Think about something you want to improve in your life, then stick to it for 21 days, and you’ll see.
At the very moment that the “00:00” lights up in our mobile screens, there’s an enthusiastic feeling running through our bodies, some kind of tacit relief and excitement, as if we’d survived till the end of the “2018” game, and suddenly pass to the next level, with a brand new life (or more). But, do you know what will the year bring? How is it going to be, or which will be the biggest difficulties? You can. We’ve shared some tips in our previous article about the new year’s resolutions, but in case you need something more radical, here’s a plan that just can’t fail.
According to Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, it only takes 21 days to form a habit. Any habit. Big, small, healthy, destructive or almost invisible. Which means that, in order to change something in your life, if you are able to practice it for 21 days in a row, you can actually change. Quit smoking, end a toxic relationship, learn something new, exercise, study, whatever makes you feel better.
So, think about your goals first, and then, about the habits that will help you to achieve them. This way it will be much easier to do it. For example, if your goal is to lose weight (a common one), focus on the little behaviours that cause weight gain such as drinking soda or eating processed food loaded with sugar. This makes it easier to measure; you either are doing something concrete for your mission, or you are not. And, don’t accept any excuse. There’s nothing impossible!
Now, write down your new habit (let’s begin with one, little by little) to make it more real, and post it somewhere visible (like your bathroom mirror or next to the computer screen) as a constant reminder. You can also put a note on your refrigerator, your desk, or the door, set a calendar reminder and notifications, and of course, share the cause with a friend. Tell them your challenge and ask them to help you. They’ll stop you if they see you fail, that’s what friendship is for.
If after 3 weeks your experiment didn’t work, find something else. But, if it is working, consider adding a new habit and build the golden stairs to your goal from there. There’s a better version of yourself and you’re the only one who knows how to do it.
Happy last day of the year!