Phases of Habits

So a personal growth book I’m reading- The Miracle Morning for Network Marketers by Hal Elrod and Pat Patrial- discussed the phases we go through with starting new habits and it really spoke to me so I want to share some of this with you!

Phase 1- Days 1-10.  They call this the Unbearable time.  This is when it’s awful and you don’t want to.  You literally must make yourself get through this stage to have any chance of success.  It’s mind over matter. 

Phase 2- Days 11-20.  This one is called Uncomfortable.  You are starting to get used to it, but it still feels uncomfortable to do.  This is a tricky time!  You feel like you’re making strides and going to be successful and this is where many people try to reward themselves and give themselves a break.  DON’T DO IT!  It’s a trap!  It will make you feel like you’re back in the Unbearable times!

Phase 3- Days 21-30.  This is called Unstoppable.  Things are basically automatic.  Whatever routine you were trying to get into, you are there now.  It starts feeling unnatural to do your old habits.  You feel good with yourself and your decisions and it’s easier to do your new habit then the old habits. 

Think about any habits you’ve tried to change before?  Doesn’t this speak true?   Or even if you didn’t try to change- think about daylights savings time- by day 21 you’re used to the new times even though the first 10 days are a horrible mess of not knowing when to go to bed, right?

So what’s the point?  The point is, whatever your new habit you want to be- getting up in the morning, eating healthier, exercise- it’s going to be unbearable for 10 days, uncomfortable another 10, then by day 30 it’ll be a habit you’re ready to rock forever!  Aim for 30 days and don’t quit on yourself!

Blessings in health and happiness.

Winning the Morning

Today we’re talking about the power of being a morning person.  You may be thinking- “maybe you like mornings Sarah, but I just can’t.”  Well let me tell you something…I hate mornings.  I don’t like getting up early either and I can easily be queen of the snooze button.  I used to have multiple alarms on my phone- one for when I need to get up if I exercise, one for if I get up and don’t exercise but shower, and one for better get up or you aren’t making it.   But there is some powerful evidence that getting up early can help with so many things.

It’s true that the early bird gets the worm.  Studies show that people who get up earlier are more productive through the whole day compared to their snooze button friends.    It also has strong evidence for reducing stress and anxiety because you start earlier and have more control over your day! 

So how to make the switch from night owl to early bird?  It takes time, frustration and new habit setting but ANYONE can do it if they want to!  Here’s some tips that may help you make the transition!

1-     Put your alarm across the room.   If you must physically get up to turn it off, you’re more likely to stay up.  Don’t keep your alarm on your bedside!

2-     Go to the bathroom and wash your face or brush your teeth as soon as you turn off your alarm.  Once again, keep moving so you don’t go lay back down!

3-     Drink a big glass or bottle of water.  This helps recover from dehydration state and once again is movement that will wake you fully up. 

4-     Shower or go exercise- this depends on your morning schedule.  Both will get you fully awake and far from being able to crawl back to bed where you want to.

The first week you’ll have to make yourself do this.  The next week it will be a little easier but don’t fall into temptation to award yourself to sleep in quite yet- your body can easily switch back to old habits still.  After 30 days it should basically be routine and unless you start adding back in bad habits- you are officially a morning person!  Now it’s time to tackle the day more productively!  Use the extra time for reading, exercise, gratitude and journaling, personal growth time.  All the things you “don’t have time for”- this is the time to do it!

Blessings in Health and Happiness!