Step 6

Step 6: Create habits that help and support positive change

Disciplined action and growth promoting habits create a new structure and rhythm. The act of doing integrates every aspect of you, so that you cannot help but change, move and learn. We learn that self discipline actually manifests the results and progress we wish to see. We find the freedom to move forward. The expressed desire is recognizable in our actions and often by others. We are then reinforced and rewarded in concert with our psychological and social needs.  Take for example, an artist. By having the self-discipline to practice their craft every day, they hone their skill and may eventually become a ‘master’ in their craft or field. By doing so, they share and express their talent among many and in turn are both internally and externally rewarded.

Finding a rhythm or flow to our activities enhances the composition we seek to express. Rhythm is a repeated pattern of movement and sound. Indeed self-forming habits are repeated patterns that intensify as one becomes invested in the expression of their desire. Some of the individuals I have worked with, have taken up the habit of saying “yes” to any opportunity that allows then to practice something they were once fearful of (i.e., presenting, writing, expressing ‘real’ feelings, exercising) by recognizing it as a valuable skill to have in their life. As you continually build resolve and engage with the new and uncomfortable, it’s likely that a tense moment will arise that is best released through sound and movement. So go ahead, let out a eureka or a sigh; a release of the old inviting the new. A newly crafted rhythm is a concert of habits, actions, people, ideas, orchestrating together to elicit a recognizable change.

When the habits or daily practices fall within a structure, something internally shifts and you don’t even question what you are going to do or take action on. You are steadily building commitment and you ‘just do it!’ You are also coming from a place of choice, willingness, and awareness. Action: Ask yourself – Who am I choosing ‘to be’ and what am I choosing ‘to do’ for today? The urge ‘to do’ whatever it is that is needed to forward action and progressively reach your aim, will call out and be noticed within you. There is a yearning to stop with whatever is potentially distracting, so you can be invested in something of greater value, meaning, and return on your investment.

By establishing daily practices and structuring these throughout the course of the day, we set up natural boundaries without often having to say anything at all. We are constantly in relationship to our immediate surroundings, our people, our environment; therefore, it is crucial and healthy to our process of change to have these boundaries clear (apparent in our action, expression and availability). Interestingly, rather than opposition, you may experience support, understanding and admiration. It is often the case that we admire someone for their ’stick-to-it-ness’ and fortitude. Action: What daily practice will help you achieve long-term success?