The Secret to Success (part 2)

The decisions we make on a daily basis shape who we are and represent what we value. Good habits make it easy for us to make good choices. And a lifetime of good choices results in satisfaction and success. So, how do we develop good habits or change bad ones? Below are some solid ideas to help us overcome bad habits and begin good habits.

Write

A great first step is to either write down the habit we want to create or break. When we write things down, it is easier for us to visualize and internalize what we want. Putting it on paper makes our thoughts and desires tangible. Once written down, we should place the list in a prominent location that we will see often to help remind us. We should also write down all the potential benefits of developing a good habit or the potential harm of not stopping a bad habit. This exercise will help us think and reflect on the impact our actions have and motivate us to change.

Track

Develop a way to track progress. Whether it is simply making an “X” on a calendar, or using a more sophisticated or formalized tool, we must track our progress in developing or stopping habits. Tracking is an easy way to help us know if we are being successful or not.

Trend

Once we begin tracking our progress, we then can begin to trend. This means each week and each month we review how we are doing to see if we are improving from the previous weeks and months. If we are not improving, we must come up with new strategies and a new plan to improve. If we have a positive trend, we can feel good about what we are accomplishing and celebrate.

Plan

Develop a daily plan or routine. As much as possible, set a specific time each day to work on your habit. If your habit is to write a thank-you letter each day to someone who deserves your appreciation, set aside a specific time to accomplish it. Don’t let chance or lack of planning, or a lack of energy at the end of the day prevent you from developing or breaking a habit. Plan it in to your day and stick to it!

Strategize

Develop goals and time lines. Think about and develop a plan on how and when you hope to completely break or establish a habit. In your plan, start slowly if necessary to build up confidence until you gradually reach your goal.

Ask

Ask friends and families members to help. Tell them your goals and the habits you want to develop or break, and then ask them for their support and encouragement. A strong support group can go a long way in helping us be successful.

Report

Ask a friend or someone you trust to call you each night to see how you did that day. Tell them to hold you accountable to your plan and your goals. When we know we will be reporting to someone on how we are doing each day, it will motivate us to reach our goals.

Good daily choices is the secret to success, and though simple, these suggestions will work! As we learn to replace bad habits with good ones, success will come as a natural result. Good luck!