What Not To Do

I genuinely appreciate simplicity; it’s a goal I continuously strive for. Yet, I often find myself diving headfirst into habits, goals, and challenges. I mistakenly believe I can handle more than what’s realistic, thinking that the usual limitations don’t apply to me—especially as a mother of nine, I’m used to juggling various tasks.

Reflecting on my initial attempt to take charge of my habits, I created an overly ambitious list:

• Exercise at the gym
• Nature walk
• Drink 3 liters of water
• Prepare a green smoothie or juice
• Make my bed
• Practice yoga
• Eat healthily
• Meal prep
• Read a book
• Listen to inspirational content
• Journal
• Write a gratitude list
• Plan for the next day
• Record daily accomplishments

This was just my self-care list; I had other lists for work, family, and more. Clearly, I was setting myself up for failure.

Each task was significant on its own, yet I expected to execute them all at once without any hiccups. Unsurprisingly, I quickly felt overwhelmed. My excitement often led me to take on too much, which always left me feeling stuck.

Trust me, regardless of our multitasking abilities, focusing on fewer goals yields better results.

Finding What Works

After some reflection, I decided to simplify my approach:

• Make my bed
• Go for a nature walk
• Meal prep

This time, I committed to just three habits. Although I was tempted to add more, I resisted. I realized that when I focused on a few key habits, everything else naturally fell into place. This approach built momentum and helped me maintain a positive mindset.

Make It Easy

The first habit, making my bed, was a simple win. The second, walking in nature, helped me feel grounded. I also took my dog along, which checked off another task. This physical activity not only boosted my mood but also aligned with my overall health goals.

On these walks, I often listened to audiobooks or inspiring talks, which wasn't a listed goal but contributed to my motivation. Returning from these walks, I felt accomplished and energized.

The third habit, meal prepping, was also straightforward. Preparing food in advance not only ensured healthier choices but also supported my goal of healthy eating. Sticking to these three habits positively influenced the rest of my day.

Making It Stick

Research from University College London indicates that the time it takes to establish a habit varies among individuals, with an average duration of 66 days, but it can range from 18 to 254 days. There’s no universal timeline; instead, we must discover what works best for us.

I’ve found that around thirty days is when I feel truly committed and eager to maintain my momentum. It may take some trial and error to identify your ideal time frame, so patience and flexibility are essential. The effort is worthwhile, as our daily habits significantly affect our lives.

At this point, many items from my initial list have become integrated into my daily routine, largely because I made the process easier. Less is often more.

An Easy Way To Win

Starting small can yield remarkable outcomes, which is why I advocate for ten-minute habits. It may seem insignificant, but this time can accumulate and lead to substantial change.

“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” — Jim Rohn

When I incorporated ten minutes of daily inspiration into my routine, I typically ended up spending longer. Whether through books, podcasts, or YouTube videos, this simple practice ignited positive energy and encouraged me to maintain good habits.

I challenge you to commit to ten minutes in any area you wish to improve—be it self-care, finances, exercise, or nutrition. After 30 days (if that duration suits you), celebrate your achievements and introduce the next habit.

Optional: Partnering with a friend can enhance the experience by adding accountability and fun.

The Challenge

1. List all the habits you wish to develop.
2. Prioritize them based on current importance.
3. Decide how many habits you want to tackle over the next 30 days—keep it manageable.
4. Commit to your choices.
5. Celebrate and reward yourself after thirty days.
6. Introduce additional habits as you progress.

I recommend starting with simple, achievable goals. This approach lays the groundwork for sustained success.

Notes

Writing down my aspirations, even when they seem overwhelming, helps clarify my thoughts. It transforms abstract ideas into actionable tasks. Always remember to reward yourself after completing a challenge; celebrating your successes is crucial for maintaining motivation.

Summary

Thirty-day challenges can be incredibly motivating, enabling us to translate our aspirations into tangible achievements that enhance our lives. Choose habits that resonate with you, as motivation is harder to sustain if our goals lack personal significance.

Once you refine your list, commit to consistency. Eventually, these habits will weave into your routine. Flexibility and patience are key—perfection isn’t the aim. By adopting a simple yet consistent mindset, we can continually grow and improve.

So, who’s ready for the challenge?

The first video, "How to CRUSH your 2024 - 12 Monthly Challenges," offers insights into setting and achieving your challenges for the year. It provides practical tips to inspire your journey.

The second video, "Why I haven't posted in 1 year..." shares a personal journey of reflection and growth, perfect for understanding the value of taking breaks and re-evaluating goals.

Julie Gaeta, a Certified Holistic Health Coach, shares her journey of raising a large, bi-cultural family while navigating life as a single mom. Her commitment to health and wellness shines through her writing on relationships, personal growth, nutrition, and healthy living.