Not everyone is making New Year’s Resolutions. Many people have figured out they simply won’t stick. And they are sick of being told they don’t have willpower. I was successful last year in changing my habits to include rising earlier to allow time for reading, meditating and personal development. But I didn’t do it as a New Year’s Resolution. And I didn’t do it with willpower. I approached it with the right support and mindset. I had some accountability partners, but, more important, I had wisdom to apply to this new habit. Wisdom beats willpower every time.
As a matter of fact, willpower doesn’t really exist. Your thoughts and actions are controlled by your subconscious. And the main job of the subconscious mind is to keep you safe. If you are scared to make that phone call your brain will help talk you out of it! Tricking your subconscious is of utmost importance in developing a new habit. There are several factors that help in making a positive change in your life.
Tricking your subconscious is of utmost importance in developing a new habit.
Wording – Switch your language from, “I will lose ten pounds,” to “I will fit into a size 6.” Words like losing, quitting, and stopping all evoke negative thoughts. Think of the positive outcome instead. “I will enjoy cooking healthy meals.”
Envision your goals
Vision – Envision yourself as the person you want to become. If you want to get out of debt, think of yourself as the person who thrives on a controlled spending plan and enjoys the benefits of investment income. Picture yourself on a beach. See money in your bank account. Feel the freedom you will experience through your own discipline.
Setting too many goals at once can also throw you off.
Small Bites – Everything is scary when it’s too big or too fast. Don’t set a goal to lose 50 pounds. Set a goal to loose 1 or 2 pounds a week. Don’t try to start a new gym membership 7 days a week. Try for two or three, and build your way up. Setting too many goals at once can also throw you off. If you want to tackle several goals just face one at a time.
Support – I read this blog regarding healthy lifestyle shifts and how they affect our loved ones. Meghan offers some practical advice on how to keep communication open and, maybe even affect change on those around us. I love this philosophy because of my personal quest for harmony. But if you can’t get support at home, find somewhere you can get it. You will have days where your courage wanes, or a disappointment sets you back. Be sure you have a support system.
This is wisdom. Wisdom in tricking your own mind. Wisdom in knowing the rewards you will receive. And wisdom in knowing yourself best. Wisdom beats willpower every time.