The Habit Collective Blog April Part Two

What If I Want to Break a Bad Habit?

First, I would advise that you change the language used when talking about habits.  They are simply routine behaviors.  By taking away the "good/bad" stigma associated with them, habits are much easier to manage.  So, lets start by revising our question to "what if I want to break an existing habit?"  There, that already sounds easier!

Here is a 3 step process to breaking an existing habit:

1. Identify the WHY - Ask yourself why you want to break this habit.  Understanding the impact the habit has on us or others can help with our motivation.
2. Brainstorm the SWAP - Come up with at least 5 new behaviors you can do instead of this existing behavior.  When you take the FREE 5 Day Tiny Habits Program, there is a section of downloads and I have a brainstorming exercise you can also take for free.
3. Create a Tiny Habits Recipe for the new behavior you choose to make a habit.  Not sure how to create a Tiny Habits Recipe, or even what a Tiny Habit Recipe is?  Then TAKE THE FREE 5 DAY TINY HABITS PROGRAM!  Yes, I am shouting here.  No, it isn't because I am trying to sell you something.  The program is 100% FREE.  This is what I do and is a way I contribute back to my community.  Your habits create your life, and I want you to have an awesome life.  That starts with awesome habits.  Click HERE to join the program.

Group Coaching Schedule - Sign Up is Open NOW!

You can find the schedule below at the end of the blog, but make sure you sign up soon because I have a surprise giveaway planned for the first class.  Also, take the FREE 5 Day Tiny Habits Program and get a $10 off coupon on your first month.  Click HERE to sign up. 

Habit Tips to Live By - Clarify Your Aspiration

In my 5 Day Tiny Habit Program, we talk about the difference between goals and aspirations and why an aspiration is more powerful than a goal.  This is because an aspiration is all about who are you becoming, so when you create a habit and do that habit, you are doing it to become the kind of person associated with your aspiration.  Say for example your aspiration is to become physically fit.  And then say you create a tiny habit of walking 10 minutes a day.  When you do that habit, you are doing what a physically fit person does.  And the more you identify with that person, the more you will do the habit.  Pretty soon walking 10 minutes becomes walking 30 minutes and then maybe even running.  Regardless of what habit you choose, think about the ultimate person you want to become in doing those habits and you will feel a motivational surge.  And remember, always pair that with an immediate celebration when you are doing the habit or right afterward.  This is what wires it into your brain.

The Collective Collection

I am NOT an affiliate of any of these products.  I just use them and think they are cool.

This is a section where I highlight some of my favorite items related to Health. Wealth. Happiness and Home

Health - Calm App

We really underestimate the power of sleep on our health and wellbeing.  Creating habits that help us sleep are some of the most important habits we will ever create.  I am in LOVE with the Calm app.  It has meditations, music and podcasts but what I use every single night are the Sleep Stories.  Listening to a man with a delightful accent tell me a story about taking a train ride through scenic Norway is priceless.  I usually don't make it past the first 5 minutes of a story so my poor husband is left listening to the remainder of the story on his own because he likes to surf the internet before bed.

Wealth - @herfirst100K

This one isn't so much a product as it is someone I follow on Instagram.  Even though money is a serious issue, Tori doesn't take herself too seriously and so in addition to giving very wise advice on all things financial, she is also entertaining.  Whether you follow her advice or not, her view of spending money on the things you care about, and not the things you don't, really hits home.  Warning - she drops some language so don't have the littles around when playing any of her videos.

Happiness - Keep Your Love On

When relationships are healthy, we are happier.  Taking practical steps (aka habits) to improve our relationships will have a profound impact on our lives.  Whether you choose to listen to this on Audible (he has the best speaking voice), read it on Kindle, or check it out at your nearest library, it is a MUST read.  Note - Danny Silk is a pastor so often refers to God in his book.  Regardless of your beliefs, he is fairly subtle with it and there is still so much wisdom in here that I recommend it to anyone.

Home - Inflatable Bed

Whether it's with a significant other, your girlfriends or a solo date, this one is a blast.  Inflate your mini pool in the room of your choice (or outside), find a great movie, audio book or soundtrack, and feel like you are on vacation.  We will ours with pillows and comfy blankets (yes that is our living room).  You can't go wrong with making date night a weekly habit.