The Acquisition and Development of New and Healthy Habits (#3)

Once the new state of mind was created it was time to reposition myself to acquire new and healthy habits.  The most challenging part was coming to the understanding that throughout my whole life I never really had productive habits or goals.  I didn’t come from a family that was consciously or progressively striving for inner success and outward success to teach and guide me.  So, now being in my 40’s and having many challenges along the way I’ve discovered that I was just living.  Time to change that!

If we aren’t shown ambition, drive, and motivation by the actions of our parents and other relatives early in childhood then life happens and we seem to just meander through the daily motions.  Don’t get me wrong I was ambitious growing up but I never had the information that I am acquiring now, which I truly treasure.  I’ve discovered and adopted daily routines and good habits that are vital for a healthy and productive life.  The realization of the value of creating new and healthy habits will be the best gift you could ever give yourself otherwise, you won’t have the drive you need to be successful.  

Get a great routine.

Some valuable information that I’ve learned thus far is to be very precise about which habits I will need to be the most productive for my health and happiness.  Consistently waking up early and getting a realistic night’s rest is crucial.  To accomplish this you must create another good habit which is will power.  Having the will power will get you to actually rise out of bed when it’s time, instead of hitting the snooze button.  Next is to make your bed right away.  The look of a tidy bed will feel very rewarding each day.  People who are “successful” always have routines that are the most effective and efficient in their daily lives.  So make a plan, stick to the plan and check them off along the way. 

To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.

– Bruce Lee

The next good habit is to eat a well-balanced breakfast for the day ahead. Nothing worse than starting your day’s tasks with your stomach growling, so be wise about this one.  Once you get your stomach settled and calm, an amazing habit to adopt is meditation which has become very impactful for myself and my world.  Meditating and learning to be centered and still for a clear mind is surprisingly rewarding.  I must say that it has been very complicated, due to the fact that I’m naturally all over the place. 

Tools that work.

Up until now, I thought there was no way that it was going to work for me. I had this belief for years, but I’m very grateful to say that little by little I’m getting it. If you don’t have it in your daily life, make the strides to do so!  I am seeing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and she introduced me to a tool to help center myself with the meditation process.  This tool was a small stone that you hold in your hand while meditating.  The purpose is to concentrate on the stone by using your touch sense when your brain gets to thinking of other things that aren’t in the present moment.

Another great habit is daily exercising at first light. Whether it be a fitness routine at the gym, in your home, or walking in your neighborhood.  I am personally finding this to be very invigorating for each of my days ahead.  Once the blood gets pumping there’s a big sense of accomplishment. My day begins with a good breakfast, meditation, and exercise which is very beneficial regardless of what’s on the horizon.  This regiment should be introduced into your life as necessary, not as a hobby.  Families should get on board as well and hopefully, through your actions, they’ll see the value and adopt these habits themselves.  

motivation: 

the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

How have you acquired and developed new and healthy habits in your life?  What cool methods do you use?

(Please respond to the questions here with us so we can learn and grow.  The good and the bad will help others recognize successes and failures in our own lives.  Thank you so very much!)