Debra Kasowski

How Will Changing Your Habits Change Your Life?

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You have heard the saying, “Old habits die hard.” Habits can be hard to change. Many people fear change. They are quite comfortable and happy with keeping things the way they have always been. When even the slightest change is suggested you  may have heard, “We tried that once it never worked.” or “This is the way things have always been.” That’s all fine and dandy but the question I would say to you or anyone who makes these statements, “Are you happy with the RESULTS or OUTCOME you are currently getting?”

Are you happy with the:

  • state of your relationships?
  • the amount of people you are serving?
  • your marketing methods?
  • your Google analytics of your website?
  • amount of free time you currently have?
  • state of your health?
  • amount of money you are making?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, what would it mean to you to be happy in those areas? What is one habit you could change to start moving towards the outcome you want? Map out a calendar and track the change over a minimum of 21 days. Experts suggest it takes 21 days to change a habit, however, my theory is the longer you can continue it the more likely you will make it a more permanent part of your daily life. Go for one month! Pick one area of your life and change a habit for one month and watch the results compound!

Do you need to:

  • track your finances
  • eliminate time wasters
  • complete your taxes
  • book a vacation
  • follow-up with a client
  • go the gym
  • mend a relationship
  • carve out some “me”time
  • go for a long afternoon lunch with girlfriends
  • write a business proposal
  • write a press release
  • the list could be endless!

Remember if you continue to do what you have always done, you will continue to get the same results. If you want to change the results, you need to change the one thing you know you must do. In Nike fashion, “Just do it!”

Are You Hearing Yourself?

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Communication is very exciting especially when you get to do the talking. It can be even more exciting when you are a captive listener. A few weeks ago a group of friends were out for lunch and we were talking about different plans we had for our businesses and vacations. During a conversation, one of my friends kept saying, “If this happens, I will…” Do you hear the pause – the hesitation – the doubt? I asked him if he had just heard what he was saying. “Yes, if this happens, I will…” Listen a little closer – what do you hear? IF!!! How about WHEN?

Our conversations are so natural and routine sometimes I think many people do not hear themselves speak and the words they are use. Now, instead of “if”, can you hear the difference when I say, “When this happens, I will…”? There is hope, optimism, and a number of ideas that were ignited from changing a single word or phrase. There may be many other words or phrases that may trigger the sense of doubt and hopelessness.

Some of them are:

I can’t ———————>  I can

Maybe——————–> Definitely or Absolutely

Someday —————-> Near future or Very soon

I am just —————–> I am

They make me think of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. He waltz around in gloom looking at the downside of life when everyone around him is enjoying ample amounts of sticky honey or bouncing around on his tail.

What words or phrases come to your mind? Take some time to be a great listener and you will see how the words people use make a difference. Listen how you talk to yourself when you get ready for the day or you are driving your car. Do you see the power of your words? When you change your words, your energy changes and so do your emotions and feelings. Choose words that are more affirmative and optimistic. Instead of wishing and hoping things will turn out well – anticipate that they will turn out great!!!