Simplify

When it comes to establishing healthy habits I have found that I create more anxiety for myself when I start to think about all the habits that I haven’t been doing but I know I should be doing in order to be the best version of myself. I then, sometimes, start to have some pretty negative dialogue with myself, like beating myself up is somehow going to inch myself closer to who I want to be. The best remedy for this sick cycle is to simplify your goals, or who you are at your best.

My mom is the person who introduced me to this concept after a conversation that was comprised of me explaining everything I wasn’t doing right. She told me to think of two habits I invest time in that make me happier, or set me up to have a have a productive day. I told her that walking in the morning right after I wake up, and journaling/writing are two habits that make me feel like I am being productive. I had a realization that I had this idea in my head that productive people are constantly on the go, only spending time on habits that put them in a better spot than they were yesterday. I had this image of myself that was defined by societal norms, what I saw on social media, and what I assumed successful people did everyday. In all reality, ten minutes could be the difference in you feeling productive or lazy when your head hits the pillow.

Another realization I had during this conversation with my mom was that focusing on just two habits leads to a greater likelihood of investing time in other healthy habits. For example, making a smoothie is one habit my mom invests time in everyday, and every time she makes a smoothie she is much more likely to take her supplements. It’s almost as if establishing these simple habits leaves you feeling accomplished, putting you in a headspace that makes it easier to be productive, however you define that.

Do you want to read more? Start by reading one page before you go to bed, and I bet you read more than one page. Do you want to be more active? Start with going on a 10 minute walk everyday, and slowly you will want walk more often and longer. Do you want to deepen your relationships? Start by sending one text message that could be as simple as “I hope you’re doing well,” and that one text might turn into a phone call.

In a society that is defined by having results right now, be uncommon. Start small and slow, and the fruits of your hard work will be sweeter in the end.

With Love,

Luke