I’ve had thousands of good intentions, a few of those ideas morphed into some kind of action, and most of them have run their course in due time. However, in a few cases, those good ideas have grown into full-fledged habits.
- For instance, I’ve journaled daily since July 27, 2010.
- I’ve eaten a healthy breakfast of rolled oats almost daily since about 2009.
- I walk each morning. (It’s an old man activity, but my joints are grateful.)
- My wife & I have the exact same bedtime routine with each of our children. That started when Ellie (16) was four or five.
There are a few common reasons those habits stuck:
- I added them either to the beginning or end of my day, which means I do them without having too many other distractions.
- I have made them easy to maintain by keeping whatever is needed directly in my path. So my journal is beside my bed. My walking clothes are easy to snag.
- I’ve kept the expectation low for each, so I don’t feel overwhelmed with the task. For instance, my journaling is not super interesting, but it occasionally is, and that’s ok.