Habits can be tombstones or stepping-stones. The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes habit as: “a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior.” We have a habit of looking both ways before we cross the street. But, we can also have a habit of picking our nose in public. The first is a good habit, the second, questionable.
Students love the opportunity to underline the habits of their teachers. At more than one graduation banquet, the habits of this prof were depicted by the students. More than once I said to my wife, “Do I really do that?” She would give that knowing smile that would confirm what the students were portraying.
Habits, we all have them: the good, the bad and the neutral. This year, rather than making resolutions, let’s endeavor to work on establishing some good habits. Rather than calling it a resolution, let’s describe it as a life project. Consider the following life transforming projects.
Work on Developing an Attitude of Gratitude. “It is not the gale, but the set of the sail that determines the course of the ship.” Gratitude sets you on a course for greater success. Consider how fortunate you are and count your blessings–every morning. Incidentally, if your annual income is over $25,000, you are in the top 15% of the world’s income. People who analyze the function of the brain tell us that practicing small acts of gratitude increases resilience, improves mood and feelings of well-being, increases energy levels, improves self- confidence, and much more. Gratitude helps focus on what you have, not lament over what you don’t have. Criticalness takes us down a path of reductionism. Gratitude helps expand our world of possibilities.
Remember, Today Is An Unwritten Page In Your Life’s Journey. This is the first day of the rest of your life. That’s exciting. Today is a new opportunity for learning, success, affirming relationships, and adventure. Embrace it. Live in the now: not yesterday, nor in tomorrow. You cannot change the past, nor can you predict the future, but you can build a foundation for tomorrow, TODAY! This is the only moment you possess. Spend it wisely and you will reap the benefit tomorrow.
Give your Engine aWarm-Up.Morning may not be the ideal time for an intense workout, but some of the happiest, healthiest people incorporate some sort of movement practice or light exercise in the morning. This gets the blood flowing and helps wake up the body and mind. It also creates positive momentum for healthy behaviors through the day. As an added bonus, getting outside in natural light helps boost mood and energy levels while establishing optimal circadian rhythms. My 79-year-old body isn’t what it used to be, but I still put it through a regular work out. That morning discipline helps set the tone for my day.
Read Constructively and Intentionally. Whether it’s scripture, a motivational quote, or an inspirational book, successful people take time to incorporate some positive, inspiring reading in their morning. It helps start the morning off on the right note and gets the productive juices flowing. There is an old computer programing statement that says, “Garbage in, garbage out.” In dealing with some personality disorders or enslaving habits, I have asked people what they are reading. What goes in through the eye-gate can reinforce a negative focus in the brain. When I was enrolling in a speed-reading course my wife said, “Why not be more selective in your reading?” There was wisdom in her words. My response was, “I’d just like to read more quickly and comprehensively what I select to read.”
Establish Routine. The morning is about building momentum, and there’s no better way to do that than with a routine. A routine helps build momentum–it helps you feel in control. The most important contribution of routine is that it helps reduce the number of decisions you have to make. That means saving your brain power for things that matter: decisions that give direction, resolve problems, and help you analyze priorities.
Give the Important and Difficult the Best Part of Your Day. We’ve talked about priorities before, and the most successful people know that they have to schedule the most important to-do to come first–before emails, phone calls, meetings, and chaos sets in. Crisis management can rob you of a critical analysis of what is most important. Be proactive instead of reactive by setting aside time to focus on what counts first.
Commit to the Law of Kindness. There is a story about a man who was thinking of moving into a new neighborhood. One of the residents was out working in the yard so he stopped and asked what kind of people lived in this area. The person replied by asking what kind of people lived where he was from. His response: “They were unfriendly, snobbish people.” “Well,” came the reply, “You’ll find the same kind of people live here.” Kindness is my willingness to invest for the betterment of people whether they deserve it not.
Hopefully my habit of going overtime hasn’t left you with more than you can digest. Have a wonderful month and we will see you at the top.
Duane Harder
