Implementing habits

Alexis Rae Baker

I’ve always known that implementing small changes can drastically alter the course of my life, but the reward of implementation is something I often forget.”

Dear Readers,

This month has been very interesting for me. Angus and I started implementing some new habits, and it’s been curious how immediately we’ve started to see results. It’s not even the physical changes that surprise me, though; it’s how the simplest changes can have such a drastic impact on the rest of my day.

For example, we’ve been listening to inspirational audios in the morning for a few weeks now, but a couple of days ago, we decided to listen while we walked. In some ways, it’s a “two birds with one stone” kind of deal. It doesn’t feel like a huge shift, but I’ve recently become more aware of my own motivations, and I’m amazed that every couple of days, I actually want to push myself a little more (walk a little bit longer).

I’ve always known that implementing small changes can drastically alter the course of my life, but the reward of implementation is something I often forget.

It’s easy to put something off until tomorrow. It’s easy to say that we’ll start our new habits “next week” or “on the first of the month,” but these statements are just excuses. We don’t really want to change, and so we don’t.

Figuring out our “why” is a vital step, but it’s not always an easy step. For example, I’ve always wanted to run my own business, but I never really knew where to start. Recently, we’ve been given some direction, and it’s amazing how seeing the potential in something can drastically alter your perception.

Now, I can see a path ahead where once I only saw blurs. However, that didn’t just happen overnight; it happened because I met someone who showed me where the path was. But not only that, but they also inspired me to start taking steps and helped me figure out what steps I need to take.

But, no matter how inspired I get or how much support they provide me, it’s ultimately up to me to put my plans into action. It’s my future and my responsibility.

So, while we’ve done a good job of carving out the time to work on our dreams every day, that doesn’t mean we will in the future.

We all know that there comes a time when life knocks you off course. Something will happen that will make us want to skip something “just for the day.” That’s how life works. These are the moments when your true character comes out, though, the moments when you get to decide if something really does matter to you. Are you going to push through and do it anyway, or is it not as important as you once thought?

If you want to see a change in your life, prepare for these moments. Know that challenges will arise, and promise yourself that you will keep going, no matter what.

Angus and I are in the honeymoon phase of our new habits, but I know if we stick with them even when times get tough, we will see the “promised land.” The same thing can happen to you too.

Good luck,

~ Lexis

Lexis is Alexis Rae Baker. She writes from her home in Olympia. Got a question about life, relationships, spirit? Visit her at lexisrae.com or write to Lexis at  Lexis@theJOLTnews.com.