My 21 Day Habit
“First, we make our habits. Then, our habits make us.” -Charles C. Noble
When I was a kid, one thing sticks out in my mind. My father was a great motivator. Starting at a very young age, my dad always gave me motivational talks about what I needed to do in order to achieve great things in life. Being young, I would always shoot out of the box right after one of these speeches. Then, my mind would wander, and the fire would dwindle down.
There are two different points from my father’s speeches that I will never forget. The first, which came when I was slumping in baseball, was an acronym. He told me that that when I am getting ready to do a task, repeat the word “K.I.S.S.” in my head. I’m sure many of you have heard this acronym before. “K.I.S.S” stands for “Keep it simple stupid.” What he meant by that was don’t over think the situation, and most importantly, don’t over complicate it.
After my dad got tired of having his great motivational speeches work for about one week, he began to stress another point that has stuck with me. He told me that it takes 21 days to make a habit stick. So, after his speech, we would sit down and make a plan. No longer would I sprint out of the gate on a 400 meter dash only to run out of gas 300 meters in. Each day, for the first 21 days, I would focus solely on doing one or two habits differently. Any more than that and I would have been breaking the “K.I.S.S” code.
So here is the challenge I will set for you and myself. I will have my 21 day cycle running on a tab on the top of my home page. Each 21 day cycle, I will post no more than TWO habits that I am trying to form (or break.) Each day, I will report back to that page and let everybody know where I stand.
I encourage each one of you to do this with me. You can e-mail me what your habit is or you can post it through the comments section. The more times you e-mail me throughout the 21 days, the more likely you will make it through. You will be able to get encouragement and be held accountable from other readers and myself.
I am counting on each one of you to hold me accountable. Together, we can change our habits.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Tad,
Great idea. I would like to have a habit to rise early and sleep early. I am rising at 6:30 AM but I shall wake up at 5:00 AM.
I will report to you every day what time I went to bed and when I woke up.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Also, I have just posted a video of WWII veteran tribute song. Please visit and check
http://www.successsoul.com/blog/
Thanks
Shilpan
March 29th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Shilpan,
This is a great goal. I am going to have one similar. We will be able to help each other because rising early is a daunting task at first.
I enjoyed your post. It was very moving. Keep working hard and good things will happen.
Tad
March 30th, 2008 at 1:19 am
[…] my post, “My 21 Day Habit,” I told you I was going to focus on no more than two habits I either want to form or want to […]
March 31st, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Tad,
My first morning update. I fell short on my promise. I went to bed at 11:30 rather than 11:00PM and could not resist to push snooze button at 5 AM.
What Am I going to do ?
Well, 1) I am going to bed no later than 11 PM
and 2) I will jump out of the bed at 5 without thinking. I believe that if I can overcome emotions for few seconds, I will be a winner.
More tomorrow…
Shilpan
March 31st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Shilpan,
The most IMPORTANT thing is to NOT give up…tomorrow is a new day. Each morning, have something to do when you get up. Don’t just let yourself sit in grogginess…this will allow you to justify going back to sleep.
I’m glad you have decided to post your results. I believe you WILL be able to form this habit. You just have to stick to it.
Tad
April 1st, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Tad,
My day 2 update..
I went to bed at 12:30. OOPS ! I did not realize that I was past 11 PM when I started writing my article.
I woke up at 5:30 AM. I fell short by 30 mins.
Strategy today -
Remind myself when 11 PM hits. Wake up at 5 AM
I am confident that I will get this habit soon.
Thanks for all the encouragement.
Shilpan
April 1st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Shilpan,
Try to set an alarm for 10:30 tonight…then, you will know when you have 30 minutes to be in bed. This will give you time to begin relaxing and to get ready for bed.
Keep at it.
Tad
April 1st, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Tad,
I just followed your advice. It’s 10:35 now. Guess what ? I am going to bed with few inspirational books. Good night.
Shilpan
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Tad,
Good news.
My update for the day.
Last night, I went to bed at 10:40PM, read for 15 mins. I was asleep at 11 PM ( It takes only few mins for me to go to sleep)
I woke up at 5:00 AM (Yeah). It was hard but I remember your words to jump right into shower and turn cold water on. Right on!
I will not let you down, it’s a promise.
Thanks
Shilpan
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Shilpan,
That is great! I’m glad the cold water worked for you. It is an unbelievable way to start your morning! Now, the goal is consistency. Remember, it takes 21 days of conscious effort. You have a great start…just keep working hard!
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Tad,
Things are working out well for last two days. I’ve been going bed at 11. I am also waking up at 5 AM. As you said, another 19 days to Nirvana.
Thanks
Shilpan
April 4th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Shilpan,
Keep up the good work my man…you are on the right track!
Tad