Changing a habit without trying!

Walking my dogs the other day, I was amazed that 6am exercise was a daily happening! In the past I had contemplated an earlier start to enjoy the morning air, however the thought of ‘trying’ to get up earlier and find ways for that to happen – felt against my natural body rhythm.

I realised (with the help of Bubbles our new family dog) I had changed my old habit by replacing it with a behaviour of greater enjoyment and importance. My previous resistance to early starts seemed to fade without too much fuss or effort.

I see this approach of achieving something you actually desire without giving it attention as quite powerful.

Often the very fact you try so hard and focus intensely, creates the difficulty!

I thought about some common Christmas behaviours that could benefit from this approach.

For example drinking a glass of water between drinks as opposed to ‘trying’ to drink less alcohol – where you reinforce what you are doing ‘I am including a glass of water between drinks’, with no reference to drinking less.

Or chewing food thoroughly (they say around 20 chews per mouthful!) as opposed to ‘trying’ to eat less- where you say ‘I’m enjoying chewing my food’, without reference to eating less.

Or giving yourself 5 minutes of peace and silence as opposed to ‘trying’ to stop the stress – where you say ‘I’m giving myself some time for peace’.

Or perhaps purchasing a special meaningful gift as opposed to ‘trying’ not to spend too much for presents – where you say ‘I’m giving thoughtful treasures as gifts this year’.

This may be a worthwhile approach to help shape other areas of your life. It becomes another useful tool for your life creation.  Give it a go to see how it works for you…

If you would like to find out more or contribute examples to this approach, feel free to register your comments.

Regards Tricia