Discovering Unconventional Methods to Form New Habits
Throughout my life, I’ve realized that simply vowing to change doesn’t work for me. Instead, adopting holistic rituals and utilizing art to view scenarios from different angles has been more effective. Interestingly, I also find support in reaching out to my late mother and sister, sensing their compassion which aids me deeply.
The Struggle with Promises
As a teenager, my repetitive pledges to my mother about dieting led to a years-long conflict. While I wished to make her happy, I also instinctively felt that my weight was solely my concern. Caught between satisfying her desires and staying true to myself, I often found myself making empty promises about dieting and then inadvertently undermining these commitments. Years later, I discerned that my chances of success increased if I refrained from making promises.
Embracing Whole-Body Rituals
Rituals transcend mere mental activities; they are actions or sequences of activities that harness sensory powers to convey symbolic meanings. For instance, during my late twenties when I was habitually checking my weight, my therapist advised me to dispose of my scales. I didn’t just mindlessly toss them out; I shattered them against the brick pavement, listening as they clashed and finally disintegrated into fragments. Later on, I placed a potted plant in the vacated spot where the scales once stood.
In a similar vein, I devised a ritual to quit smoking. With “Nights in White Satin” playing from my simplistic record player, I extinguished the lights and relished my final cigarette’s aesthetics. The solemn atmosphere, through which smoke gently circulated, signified my readiness for change—this artistic ritual succeeded where sheer will had previously failed.
Using Art for Perspective Shifts
Like rituals, any activity engaging both mind and body assists me in stepping out of my regular thoughts. When grappling with a habit or a critical decision, I sometimes employ art to represent my mental state. During one such instance, I alleviated stress about dressing for a speech by illustrating garments on a rack with the caption, “But what will she wear?” Concluding this creative exercise, I found clarity and selected my attire in record time. Creativity significantly eases my anxiety, which is crucial in transforming habits. Intriguingly, expressing thoughts in the third person, “she,” has been shown to facilitate decision-making.
I have applied art in other contexts too, like when I sought to practice yoga at home. A watercolor illustration of a woman in Warrior pose motivated me to incorporate yoga into my routine more regularly.
Reaching Out to Departed Loved Ones
Consulting with my departed mother and sister surprisingly provides solace. Despite their own challenges with making substantial changes, their empathetic understanding helps me feel less isolated. From arduous experiences, I’ve learned that isolation elevates my anxiety, hindering success. Experiencing empathy from them, even in memory, proves invaluable in navigating habit formations.
Imitating the Actions of Others
Known for being a swift eater, I’ve aspired to savor my meals more mindfully. On one occasion at a retreat, I challenged myself to match the pace of fellow diners, who appeared to be consuming their meals quite slowly to my perception. Although it was daunting, this mimicry allowed me to adapt a more moderated eating pace. At home, I continue this practice by observing the eating rhythm of my husband, Barry. A sense of triumph arises when my meal concludes after his.
This imitation technique extends to areas beyond eating. In a writing class, we were encouraged to replicate a favored paragraph from another author, which helped me hone my unique writing style over time.
The Importance of Record Keeping
A fan of meticulous record-keeping, I’ve found that it inherently drives change. Inspired by historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, tracking my habits has fostered progress in areas like enhancing diet with more greens, running marathons, making cold calls, engaging with strangers, undertaking upper-body workouts, practicing Spanish, and improving writing consistency. Recording achievements with checkmarks brings immense satisfaction, and witnessing the accumulation of these marks at the week’s end fuels my motivation further.
Though some favor digital tools for habit tracking, I still prefer the traditional approach of pen and paper, as it aligns with my mind-body strategy.
In conclusion, typical strategies such as promises, sheer willpower, self-discipline, or even structured plans like New Year’s resolutions have proven ineffective for me. Instead, embracing rituals and artistic endeavors, coupled with imagined support, has opened avenues for creativity and willingness, helping me to effectively overcome ingrained habits.
This rewritten article is based on the original content from Business Insider.