With each new year comes the opportunity to start fresh, to make resolutions, or to just reflect on where we’ve been and where we are going…For myself, I’m not a resolution person…Resolutions tend to get broken, they are difficut to stick to. Unfortunately, 35% of people break their resolutions by the end of January. Only about 23% of people actually follow through on their resolutions. Why is this? People tend to be over zealous or over commit. It’s so easy to make excuses especially when there is no accountability. I personally like to set goals, they tend to include; sticking to a healthy diet, going to gym on a regular basis, etc. Goals are great but where is the accountability?
This year, this new decade, I’ve come up with a new idea. I am going to start one good habit and see where it takes me…So here it goes, my new habit is to Make My Bed EVERY Morning! Yup, with much thought and reflection that is what I have come up with…So why make my bed every morning? Making your bed helps you accomplish something first thing in the morning and thus starts your day with success…If you don’t do it, it becomes your first excuse of the day. Making your bed sets the tone for the day.
I remember hearing a speech made by Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Seal William H. McCraven in which he stated that it was one of the most important things he learned while in the navy. He said the small sense of pride it brings about in the morning encourages you to accomplish another task and then yet another. “If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.” He authored the book, “Make Your Bed: Little Things Can Change Your Life…and Maybe The World.” (Definitely on my list of books to read this year.)
So, can I change my life and accomplish my goals by starting this new habit? Habits are small decisions you make and actions you perform everyday. Habits allow us to start small…to focus on routine and create discipline. Believe it or not, habits account for about 40% of our behavior on any given day. Therefore, your life is basically a sum of your habits. We are what we repeatedly do. So whether I want to work out more, eat healthier, stay organized, or stop procrastinating and work on this blog…I believe if I transform my habits, I can transform my life…Wish me luck!