Discipline and Routines

I wanted to come back to my thoughts on routines and creating positive behaviors. Creating a routine is difficult, especially when it’s something you don’t necessarily love: exercise, eating healthy, financial responsibility. At the end of last year I committed to journaling. And I started the new year with no alcohol, exercising, daily meditation and a better sleep schedule. Why not right? But why? I chose journaling and meditation for my mental well being, the last few years have been a lot. Pandemic, new baby, relocating, new challenging job, April adjusting to being a stay at home mom. So I needed an avenue for the stress and anxiety. No alcohol to support April in her own journey and for my physical health. Better sleep because I have struggled with insomnia for a long time and sleep walking. Running daily with the battery on empty, and struggling to enjoy the end of the day with April and the kids. And exercise, well honestly, I don’t have a goal yet. I’m committed to the process, 7 weeks in.

So where is all that going, how am I going to keep this all up? A routine on average is 66 days for something to be routine. I’m 20 days left and I can’t say it’s anymore automatic. Many of my 5 am mornings are me driving myself out of bed through sheer discipline. I don’t want to break the streak. The excuses are endless, 5 more minutes of sleep won’t hurt. Can I find a shorter guided meditation, anything under 4 minutes?… My body hurts, what’s skipping one day. The mental struggle is always there. And discipline will get you so far, but eventually inertia wins. It’s a law of physics, I can’t win against the physical world and Newton. For me it’s a combination of things to set up the win: determination, the streak of wins, routines from habit, support system and sheer positive results - ripped core…. #swole

The path through this year is still unknown, if only I could glimpse into the future. But I’m committed to improving to being better than when I began. So what’s your plan or goal? Was it financial prudence but now your tax refund is within sight. Stay committed. Stay diligent. The world is full of distractions begging you to keep up with the Joneses but will you be anymore fulfilled emotionally, mentally or physically with the new thing in your life. Yes, I’m selling something like everything and everyone else out there. But the cost to connect for advice is free. I’m not here to judge or showcase a superior path, I struggle just like you. I’m offering a second look, an outside perspective on your finances or something else going on in your life. Take it or leave it, no bullshit. Truth because I want to help.