It’s 4:30 am and I am running around the house making sure it is CLEAN and TIDY before I leave for the day. No dishes left out, clothes put away, bed made and all the counters clear.
My house just went on the market and I have to keep it looking good enough for Martha Stewart. While I’m not a messy person- trust me – this has caused me to STRETCH into some new HABITS.
In my dreams, I have always wanted to be able to keep my home in the kind of shape where I could entertain at the drop of a hat.
But I have this annoying habit of starting a project and then getting excited about the next thing, and not quite putting away the initial stuff before moving on. And there always seems to be a pile of papers on the counter.
Until now……
Knowing a realtor could drop in with a prospective buyer by at a moment’s notice, I have kicked it into gear.
Whatever I do, I pick up after myself right away. No more – “I’ll look at that later” or “The dishes can wait.” The drill sergeant is right behind me commanding, “NOW!”
And I LOVE IT! It feels good to have the house and yard beautiful and in perfect order- it’s almost like coming home to a resort.
Now the nagging question…
“Will I be able to keep this up when my house is sold?”
“Will my own motivation be ENOUGH?”
I certainly want to. I have the intention to. It would be great if I could…….
But can I?
All this has me thinking more than usual about what helps us stay committed to a new change – for the long haul. We start out with lots of enthusiasm for our goal, but too often we fall back into our old habits. You shouldn’t have to sell your house to change a habit.
Once you commit to making a change there are lots of ways you can support your decision. Here are some tips I have found helpful:
1. When you want to make a change, don’t just wish things were different – “I wish I could lose #15 pounds” – make a step-by-step plan of how you are going to achieve this goal.
2. Replace any negative pattern you are trying to stop with a new pattern that has payoff for you. If you want to cut down on junk food, have healthy alternatives already picked out and available.
3. Commit to the new habit for 30 days. You don’t have to commit to forever (unless you chose to), but give the habit a fair chance for you to be able to see the positive effects.
4. Write down all the benefits of making the positive change and keep reminding yourself of why this is important to you.
5. Find a way to put some external pressure on yourself. Tell a friend you will donate $$ to their favorite charity if you don’t keep your commitment. Have someone who knows of your intentions help you stay accountable. Tie your goal into a future event, such as a triathelon or class reunion.
For more tips on making a habit stick, click here.
What positive habit would you love to incorporate in your life?
Latest Posts
Find what you're looking for:
Popular Categories:
Career Change | Career Enhancement | Job Search | Personal Development