Habit Building and Stacking - An Art

Hey all, so sorry I missed last week. The past few weeks have been pretty crazy. I started a new job, working to create and manage a successful sleepwear business, and last but most certainly not least, wedding plan. Not only that but our English Cream Golden, Boomer, had to have a growth on his paw removed this morning. Turns out that is a pretty extensive surgery, but it all went well. Enough about me. Let’s get back on track with our topic this week. I thought it was only fitting that we talk next about habits.

There are many perspectives on habits, each offering valuable insights into our daily lives and personal growth. As we go through life, many of us, myself included, find it essential to unlearn bad habits while fostering new, beneficial ones. The science behind habit formation suggests that it can take anywhere from 21 to 60 days to instill a new practice into our routines.

To start on this transformative journey, it is crucial to begin with small, manageable changes that boost our confidence. These small yet significant adjustments create a foundation for more substantial shifts in behavior. Picture waking up just five minutes earlier each day; a seemingly easy act, yet it can lead to a more composed morning. Similarly, committing to a workout schedule of three times a week can gradually enhance not only physical fitness but also emotional resilience. Punctuality, like arriving at work on time, is another habit that can significantly positively affect our professional lives and overall stress levels.

Creating a habit is just the beginning; it serves as a foundational step from which you can create additional positive behaviors through habit stacking. This strategy not only enhances productivity but also transforms mundane tasks into a more fulfilling experience.
For instance, consider your gym routine. Starting with a self-help podcast while on the stair master not only makes the workout more engaging but also effectively utilizes that time for personal growth. After completing your cardio, transitioning to weight training seamlessly integrates with the audio learning, keeping you motivated and focused.

Next, you can relax in a 15-minute sauna session while reading a captivating book. By doing this, you create a rewarding conclusion to your workout. This strategic layering of activities ensures that even the less enjoyable tasks are completed with a sense of purpose and anticipation for the reward that follows.

By making the final experience—a moment of retreat and relaxation—more desirable, you reinforce your commitment to the entire stack of habits. As a result, you create a routine that feels less like a chore and more like a journey towards well-being and self-improvement. Embrace this method, and you’ll find that maximizing your time leads to a more enriched and motivated lifestyle.

Remember, cultivating new habits is not merely a task; it’s a journey that begins with a single, intentional step.

XOXO,

Jeslee :)