THE Secret to Success

I came across this article in my room that I'd printed out I-don't-know how many years ago, and found something very compelling inside: Brian Tracy's seven essential steps to developing a new habit. And since it seems so many people I know, myself included, are almost always trying to start new, better habits, I figured it would be a great thing to share here for all of us to look at and apply!

1. Make a firm decision. If you decide to exercise each morning, for example, when your alarm goes off, immediately get up and put on your exercise clothes. Don't give yourself an opportunity to procrastinate. (So guilty of this every morning I have the chance.)

2. Never allow an exception. Excuses and rationalizations destroy new habits in their infancy. Perform the new behavior religiously until it becomes automatic.

3. Tell others. You become more disciplined and determined when you know others are watching to see if you have the willpower to follow through.

4. Visualize your behavior. Imagine yourself acting as though you already have the new habit. (Manifest Destiny)

5. Create an affirmation. Mental repetition increases compliance. Tell yourself something like, "I get up and get moving immediately at 6:00 each morning."

6. Resolve to persist. Keep at it until you reach the point where it actually feels uncomfortable not doing what you promised you'd do.

7. Reward yourself. Rewards reinforce behavior. You begin to associate the pleasure of the payoff with the new actions themselves.

Taken from: "The One True Secret of Success" by Alexander Green

What habits do you have now that seemed like they'd never be at one point?

For me an example that jumps to mind is flossing my teeth. Now I feel really uncomfortable if I don't floss at night, and I darn near cannot even go to bed if I haven't brushed my teeth!

What habits do you want to see stick in your life?

For me, daily yoga, prayer, and meditation time. As I write this, I'm currently on Day 27 in a row on my mat! That hasn't happened in a very, very long time! (Yay, so proud of myself, really!)

As well as returning to just living a healthy lifestyle, versus indulging in overly-processed and fattening foods that have little good energy to give me.

Another habit I'd love to have: reading every single day. I do read something every day, but I'd love to see myself sit with intention with a book or novel for at least an hour a day, even if it's spread out.

Study something every day that interests me. Yoga, the Bible, positive living, cooking, the body, nutrition, massage, health, the world, language, there are so many things I'm interested in and want to learn/know. The only way is to decide that each day I'm going to learn a little about something!

WRITE MORE! Oh my gosh, how long have I wanted to have a successful blog and publish books? For yearsssssss! Literally cannot happen if I don't write outside my journal at least 3-5 days/week! Blast!

Turning to God in every single moment, and trusting Him with everything. Letting go of control, and just relaxing into trusting Him. Super easy to do when I'm traveling and in another country, seemingly impossible when I'm at home living the day-to-day.

What affirmations can you use to solidify these new habits we totally, already, definitely have? (See what I did there?)

"Every day I do at least six sun salutations." (The affirmation I've been using, and it's been working!) "Every day I sit in silence and let God speak to me." "Every day I pray."

"I consciously choose foods that are aligned with what my body actually wants and needs."

"I love to read so much, I read something every day!"

"I love to learn and want to know new things. I love to study about something new each day!"

"I am a writer! I write outside of my journal three days a week."

"I trust You, Jesus. I give you all control."

What habits do you want to break?

CURSING. But oh how I love the sh-- word! Gawsh!

And eating dairy that's not artisan/from a friendly farm. It doesn't even sit well in my body, I just love to eat nice cheeses! And truffle mac 'n cheese. Dear Lord I love anything with truffles! (Will not be breaking my truffle-eating habit though.)

Stopping judgmental and critical thoughts is another I'd like to see stopped. Just release myself from thoughts that have no benefit to my spirit or the energy around me.

There are a SLEW of other things that could fall here, but I figure: by focusing on adapting new, great habits, the old ones I am not so fond of/don't serve me and my Higher Purpose will naturally fade and be replaced.

In order to break "bad habits," affirmations can be used, too. So...

"I speak kind, gentle words that the Lord takes delight in."

"I consciously choose foods that serve me."

"I see the good in everyone and everything. I focus on the light, and gravitate towards it. There is beauty in everything and everyone, and I love them because they are a child of God. I consciously choose thoughts that serve me and those around me."

I'd love to read your answers, after all, what else is a comment section for than gettin all interactive-wit-it? ;)

E P I C blessings, love, light & wonder to aaaallll yaaaallll!

(Southern influence could be coming from the fact MY LITTLE SISTER GOT ENGAGED this week, and we're all heading to her fiance's hometown in ALABAMA for the wedding next summer. Who knows...

Yeah, casual drop.)

AllieSun :)