Be alive with step 5

 

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

 

Here we are at the final step in the series “Two weeks to a new, improved you.” I’ve reviewed steps 1-4 (see Step 4 to live more… ) for a recap. Step five is your report card: at the end of 14 days, re-evaluate. You’ll circle the plans you implemented and then revisit step one where you rated the satisfaction of your life, then compare your score to the goal you gave yourself. Had you scored a 5 in your work life and implemented a plan to increase your satisfaction to an 8, yet you did nothing to make it happen? No worries! Simply recommit and re-evaluate yourself in another two weeks. After working on the first four steps, maybe you’re wondering how to even begin. I picked Nov. 1 as my start date but spent most of the day working on step four. Pick a day and, before you know it, your life will have changed in more ways than one.

Do you plan to make any changes?

Making it a habit

[Image credit: Salvatore Vuono]

In Addressing the hard stuff, we focused on the reason(s) why we might possess a certain character flaw.  As we acknowledged, not all habits are detrimental (like my inability to consistently practice punctuality).  But if we take the “icky” labeled selfishness or low self-esteem and work at consciously recognizing when we exhibit these traits, hopefully it will lead to a positive substitute.  In other words: replacing the bad habit with a good one.  For example, if selfishness rears its ugly head when we don’t get our way, perhaps it’s possible to look for a compromise which benefits both parties.  Or, if our sense of worth or identity is threatened, we might voice our concerns at the time instead of stuffing in our feelings or making counterproductive choices.  According to experts, a habit takes at least 21 days to form, good or bad.  Three weeks is nothing to improve ourselves; are you with me?

Is there a positive habit you need to start working on today?