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Starting a new positive habit

16 replies

leafybrew · 03/03/2024 08:56

I've recently read 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear and it's got me thinking about trying to get a few more positive habits going.

I have form for waking up too early and sitting in looking at computer (whilst wearing PJs and oodie) pretty much every morning.

I would like to try and have next day's clothes out - ready- and get dressed when waking up instead of 3 hours later when I can be arsed

This would encourage to get dog walk/steps done early on and set a positive note for the day.

On days that I'm working early - I always get dressed straightaway, as I leave 20 mins after getting up...

Anyone else successfully got into some good habits?? I would genuinely appreciate hearing about it.

OP posts:
leafybrew · 03/03/2024 13:14

Bump

OP posts:
EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel · 03/03/2024 13:17

When I turned 50 I got into the habit of going to the nearby gym three mornings a week, two of those before work & one at the weekend. I signed up for fortnightly sessions with a personal trainer, who designed a plan for me and keeps me on track.

I’m really seeing the benefits.

twingiraffes · 03/03/2024 13:22

Make small changes. Very small. One at a time, and do it regularly until it becomes an automatic habit. Then move onto the next small change.

leafybrew · 03/03/2024 13:26

@EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel thats great - I’m not sure I have the energy for that right now but maybe when I’ve retired (happens soon)

@twingiraffes exactly that - just need to get on with it now

OP posts:
EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel · 03/03/2024 15:18

leafybrew · 03/03/2024 13:26

@EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel thats great - I’m not sure I have the energy for that right now but maybe when I’ve retired (happens soon)

@twingiraffes exactly that - just need to get on with it now

Well, getting dog walk & steps done early sounds good too!

ForNaiceHiker · 22/03/2024 08:27

🥱

leafybrew · 22/03/2024 08:57

Try getting a life or maybe a job? Then you’d not have to get petty revenge on random people on the internet.

Sad really. Have you retired recently 😉?

OP posts:
thinkfast · 22/03/2024 10:28

I've just started what I hope will be a new habit. Weight training 3x a week. This is my first week.

buckeejit · 22/03/2024 10:37

After a tough couple of years, I'd found it difficult to be happy & optimistic. I lost the ability to feel grateful which is something I always had & really helped me enjoy life. Since new year, when I wake in the morning, I lie in bed for one minute and list in my head all the things I'm grateful for. It sets me up for the day with a positive outlook.

I'd like to find some 10 minute routines for meditation, yoga, Pilates etc as longer is overwhelming & I just don't bother!

EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel · 22/03/2024 10:38

thinkfast · 22/03/2024 10:28

I've just started what I hope will be a new habit. Weight training 3x a week. This is my first week.

Good on you! It’s really helping me, I hope it works for you too.

cardibach · 22/03/2024 10:54

Workout why you want to make the changes - what benefit they'll bring. That helps with intrinsic motivation. Then download a habit tracker - I used one, which is free for 3 habits. Tick when you do them. The power of the streak is something else! (My three are - drink 5 glasses of water per day, exercise 5 times a week and have 2 alcohol free days per week and my motivation is to do with health and fitness for travel).

cardibach · 22/03/2024 10:55

cardibach · 22/03/2024 10:54

Workout why you want to make the changes - what benefit they'll bring. That helps with intrinsic motivation. Then download a habit tracker - I used one, which is free for 3 habits. Tick when you do them. The power of the streak is something else! (My three are - drink 5 glasses of water per day, exercise 5 times a week and have 2 alcohol free days per week and my motivation is to do with health and fitness for travel).

Bloodyb he'll autocorrect. I use Done. No help to you without the tracker name!

Mamette · 22/03/2024 10:58

I have to physically remind myself. I think in your situation I would put my laptop under something, maybe a clean folded towel, to remind myself to get in the shower first. Then once I was showered and dressed I would “allow” myself the laptop time.

buckeejit · 22/03/2024 17:27

@cardibach what app tracker do you use please? I think I'd like that if there weren't ads & annoying pop up things.

Champagneforeveryone · 22/03/2024 17:50

twingiraffes · 03/03/2024 13:22

Make small changes. Very small. One at a time, and do it regularly until it becomes an automatic habit. Then move onto the next small change.

Exactly this...
I grew up with fairly poor hygiene and no dental care, so things that most people do naturally have taken a long time to bed in. The only way I've really found is by doing one tiny thing at a time, and not moving on until it's a permanent fixture in my routine.

For the first time ever I'm looking forward to my dental checkup in June as I have religiously flossed every day since new year. The anticipation of the dentist / hygienist noticing this is now a massive motivator too 😆

cardibach · 22/03/2024 18:33

buckeejit · 22/03/2024 17:27

@cardibach what app tracker do you use please? I think I'd like that if there weren't ads & annoying pop up things.

It’s called Done. It pops up an offer to buy their premium membership all the time but that’s all.

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