Get off the struggle bus
Take a look at the list of behaviors below while considering one form of effort you’ve committed to over the years. Not perfectly, although you kept to it. Which list mostly pairs with that experience?
Clapping…cringing
Gifting…withholding
Grace…disgrace
High-fives…no fives
Hugging…distancing
Laughing…scowling
Praising….shaming
Noticing…silencing
Now, comparatively, bring to mind effort that feels like you’re riding the struggle bus - sometimes you’d put the effort in, yet most often not. Which behavior list is closer to that experience?
Commitments feel less safe on a journey with the behaviors on the right. The left list attracts a sense of vitality to buckle up for the long haul. The ride would be more joyful paired up to those behaviors. Similarly, positive feelings within you can be helpful for transforming effort into a lasting habit.
There’s a formula to focus on that style of effort: do an existing habit >>> do an easy action >>> do a celebratory gesture. Let’s break that down into three steps:
What’s a task you do daily? And do it well? This is something you feel confident and enjoy as a ritual. This functions as the pair for your easy action.
Do your easy, simple, clear and concrete action immediately after your enjoyable ritual (step #1.) This functions as a reminder that positively influences you.
What sense of encouragement do you prefer? That expresses worth? Hint: the left behavior list. Choose a celebratory form to do immediately after you complete your action (step #2.) This functions to build a deeper connection and trust within yourself.
There’s no getting around the fact that effort is mental, physical, and soulful work. Pair it up. Scale it down. Celebrate it! Positive emotions validate situations as meaningful and fulfilling. This legendary hack transforms health.
