image via
In the last few weeks, I have mentioned my enthusiasm for Leo Babauta’s book, The Power of Less. I’m even reading it a second time, this time going through it a little bit slower, paying careful attention to how it relates to me in a household setting as opposed to an office setting.
One of the principles of The Power of Less is to
Create new habits to make long-lasting improvements.
You’re probably thinking, “Well duh! Of course you have to make new habits…” However, Leo advises that you focus on only one habit at a time for a period of 30 days. He explains that you’ll then
…be able to focus all your energy on creating that one habit.
It’s written more beautifully in the book, but the 5 basic steps to forming a long-lasting habit are here:
- Choose one ~and only one~ habit to work on.
- Write down your plan.
- Post your goal publicly (for accountability.)
- Report on your progress daily.
- Celebrate your new habit.
I have been emailing with Marci from Overcoming Busy, and we’re going to keep each other accountable for the next 30 days.
The habit I’m choosing to work on is to get to bed by 9:30 each night.
I’m choosing the early bedtime as my first habit, because everything else depends on it. When I’m overtired, I skip my morning workouts, I eat more junk food, I’m quicker to anger,…etc. I’m simply not at my best when I’m overtired.
Other habits I’d like to adopt include:
- Daily exercise.
- 20 minutes of yoga, daily.
- Early wake up. (preferrably 4:30 am, but who knows?)
- Green smoothie, daily.
- Washing my face & moisturizing each night.
- Neti pot, nightly.
- Sugar-free lifestyle.
Marci and I will be checking in with each other and regularly posting about our progress. Be sure to check in at Overcoming Busy to see which habit she will be adopting for the next 30 days.
How about you? Can you think of one ~and only one~ habit that you will adopt for the next 30 days?
This post has been shared with Melissa’s Beautiful Life Series as well as Hooked on Fridays.
{ 4 trackbacks }
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Cool - you go lady! What is a Neti pot?????
I love that he says start easier than you think. Maybe because I am lazy? Hmm. But it makes sense. One thing, I have heard that sometimes its easier to start getting up in the mornings rather than going to bed earlier. Just because you can control when you wake up, its harder to control when you go to sleep. But this might be to do with having difficulty sleeping. Although a yogi once told one of his pupils, who was asking, ‘how do you manage to get up at 4am everyday to do your practice at dawn?’, he replied, just start getting up at 4am, pretty soon you will want to go to bed earlier!
Best of luck though- its a great habit to get into, so am supporting you on it. try not to miss 2 days in a row (says Leo)
I am doing pretty good on my core exercises habit.
I think I need to start with exercise daily. Even if it is just a walk. I should do going to bed earlier, but I cherish the silence I get at night when everyone is sleeping.
That is awesome! Boy I need to buy that book! I have so many I need to do! I need to think on that one…I’ll be back!
@ mo~
I will be trying to get up earlier anyway (working out), but going to be earlier is my focus. I think you’re right — getting up earlier already makes me way tired at night time. I have no trouble falling asleep at all! I just tried explaining a neti pot, and it didn’t make sense…here’s a link that explains it all!! (It relieves sinus pressure, btw.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsZeILCedRw
@ Amy~
I know what you mean about cherishing the silence at night. When the kids finally fall asleep, it seems like a *waste* to go to bed myself!
@ chele~
I saw your comment over at Marci’s post, too. Let us know what your habit is, and we’ll all keep each other accountable. (BTW, the book is SO worth it.)
Thanks Kirwin! I would love to be accountable with someone. I posted my response on Marci’s if you would like to go over there and check it out. That way I don’t have to write it twice! LOL!
I like the idea of tackling one thing at a time. I’m going to give some thought to a habit I can do for 30 days and see if I can stick to it. Good luck with yours!
I tried to make “focus” as my goal…I’m not doing so well….life keeps getting me off track. I’m resetting my goal starting next week…I’ll start by writting it down, and HOW I’m going to get there!!
I totally cracked up this morning when I read your post and your new habit!! Until this morning, daily exercise was going to be my new habit to work on first. Each morning for the past week, I tried to get it into gear, but was too tired. I finally figured out that maybe a little more sleep would be more beneficial!!!
I’m going to think about this today. Last summer, I had monthly goals that I blogged about. I want to get back into that.
I need to get off the computer. But, I did want to tell you I read the post about coffee. I know I know that it is evil but I still can’t quite give it up. I am doing SO much better though about not drinking so much. I am not ready to give it completely up. You?
@ Chele~
It sounds like you have a good habit. Focusing oneself at the beginning of each day sounds like an ideal way to start the day.
@ PP~
Let me know what you’re working on! : )
@ Dawn~
That sounds like a good goal. “Focus” is difficult when life *gets in the way.* (I’m laughing with you, not at you!!) ; )
@ marci~
I know — when I saw your new habit, I was like, “Well, that looks familiar!” ha ha…But it just goes to show — getting enough sleep is the foundation for other things.
@ Denise~
No way, Jose! I’m not ready to give up my coffee just yet. I’m going to tackle sugar first. Besides, if coffee is my worst vice, that’s not much to complain about!
What a great idea to just focus on one habit at a time-I’d have to agree with yours to cut the sugar-it does me no good, and I usually go way overboard when sugary treats are around. I’m thinking I might just have to give this a go!
Very cool. Good on you and I’m so with you on the “getting enough sleep so I’m not Sami Cranky Pants”. I’ve actually been on a 30 day habit forming mission, although I’ll admit I’ve been focusing on 3 habits. I’ve been working at increasing my water intake to at least 7 glasses every day, not picking at food (especially out of the fridge or pantry) and meditating for 10 minutes.
There have been days I haven’t been as successful but I’m really happy with the overall results.
Keep at it and good luck!
Great ideas! I am visiting via Hooked on Houses.
Please drop by and enter my giveaway.
Have a blessed weekend!
Thanks for the inspiration… I think I’m going to start with going to bed earlier as well!!!
I’m tickled to have found this blog!!!!