Have you ever tried to break a bad habit or start a good one? It takes time, doesn’t it! During the month of March I’ve decided to take part in a habit building challenge called The Slice of Life as well as continue developing my healthy life style changes by upping my exercise.
I have purposely decided to NOT say I will TRY the blogging challenge and my own exercise challenge.
“When people tell me they will give it a try, I say don’t bother, you have already decided to fail. It takes more than a try, it takes commitment. A commitment is a promise you stick with, no matter what.”
Dr. Joel Fuhrman from Eat to Live pg. 10
Staying accountable to ourselves and others is imperative in developing new habits. For this blogging challenge I am thankful for the support of other bloggers. I was amazed at the number of comments and well wishes I received on my first post. Knowing I have the support will keep me accountable. I am new to this challenge. At first I was afraid I wasn’t following the guidelines correctly, but for me its more about getting back into the blogging habit. My blog has always been about finding the links to real life situations and the field of education as well as provide helpful resources to educators. I will continue to search for those stories, connections and tools.
I am also staying accountable with friends in my exercise journey. One friend and I use the Challenge component of Nike+ Running App (even if we walk instead of run). We started strong in January, but slipped in February. It is time to ramp it up! Spring is just around the corner. Soon it will be time to quit hiding behind layers of clothes.
I have discovered a few apps to help in developing a new habit. I am trying out two of them to determine which I like better. I found them on the Apps Gone Free site. I randomly chose Good Habits and Way of Life to use this month. Both seem to allow the addition of multiple goals/habits. You are able to set when you’d like a reminder and with a simple click you are able if able to record if you accomplished your set goal for the day. I will keep you posted on how I like the apps. How did I ever accomplish goals without apps. (HA!)
What are your personal and professional goals? Set small incremental steps in reaching them. Find ways to stay accountable. Celebrate your successes along the way. Join me in making a positive change in the month of March. How will that change add value to your life? How will it impact others? What will your life be like when that goal becomes a life long habit? As Sean Covey, son of the late Stephen Covey, has said, “We become what we repeatedly do!”
Books about habits:
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
- Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Bigger Results
- Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick
- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
- Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization
- Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard
I agree with the quote you shared about trying and commitments. I do think that the word ‘try’ allows for an easy out; a commitment does not allow for this. If I commit to completing this challenge, I will do it. I look forward to reading more of your inspirational posts as I can see you are committed to completing this challenge, too!
Thanks for the comments! Being committed to a goal is the key. Best wishes in your own journey. I look forward to learning and growing with you!
Kathy
Doing things like this as part of a community helps make it possible to reach our goals. Glad you’re on-board, Kathy!
Thanks, Stacey! A community of writers is just what I need! Thanks for the inspiration & challenge!
Kathy
Welcome. welcome Kathy and we are with you as you take on these important challenges. I have recently taken up swimming. I am loving the new pool at my new gym.
Have fun at the pool. I spend time at the gym as well w/my personal trainer!
Kathy
Thanks for slicing with us, Kathy, and for sharing these cool apps!
Hope the app ideas are useful in your journey!
Kathy