Creating Productive Habits

They say it takes 30 days to create a habit.  When the behaviour is detrimental to our happiness the time generated seems much less.  Correcting it with a more productive routine can feel like an eternity before any progress is made.  What is needed is perseverance and fortitude.  We forget that the destructive actions were forged over time.  Doing things (whether good or bad) once, does not a habit make.

The difference is that most bad habits consist of guilty pleasures.  And while they are steeped in enjoyment they are also harmful to our overall health and wellbeing.  So how does one create a more productive habit?

The answer is simple.  The same way a wicked practise is forged.  The distinction, of course, is in the attitude.  Finding the positive alternative must be a personal choice.  Trying to quit smoking?  Switch that activity with a positive substitute.  One that you find as pleasurable ad filling your lungs with poisonous toxins.  Use your imagination to label the awful conduct as odious.  Then brand the new practise as being so gratifying you will want to continue with it.

I know the simplicity of this brings out the contrariness in most.  If it were so easy no one would indulge in bad habits.  Changing is as easy or hard as one wants to believe it to be.  Being certain it is hard is really an excuse to carry on yielding to the bad behaviour.  Sometimes our very identity will be threatened by such a change.

The truth is, whatever modifications made will also become who you are.  No one has to remain in a negative place.  Living, growing and learning are all part of our experience on earth.  We all know the things we should do.  Taking a stand and actively moving in the direction of personal improvement is within reach.

To create those productive habits, one has to take up the challenge and lay out a plan for themselves.  Then implement, make it fun and enjoy.

Staying Motivated

The most difficult part of any endeavour, regardless of how much you want it, is remaining motivated to see it through.  There are some people who are beginners.  They never finish the projects started.  Being all fired up at the outset gets things in motion but the plodding along on the daily grind wears down the end result.  Unfortunately, all is forgotten as something new comes along.

This is a sure fire way to accomplish nothing.  Having the perseverance to see an undertaking to the end must become a habit.  Giving up is not an option.  As Churchill said, ‘Never give up.  Never give up.  Never give up.’

So how does one stay motivated in order to attain goals?  Daily visualization will work.  The down side of that is it can be just as monotonous as the target being sought.

I shall share a remedy that occurred to me while out for a walk one day.  ‘Many of us humans are a stubborn lot.’  (I know I can be.).  In the past, I have stubbornly talked myself out of things and used that quality to self sabotage.

Now stubbornness is not a trait most people aspire to.  In fact, because it is used in such a ‘destructive’ fashion it is frowned upon.  Yet, there is no reason one can not turn that around and use the obstinacy for a better resolution.  Instead of being ‘stubbornly destructive’ why not be ‘stubbornly constructive’.

This realization made my head spin a little.  Could it be done?  Could one actually use this characteristic for good?  And apply it to improve one’s lot?

Admitting to routinely not giving an inch when being proven wrong must have redeeming properties.  If holding on to such trivial mindsets are possible, why not be as tenacious regarding a positive outcome/goal for your life?

It may take time to make the switch from hard-headed destruction to laser-focused construction but it can be done.  If you possess this temperament adopt a superior outlook.

Construction not destruction!

Build not destroy!

Be stubbornly positive!