Many of us who are working on our goals could use some periodic reminders along the way. The reminders are a way to keep us on track and in the game. Triggers are a great way to get the brain to kick into high gear. We frequently hear the word trigger in a negative way, but rest assured that this one is good. Each trigger needs an action with it! Let’s create triggers.
The “triggers” stated above are best used during our everyday lives coupled with our good habits. An example of a trigger is when we walk in the front door of our home we realize we are now inside, so let’s take off our shoes. This is a great habit in my opinion because that way we don’t track in the elements from outside throughout the house. Another example is when we get the mail to go ahead and go through it immediately so we don’t have to mess with it twice. Get on board and create triggers that will help you.
Implementing triggers
For our goal setting, goal-accomplishing roads ahead we can implement new triggers related to what we want. I am learning this and I have found it to be a pretty great mental tool for me to accomplish certain tasks. I have a have 45 min alarm for when I am working. Timeboxing is a great and effective way for me to go through my day as sometimes I will keep going and going until my body is stiff and I can hardly work. The trigger is the alarm ringing, the action is me getting up, getting a snack, or taking a quick break. Make time your best friend.
Some great “triggers” tips are as follows:
- If you want to start running or walking for a healthier way of life you can put your specific shoes in the open and a visible place. If you are stubborn or oblivious you can always put it in a very irregular spot. On a coffee table, in the middle of the floor, hanging shoelaces over the door to the fridge, and so on. Get creative create triggers that motivate. After awhile the trigger forces the action into a healthy choice for you.
- Attach a letter opener to the key chain for the mailbox. The letter open will be the trigger for the action to open and tend to the mail you have just fetched from the mailbox that way the mail doesn’t sit around stacking up. Attaching the letter opener is like that old-time bathroom key with a giant piece of wood attached. Also makes a lethal weapon in case of emergency.
- If you want to exercise first thing in the morning then a good trigger is to have your workout clothes ready before bed so you can put them on first thing in the a.m. BOOM!
- Want to start reading daily and you are a coffee or tea drinker? Combine the two. Put the book next to the maker and then you can have a beverage during that time.
- Add a trigger during a time frame for which you already have a good habit. A mid-day break from the computer could be a walk to the mailbox. Get the mail out of the way for the day and get a good fresh air break with exercise. Two for the price of one. Now you will really start to feel accomplished right?!
Conclusion
The purpose of the triggers is to get you to take the necessary action for whatever goal you are trying to accomplish. Make it fun and go get your goals.
