Have you ever heard of a very simple concept which suggests that if we adopt a particular habit, that habit will enable us to change many more things in our lives?
How many of you have noticed that if, on a particular day, for whatever reason, you were to do something that you hadn’t previously done as a matter of routine – such as going for a run in the morning before work, or, for example, at the weekend, instead of staying in bed dozing a little longer, you got up quickly and went for a cycle or a long walk – that on that very same day, you’d be far more likely to eat a healthier, more nutritious lunch?
But does the link between these two events actually make any sense? How could an action taken early in the morning subsequently, in some way, significantly influence other choices we made throughout the day, as well as on the days that followed?
Well, that basic habit we’ve adopted – such as going for a run this morning – is an action that seems irrationally daunting to us. And why is it daunting, you might ask? Well, let’s imagine that we’re not the sort of person who runs naturally. Just the thought of doing something causes a certain inner unease. And this happens because there’s an image, one we’ve formed of ourselves, of something that isn’t exactly what we’re most comfortable doing. It’s something we fear, either because we’re not good at it, or because we can’t imagine ourselves ever doing it.
But that’s exactly where the magic lies!
When we suddenly start doing something that seemed irrationally frightening on a regular basis, our mind eventually gets used to it. The image we previously had of ourselves being unable to carry out that activity or action gradually fades away.
And something that was scary just a few weeks ago ceases to be so. We start to see ourselves as better people – more confident, more athletic, more active, and with a greater zest for life. All of this obviously influences our attitude and the choices we make throughout the day.
It’s these habits that make all the difference. Any habit or routine has the power to take root within us. The benefit lies in viewing that action as something that doesn’t immediately appeal to us – something that causes us a little discomfort.
Once it becomes something that’s not particularly difficult to do, it no longer has the same effect of fostering good routines and bringing about 180-degree changes in our lives.
Recently, in a post by mipiano, she spoke about the wonderful habit of swimming. And that was one of the habits I’ve taken up very recently. When I was a teenager, I was learning to swim when, suddenly, my right shoulder dislocated. Of course, the pain was excruciating… But the worst pain came afterwards. The fear of it dislocating again was overwhelming. I never wanted to swim again, because as it involved a posterior circumduction movement of the scapulohumeral joint, it led to a tremendous fear that the episode would happen again.
And this happened, even though I only learnt to swim when I was over 15, I think. This was because, although I love the water and have great respect for the sea, I never venture beyond where I can touch the bottom; the open sea was something that frightened me, despite its beauty.
So a few months ago, I decided I simply couldn’t go on without learning to swim. I decided to add the extra monthly fee for pool access to my usual gym membership fee. And I can tell you I don’t regret it one bit.
Just today, I had a lesson. It’s always a relaxing moment – not whilst we’re actually there, mind you, as the class is quite a work-out, and in terms of cardio, it’s an excellent exercise. I’d go so far as to say I’m much more knackered than after the weight training sessions I do in the gym.
And this new habit I’ve picked up has led me to try and change my eating habits a little too. These days, I take a more disciplined approach to my meals. I don’t see them as obligations that have to be eaten at specific times of the day. I just try to avoid eating carbohydrates and stick to one meal a day.
I can say that I feel really good. One of these days I’ll write a bit about this change I’ve made to my daily routine.
What about you? What was the last key change in your routine that triggered a whole cascade of other positive changes in your life?
Image by Cecilie G from Pixabay
Original text written by 
