“If you believe you can change—if you make it a habit—the change becomes real.”
Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
During a companywide event early last year, I was introduced to “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business.” At the time, I was overwhelmed with the idea of taking relatively simple steps toward changing my daily routine. There were so many things I wanted to change. How could I choose just one? Life was too busy to add anything else to my plate.
Excuses led to more excuses. A fear of failing at trying to change too much in my life meant I didn’t try to change anything at all. The year went on, and the world changed around me with the pandemic. My habits stayed the same.
By December, facing the winter doldrums, I was ready to dive back in. I downloaded the audiobook and took notes. This time, I had one focus: to improve my health and clear my mind, I wanted to do just 30 minutes of exercise, every day. Using the tips in the book, I was able to find the time for it and add the new habit in a manageable way. Now, five months later, I am proud to say I haven’t missed a day of my goal since Jan. 1.
I don’t share this to brag, but to offer you hope, insight, and a resource into how you can inspire change in your daily routine, especially during the pandemic, when so many variables may be throwing your established habits off track. Whether your goals are health-related like mine, or for professional development, knowing how to manage the smallest routines in your day can be a key to success.
As PR professionals, many of you may wake up and read the news with your coffee or listen to it while you work out. Imagine if you spent just an extra 10 minutes before or after that morning routine listening to a TED Talk, cleaning out your inbox, or sending a note to an old friend via LinkedIn. Now, imagine doing that every day, for five months, and how you could benefit from the incremental change.
For me, 30 minutes a day is already resulting in better health outcomes, a clearer mind, and much-needed time for myself to relax and recharge as a working mom.
What could a new habit do for you?