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Developing the right habits is essential if you want to change your situation. Doing the same things that you are currently doing will get you nowhere. You must change your mindset, which includes developing new habits. If you are having trouble developing new habits, remember this question. What matters more?
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Developing The Right Habits For You
A great story to illustrate this point comes from the late, great Kobe Bryant. He was being interviewed by a reporter who questioned him about what time he woke up. When Kobe told him he woke up at 3 AM to get to the gym at 4 AM, the reporter was stupefied. Why so early? He asked. Kobe replied because my competitor gets to the gym at 5 AM.
The reporter couldn’t believe Kobe would wake up so early. He said, don’t you like to sleep? I know I do. Kobe didn’t reply, so the reporter asked him if this was a trait with which he was born. Did his father wake up early? Kobe replied, no. Then how do you get up so early, he asked? Calmly, Kobe responded, it comes down to what matters more.
What matters more, sleep or winning? For Kobe, it was winning. He developed the habit of waking up early so he could get in more practice time than his opponents. Whatever type of person you want to become, you must develop new habits. If you desire to be a great athlete, research the habits of great athletes. Are you an artist? Then research habits of great artists. Here is a post about the habits of the wealthy.
It Is Not Easy
Developing the right habits is difficult. You must be consistent in practicing these new habits. It takes 21 days in a row before a habit will start to form. Some days are going to be more difficult than others. When you go through these days, ask yourself, what matters more?
Changing your routine means getting out of that zone of comfort you are currently living in. For example, most successful people wake up early. Just like Kobe, they want to take advantage of every minute of the day. But sleeping is good, and your bed is oh so comfy. You are safe and warm in your bed.
You feel so good that it is simple to close your eyes and go back to sleep. At that moment, ask yourself, what matters more? Becoming the person you want to be or going back to sleep? By getting up, you have time to read, meditate, exercise, journal, etc. One decision will change your lifestyle, while the other will keep you where you’re at in life. What matters more?
The Great Irene
Look at my post about the heroic deeds of Irene Sendler. Irene risked her life during World War II by smuggling Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto. For Irene, what mattered more, was the lives of innocent children over her life.
Are you happy where you are at this point in your life? If not, you must change and begin stretching your comfort zone. Get a little comfortable being uncomfortable. Begin your change by researching and developing the habits of the person you want to become. If you want to improve your relationship, develop habits of people in good relationships. Do you want to be wealthy? Research the habits of rich people. If it becomes difficult to change, remember to ask yourself, what matters more?
Scott, what a wonderful post filled with truth and wisdom! Hearing about Kobe’s dedication, and most definitely Irene’s calling, are motivations. I’ve always been an early riser. I really do believe that the inconveniences and uncomfortable times in my life have led to growth–and way closer to God’s will. I no longer fear change! But the habits that I’ve instilled that keep me moving forward are the ones I’ll keep focused on! Thank you again for the motivation! May you and yours stay blessed and healthy!🤍
Thank you, Karla. It is wonderful to hear how well you are doing. It is all a process. Diamonds form under pressure. 🤗❤️
You’re welcome, Scott! I’m facing challenges~but much better prepared than before. Aww, diamonds. Yes! ♥️
[…] Developing The Right Habits […]
It’s not easy for sure but once we get in the habit we are golden. I’m trying something new right now Scott and that is to let some of my usual routines and habits go that truly feed me but with my schedule so full the only way I can write my book is to let go of something else.. right now it feels right.. we’ll see.. thanks for a great post! 🙏👏
In order to accomplish something great we have to sacrifice other things. If it feels right it’s the right thing. I look forward to reading your book.
I am in the preliminary stage of writing a book. It definitely takes time.
Love this post, as it pushes me right out of my comfort zone into the current of change! I benefit from balance and love that I must stumble to keep rebalancing in face of change. Life is a dance. Fluidity, even in routine, is important. 🙂
Thank you, Jaya. I appreciate your beautiful and thoughtful words. “Life is a dance,” is a wonderful way to look at it. ❤️🤗 Scott
Habits have always served me well. Great post, Scott! 🙂
Thank you, Cheryl. ❤️🤗🙏
Habits have always served me well. Great post, Scott. 🙂
I object to the idea that getting up early makes you more successful. Getting 8 hours of continuous sleep anytime makes better sense. I also don’t like the connotation of the word habit. Our mind for change is not such a robotic mechanism in my view.
You bring up some good points. I appreciate your insight.
One little step, with the right mindset, leads to bigger D bigger steps walking the path we want, not just the path we happen to be on.
Thanks for reading and your insightful comments. Keep creating.