HABITS

Ever wonder why you fall into habits you don’t want to, and can’t change the ones you do want to? 

“Your brain is lazy.  It doesn’t know the difference between a good habit and a bad habit.  It just takes everything you repeatedly think, say or do, and turns it into a habit so it doesn’t have to work so hard.” -       Anne Grady

Wow!  Think about that!  “everything you repeatedly think, say or do…”  Really?  I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time thinking, saying and doing things that I do not need turned into habits.  Then what does it take to change the habit?  I can only assume, repeatedly thinking, saying and doing, something different or the opposite.

The human brain is incredibly powerful, part of that power is making things easy on itself when performing routine and repetitive tasks.  It is also powerful enough to overcome the habits, but we have to train it to do so.  It takes work and intentional decision making. 

What are you repeatedly thinking, saying or doing?  Are those things that you want to see become habits next month?

Goals & Resolutions (continued)

Our goals and resolutions are hard to accomplish alone.  We need the accountability of others.  We need the peer pressure to show up and stick to the plan.  Don’t go it alone.

•  Is getting in shape your goal?  Join a gym; hire a trainer; find a local running group; consult a nutritionist.
• Want to grow and improve your business?  Hire a business coach or join a mastermind group.  Seek help outside your comfort zone.  Maybe even consider a CFO consultant. (I know one I can recommend!)
•  Need to improve your Faith life?  Ask a fellow believer to hold you accountable to your prayer/quiet time or a Bible reading plan.  Join a Bible study or small group.
• Seeking to better deal with family issues or personal problems?  Seek professional counseling or a support group.  Others are dealing with the same things you are.

 What do all of the above have in common?  First, they require you to take some action.  Secondly, they involve other people knowing your goals and supporting you.  Don’t go it alone.  Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Goals & Resolutions

Have you set goals for 2017? Are you a New Year's resolution person? Is change on your horizon? So here is the thing about goals and resolutions… Nothing changes if nothing changes. That sounds simple and obvious right? Well it is, but it is not so simple to put into action.

• You will not improve your relationships if you do not change your behavior and/or expectations.
• The weight will not simply fall off of you without you modifying your diet and/or exercise.
• Do you want to quit smoking? You better have a very specific plan of exactly how to do that and be ready for the pain.
• Is a higher income your goal? What are your plans to sell more, increase margins, start a new business or change jobs?
• Maybe there is a personal life or faith resolution you have in mind. Those can be really tough. They take real discipline to achieve.
• You won't save more money without spending less!
• You can't run, cycle or swim in the morning without getting up earlier.

Change and personal growth is hard. It takes work, dedication and discipline. Most importantly it requires a change in behavior. Nothing changes if nothing changes…

Happy New Year and good luck with your 2017 goals!