultant she builds businesses to work brilliantly. She is the co-founder of StrategicPeopleSolutions.com, an organization that helps businesses develop strong leaders while creating a culture where self-improvement is an intrinsic part of the organization’s value system. Ann works with clients to develop a strategic path towards the life they’ve always imagined. Ann can be reached at 855-284-4448 or [email protected].
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