Have you tried to create change in your life only to fall short? Maybe you want to live with less stuff. Perhaps you’re trying to lose weight. Or maybe you want to learn a new skill. The reason you may fall short is simple. You have not created a habit. And how do you create a habit? It’s simple. Practice!
I started playing music as a kid. I’ve kept playing music as an adult. I practice music. That’s why I improve as a musician. Doctors practice medicine. Dancers practice dance. If we want to become skilled at something, we have to practice. The same goes for lifestyle changes.
How Practice Leads To Positive Change
When we want to change our habits, we have to treat a new habit like a passionate hobby or a profession. We must practice. Here are a few examples:
- Minimalism: Nobody becomes a minimalist overnight. In fact, I highly recommend that you begin your minimalist journey slowly and intentionally. If you jump right into it, you’re less likely to stick with it. Just practice buying less and giving more. In time it will become a lifestyle habit.
- Vegetarianism: My daughter decided she didn’t want to eat meat. I figured she’d cave in after a few days or a couple weeks. But she continues to practice not eating meat. It’s a daily decision.
- Meditation: I don’t do true mediation. I do make a point to make room for quiet time and focus on breathing. This habit helps to relieve stress. Even though it’s not full meditation, I have to be purposeful in my efforts. It’s a practice.
- Exercise: Some days, I walk. Other days, I bike. Sometimes, I run. My daughter and I take karate lessons. I make a point to stay physically active in one way or another on a daily basis.
Without Practice There’s No Change
If your goal is to simplify your life, you have to take action. And you have to continue to take action regularly. Otherwise, you’ll continue to find yourself stressed out in a houseful of clutter. You’ll see no significant change and you’ll give up your efforts. Then you’ll give bak into your old ways. It’s human nature.
Diet and exercise are the same. If you don’t continue to practice, you’ll fall short. You have to stick with it.
Here’s the good news. You can stick with it. Even if that means only spending a few moments each day. A five-minute walk is better than no walk. One healthy meal a day is better than none. Every little bit makes a difference. But even better, these little bits are practice. And practice leads to habit change.
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