“Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” ~Winston Churchill
Sometimes the hardest thing about doing something is, well, DOING something. It’s easier to drool in front of the television or play on Facebook or do any number of useless “things” than be a productive member of your household, much less society. But that which makes us stronger, healthier, and happier isn’t easy. Nor should it be.
I have created several habits for myself–ridiculously healthy eating is one. Temptation lurks at every grocery store turn or late night fast food craving. It’s easy to buy a large order of fries, harder to eat raw carrots. But after months of trial and error and guilty cavings, my pantry is void of naughty delights and instead overflows with healthier options. Often, late at night or when I’m bored or grumpy I find myself berating my healthy habits when all I want is some potato chips or, let’s be honest, an entire bag. It took time and discipline to create this habit, but it certain isn’t the last I need. Sadly, habits can be negative as well. It just takes time to lapse into laziness or behaviors that detract from one’s life.
Positive habits, that which we work hard for, taste sweeter then the ill-gotten chip bags. Therefore, it is my goal that over the next week to two weeks I am going to add 5 healthy habits into my life, ranging from stress to friends.
1. Multi-tasking. At the rate I’ve been going, I could represent the US in the next Olympics in multi-tasking. Sometimes this is great, as I can type, talk to a student, and contemplate a problem with a coworker simultaneously. However, it also takes away from my connection to others. Even though I can talk on the phone and check Facebook simultaneously, both my virtual and voice communications suffer in quality. So, for the next 2 weeks my goal is to create the habit of walking away from the computer or turning off the phone when I’m having conversations.
2. Manage my stress. Like many Americans, I do too much and I expect I will be perfect doing it all. And then reality hits with an unexpected bill or a surprise visit from my boss. Stress and my body do not mix–I become physically ill at worst, but at best my shoulder tightens up into a lump I’ve now named “Bob.” This just might be a sign I need to destress more. I vow to yoga at least twice a week for the next two weeks, and once a week thereafter.
3. Television. When I moved to Park City I purposefully did not get cable to try to kick my addiction. I hate admitting how much I “need” television, but after a long day or when I feel particularly lonesome, television offers comfort my cat can’t. That said, even with the limited free broadcast that I have, of late I’ve found myself still meandering through life with the boob-tube blaring. I’m making it a habit from now on to NOT turn on the television for “noise” but only for a specific show, or for news. From now on I am limiting myself to 1 hour total a day. Now, normally I’m not even home often enough to go over this allotment–but when I am home, I must find new ways to entertain myself like…say…READ for pleasure or call my friends or clean my place!
4. Facebook. This is the most embarrassing of all my naughty habits. I don’t lurk on the FB as often or as creepily as many of my FB friends, but I do find a “need” to check in daily. Why? This, I believe, is indicative of something missing that this “social connection” tool falsely provides. While Facebook offers free and positive communication with people I’ve moved from or who live far away, the tool itself shouldn’t replace actual social events. Therefore, I propose that I limit my FB time to, say, Fridays (Facebook Fridays!) or to specific communication needs (to email a friend about dinner at my house, for example). But why not go the old fashioned route and CALL or write a LETTER to friends verses staying virtual?
5. Never say never. I recently bought a necklace charm that stays, stamped into its metal, “NO EXCUSES.” Though this isn’t really a habit, per se, it is a behavior I can admit to. “My back hurts–I shouldn’t work out” or “Salt Lake is too far–I can’t meet you for dinner” are all too common excuses I’ve worked into my subconscious vocabulary. Therefore, my last and HARDEST habit to create over the next two weeks is…no excuses! This doesn’t mean I’ll do everything and anything–let’s refer to the multi-tasking habit I’m trying to break. All good things in good time, but when an opportunity strikes, no more “Well I would, but…” as long as it doesn’t interfere with previous plans, my health, or my job.
Wish me luck–five new habits in two weeks? To quote Princess Bride, “Think it’ll work?” and then “It’ll take a miracle.”
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