As a coach, I encourage my clients to make a handful of fundamental decisions about
the habits they want in their lives. I encourage them to be clear, specific and
committed to each of them.
One habit Mary and I have had for twenty years is that the first three words we
utter every morning and the last three we say at night are the same: "I love you."
Many of my clients have developed the habit of reading something positive every
single day, even if it's only a few pages. Over time, it becomes a part of who they
are and how they live their lives.
For years I've had a "Daily 7″ that I pursue and the "code" may not mean much
to you, but the list has powerful meaning for me. My Daily 7 are: "Read, Write,
Walk, Work, Nest, Network, and Fun." Each word stands for a pattern or habit that
I want in my life. Some days, they get more focus or effort than others, but over
the years those seven "code words" have helped me stay healthy, enriched my marriage,
made me money and expanded my community. My "Daily 7″ are habits that help
me create the life I've chosen for myself.
I encourage you to choose a few simple, positive habits that will enhance your life.
Reduce them to simple actions you WILL take every day. If they are complicated,
you may not stay committed to them, so use the KISS formula and "Keep It Simple
and Straight-forward." It's easier to develop the habit of "exercising for 15 minutes"
than to "get fit."
For better or worse, life is made up of our small daily habits. High achievers have
habits that reflect their values and aspirations in life. Unfortunately, most people
have habits that keep them comfortable but do not achieve the things they want in
life. Over time, work to remove habits that overtly hold you back, but it's even
more important to add positive daily habits that reflect your highest and best qualities.