We have all heard that we should dream big and start small. Or small habits that seem not so important when done regularly will build better days. Or become a disciplined person: Do what makes you push beyond your comfort zones.
There are a whole bunch of such quotes that build motivation to work. Usually, when I listen to or read such kinds of videos, music, podcast or quotes I feel motivated, and a surge of energy built in which is trying to come out. And most of the time, I set new goals and make new plans. I work for a week and slide back into my old comfortable habits, into familiar habits.
But I also learned that it is not the motivation that we feel will get us through. And you probably know this.
So, what must I do to become the person I want to become and build better days and months and years and soon decades?
To build better days, I must want to become a better person. To become a better person, I should know why am I doing this.
And even if you don’t, it’s still simple. Practice habits that have a good effect on your days in better ways.
It can be summed up in one quote by Mel Robbins,
“It is very simple, but not easy.”
The simple part is practising small habits: sleeping at the same time, getting 7 hours of sleep, keeping rooms clean, keeping clean clothes, drinking water after waking up, and so on. And it seems difficult because, for me, these are the habits that are like vegetables. They have less taste, less fun, are colourless and have an odour but in the end, are better in so many ways.
Other habits, such as watching television, Netflix, avoiding deeper thoughts and so on are easy to do. We can practice these habits by just sitting in one place.
The bigger science behind practising daily habits is that we become used to daily habits if and when done regularly. We stop rewarding ourselves in the short term and work on long-term practices.
So, where should you start if you are confused or have built-up energy to do something radical?
Practice this with me: Calm yourself down. Take deep breaths. Understand that you are not missing out on anything. Chant this sentence, “I am not missing out on anything.”
Now relax your body. Let it loosen up. Again, breathe in and… Out. Shut down anything that is distracting: Music, TV, Netflix, etc. Be in solitude. Now, ask yourself what you could do that will be important for you now and that you must do now.
After finding an answer, start practising that one habit right now. Read an article on, a page, or something that is not too grand but also important. Put on a timer of whatever time you think you can work for and add 10-15 mins extra. When done, pat yourself and congratulate yourself on the work well done.
And similarly, move on to the next habit.
An example of a small habit:
At night, sleep at any time, and sleep at that same time regularly. Wake up after a good night’s sleep: For me, 6-7 hours is a good night’s sleep. Wake up the next morning, breathe in and exhale three times. Focus or ground yourself to doing things that are for you. And start with your daily work for you.
To make it easy, make to-do lists the day before. Read items on the list aloud in the morning and get moving.
And always remember, you are doing this for yourself, not for others. So, there is no pressure of impressing others. You are a ghost.
Life Design 