Making Habits a Routine

As humans, we have a natural tendency towards laziness, which makes initiating new habits particularly challenging. When embarking on a new endeavor, concentrate on cultivating the right mindset rather than fixating on the end result. I recall my early days in weightlifting; I was inexperienced but committed to showing up at the gym daily.

Pushing through physical challenges is far from easy, especially with the overwhelming amount of fitness information available. Simply attending the gym every day was my initial habit. I developed a routine of going regardless of my mood, and after establishing this foundation, the true work began.

Removing Emotional Fluctuations

Think back to the exhilaration of watching a motivational video or listening to an inspiring speaker. You feel invigorated and ready to pursue your goals. However, as you begin to form new habits, that initial motivation often wanes. This decline is where many individuals falter. They mistakenly believe they can sustain their momentum indefinitely.

Another emotional pitfall is the rollercoaster of feelings associated with habit formation. One day you may notice progress, while the next brings stagnation. This cycle is entirely normal. The key is not to get swept away by the emotional highs and lows, but to focus on consistently working toward your habits to foster discipline.

Embracing Awkwardness

A quote I came across by habit expert James Clear struck me: "The bad days are more important than the good days. If you write or exercise or meditate or cook when you don't feel like it, then you maintain the habit. And if you maintain the habit, then all you need is time." This reminds me of infants learning to walk.

When babies transition from crawling to walking, their movements appear clumsy to adults as they tumble repeatedly. Babies don’t dwell on their feelings; instead, they persist in practicing. Similarly, if you can navigate the awkward early stages of a new habit, it will eventually become second nature. The reluctance to engage in repetitive behaviors often stems from the mental effort required until the task becomes automatic.

Taking Small Steps

Every achievement begins with a vision. To turn that vision into reality, it’s essential to develop habits and discipline. Many people set grand goals and dive in headfirst. However, unrealistic expectations often lead to disappointment and withdrawal.

I once knew someone who aspired to have a well-defined six-pack. Unsurprisingly, he never reached that goal, as he was significantly overweight. His motivation came from an unrealistic fitness magazine image. After just one day on his journey, he appeared overwhelmed. Had he set smaller, manageable goals, like losing enough weight to reveal his abs, he could have alleviated some pressure and stress. While long-term goals are admirable, short-term objectives should not be overlooked. Start small to build a foundation before progressing.

Planning for Distractions

A person's ego often leads them to focus solely on their strengths, blinding them to their weaknesses. Developing self-discipline means recognizing these weaknesses and leveraging them effectively. The stress of trying to maintain a habit can lead to distractions, as our brains require mental stamina similar to physical exercise.

Just as with physical fitness, mental fitness requires breaks. Knowing your mental limits can help you preempt distractions, whether from social media, television, or movies. By scheduling these breaks, you can disrupt your routine and refresh your mind, allowing you to continue your journey of self-discipline and personal growth.

"Discipline is freedom."

• Jocko Willink

I share insights on living a freedom-oriented lifestyle from an introverted perspective. Feel free to connect if this resonates with you.