There is a striking similarity between our adjustment to new seasons, schedules and environsand the process we put in place to grow intellectually and spiritually. We come to a point where remaining static or stationary in our learning or growing is distasteful, at least, unbearable at most. We know that change is needed, but do we know how to bring about that change? Can we solve the problem on our own? Will a trip to the self-help section of the library or bookstore move us ahead? Perhaps.
I offer up these few suggestions from my own experience in the hope that they will serve you well in your journey to growth.
- First, know what you hope to accomplish through change and discipline. Attempting a new discipline or habit without desired outcome(s) in mind is futile and foolish. In other words, know what your destination is before you plan your journey there. Let me explain. I'm feeling somewhat achy and lethargic. It's not because I'm ill. It's because I'm overweight. I want to feel better physically, having more energy, not to mention having a better self-image. Thus, I am ready to map out a plan to achieve the weight loss in order to accomplish these goals.
- Second, engage disciplines that will best bring about the desired outcomes. In other words, pick the best vehicle and fuel to get you to your destination. We'll stick with my weight loss as our example. I've now spoken with my physician about my weight and received a recommendation for cardio and strength training, as well as adjusting my intake in order to battle the bulge. Knowing my desired outcome of weighing less, feeling better physically and mentally, I heed the words of my trainer and my doctor, "Move more. Eat Less." I've established a doable goal of working out at the fitness center for no less than 1 hour each time. Partnering this discipline with making sure my meals are balanced, with appropriate portions & no snacking after 7 PM and I'm headed in the right direction.
- Share your plan with someone. In sharing your plan, your process and your desired outcome with someone, you increase the likelihood that you will proceed with the journey. I recommend sharing this plan with a trusted friend, spouse, partner, or counselor/coach. These are people that we know and they know us well enough to question why we are deviating from our plan if we start to falter. Going back to my weight loss, I told my wife, son and daughter about my desire to lose 40 - 50 pounds and my plan for doing so. I explained why I wanted to lose weight and they agreed with my goal and plans. There is no one less forgiving or more strict than a five year old who knows her daddy isn't doing what he said he'd do. This positive peer pressure/accountability is helping me to succeed (I've lost 25 pounds. I'm half way there).
- Celebrate/Commemorate your successes. In other words, if you want your healthy discipline to become a habit, you must positively reinforce the results of the discipline. Sometimes the feeling of fulfillment is sufficient, but most of the time, if we want the disciplines employed to accomplish our goal to remain a habit for us, our brain requires a deeper/greater acknowledgment for what has been accomplished. In fact, many times mini-celebrations all along the path to success will help insure the discipline becomes habit. My journey to greater health and lesser girth is experiencing these mini-celebrations by little victory dances with my daughter. She supervises my weigh in and then cheers and dances with me when I've achieved more weight loss. Please note that celebrating victory does not include the breaking of the discipline or habit employed to achieve the victory.
djt
