Life hacks for lasting change
Over the past year, I have implemented several transformative changes that have pro’foundly impacted my life. This has included joining Toastmasters, participating in a stage performance, and embracing the art of horsemanship. ‘As a result, 2023 has become one of my most successful and fulfilling years.
Inspired to replicate my success this year. Today, I’m excited to share with you my three life hacks designed to create lasting change.
While change can be incredibly rewarding. It requires stepping into the unknown, which can trigger anxiety and fear. It is human nature to view these changes as threats.
To successfully embark on this journey, we need to remove the blockages to make it easy and comfortable.
First, you need to have a plan. Setting any goal without creating a plan to reach it is a recipe for disaster. Planning is a fundamental aspect of achieving goals, acting as a roadmap guiding you towards your desired destination. It provides structure and direction, thereby reducing uncertainty and anxiety. It also fosters a sense of commitment and res’ponsibility, as a well-laid plan serves as a personal promise to yourself.
Imagine being unexpectedly dropped off in the middle of a Mexican desert by helicopter – the very thought might fill you with panic and fear. Yet, contrast this with the excitement and energy you feel when planning a vacation to Mexico. The difference lies in having a plan and set goals. Knowing your destination and what you intend to do transforms anxiety into anticipation and excitement, all because of a plan.
This year, one of the changes that I want to implement is having a morning routine. Before diving into the details, I always set the intention and desired outcomes that I aim to achieve. I was spending too much time aimlessly in the mornings, often without a clear agenda. My goal is to establish a morning routine that will energize my day and kickstart it on a positive note. In addition, a light workout or exercise that boosts my cardiovascular health.
Secondly, Once I have the goals in mind, I break it down into manageable steps and incorporate these tiny changes into my daily routine.
Things in life can seem so far out of reach, can be achieved by breaking them into smaller, more manageable steps. As Desmond Tutu once said “The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.”
Breaking tasks into smaller actions helps lessen the discomfort. Smaller changes don’t cause panic in our brains.
For instance, meditating for just one minute is unlikely to cause anxiety, a 2 hour session probably will. Small actions require minimal time, making it easier to find a few minutes here and there rather than trying to carve out an entire hour from a busy schedule. The less a new action disrupts your current routine, the more sustainable it becomes. The goal is to build momentum by consistently engaging in the new activity daily.
When planning my morning routine, I initially envisioned a three hour hike on trails, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, being dazzled by the views, and sharing laughs with fellow walkers / travellers. Right away, I knew I wasn’t ready for that yet.
Instead, I opted for a more manageable activity: jumping rope, a skill I excelled at during high school. Believing this was more than 80% achievable for me.
On my first day, I managed about 10 jumps before stopping, out of breath and overwhelmed. Yet, I viewed this as a positive start. By the next day, I improved to 20 jumps and within a week, I was up to 100 jumps. Now, my daily goal is 200 jumps in under five minutes.
This brief morning exercise not only warms up my body and energizes me, but it also enhances my mental clarity and focus, kick-starting my day in a positive way.
3rdly,
Celebrating your own success is essential, especially for the small victories in daily life. Each evening, I dedicate 1 to 3 minutes to acknowledge and celebrate my accomplishments in my success journal, no matter how minor they may seem. Whether it’s successfully placing an online purchase, tidying the kitchen counter, or decluttering a box of old documents. I make sure to recognize these efforts.
We’re often overwhelmed by numerous small tasks that typically go unnoticed or unappreciated by others.
You want to be your own cheerleader and always give yourself a pat on the back and remind you how amazing you are.
Acknowledging these daily achievements, big or small, is a crucial step towards self-appreciation and motivation.
Let me conclude by summarising my 3 life hacks for achieving lasting change
No 1 setting your goals,
No 2 breaking into tiny steps
No 3 celebrate your success
If you want your life to change, adopt the changes that will change your life.
