Do you remember when you declared to yourself and others, “I want to lose 15 kg!” or “I want to quit smoking!”? You made an enthusiastic plan, tried a few times, and then quickly gave up. Why does this happen? Why can some people succeed while others struggle? Do they hold a secret? You might think, “My life would change if I knew that secret!”

Many believe motivation is the key. A teenager might work out daily to impress a crush, or a husband might quit smoking when he becomes a father. Yet, even with strong motivation, many still fail to maintain their efforts. Clearly, we need more than just motivation.

James Clear suggests that our first mistake in creating good habits is focusing on the wrong thing. It’s not just about what we want to achieve, but who we want to become. Our self-perception is crucial for changing our behavior; our beliefs shape our actions. For example, if you desire wealth but see yourself as a consumer rather than a creator, you’ll end up spending more than saving.

Start by envisioning the person you want to be and align your actions with that positive image. If you want to be happy, embody the traits of a happy person: smile, be gentle and calm, practice patience, listen more, talk less, spend time in silence, read daily, keep your space tidy, and engage in prayer or reflection.

By practicing these small changes, you’ll begin to see significant differences in your life.

With love,

Little-pencil

Photo: Vermontpublic.org