"...All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. ..." ― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Ever notice how some things we do become so routine, we barely even notice them anymore? Like driving to the store without really paying attention to the route—we just end up there without remembering much about the journey. Well, our daily habits work the same way.
Think about your morning routine. Ever find yourself going through the motions without really thinking about it? It happens. But here's the kicker: sometimes, these mindless habits can actually hold us back without us even realizing it. After all, it's tough to change something if we don't even know it's a problem!
So, here's a simple hack to help you become more aware of your habits:
Keeping A Habit Score
Step 1: Write 'em down. Seriously, grab a pen and paper and make a list of all the things you do regularly—whether it's your morning coffee routine or what you do during your lunch break.
Step 2: Give 'em a grade. Take a look at each habit and rate it.
Is it helping you reach your long-term goals? Give it a plus.
Is it dragging you down? That's a minus.
And if it's just neutral, slap on an equal sign.
But here's the twist: try not to think of your habits as "good" or "bad." That's not the point. Instead, think about how each one affects your goals in the long run.
With this simple habit scorecard, you'll start to see your habits in a whole new light. And once you're aware of them, you can start making changes for the better. Trust me, it's worth a shot!
Diving Deeper: Evaluating Your Evening Routine
Alright, let's dive into another scenario to put our habit scorecard to the test. After a long day's work, your evening routine kicks in. Here's a peek at what it might look like:
Change into Comfy Clothes
Brush teeth
Take long bath to unwind
Floss teeth
Order take-out for dinner
Climb Into Bed
Eating dinner
Scroll Through Social Media
Catch Up on TV Shows
Set Your Alarm for Tomorrow
Slip Into Pajamas
Read a book or listen to podcast
Now, let's break it down and give each habit a rating:
Change into Comfy Clothes: =
Brushing Teeth: +
Bathroom Break: =
Flossing Teeth: +
Ordering takeout for Dinner: +
Climb into Bed: =
Eating Dinner: =
Checking Social Media: -
Watching TV: -
Setting Alarm: +
Changing into Pajamas: =
Reading book or podcasting: +
Remember, these ratings might shift depending on your goals. Say you're aiming for a healthier dinner plate, with half of it filled with veggies. That could impact how you rate your dinner routine.
Now, onto some reflection:
ASK YOURSELF THIS:
What health and nutrition goals do you have?
Any habits standing in the way?
TRY THIS: Nighttime tune up
Pick a specific part of your evening routine to focus on—it could be your pre-bed activities or maybe your dinner habits. Then, whip out your trusty habit scorecard. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle everything at once. Take it step by step, rating each activity as effective, ineffective, or neutral. Trust us, the insights you'll gain are worth it!
Remember, small things make a big difference.
Comments