1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.
Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.
Last week marked the three-year anniversary of writing my first RiseWithDrew blog post. I’ve written every weekday since then without missing a single day.
A question I get asked is: How do I have the discipline to write every day?
That’s not the right question. It’s not about discipline. It’s become a habit.
As human beings, we are a collection of our habits. Good habits. Bad habits. Our brains are indifferent. Once we get locked in on a behavior, we no longer think about it. We just do it.
It is possible to start a new habit. It is possible to stop an old habit.
What’s required at the beginning? Willpower.
And time.
For some habits, it may take as little as 21 straight days. For other habits, it may take longer.
Initially, it’s difficult. That’s why willpower is required. Initially.
In his book The Miracle Morning, Hal Elrod tells us: “Everything is difficult before it is easy. Every new experience is uncomfortable before it’s comfortable.”
Hal outlines the following phases for habit change:
Phase 1: First 10 days – unbearable but… temporary. Be prepared. And don’t give up.
Phase 2: Days 11-20 – uncomfortable but no longer unbearable. We can do this! Discipline and commitment required.
Phase 3: Days 21-30 – the new behavior becomes part of our identity. When transformation occurs.
Transformation is a fancy word for what happens when a behavior becomes a habit. Once we make it through the initial uncomfortable stage, willpower is no longer required. The new behavior becomes our default. Our new normal.
The other idea that helped me came from Philosopher Brian Johnson: 100% is easier than 99%.
Because if our goal is 99%, we are always asking ourselves, is today the day I do this behavior? Or not?
Versus: When we commit to doing something 100% of the time, we no longer have to decide. Because we’ve already decided.
In other words, I don’t decide to write a blog post every day. I’ve already decided.
As the great Michael Jordan once said: “Once I made a decision, I never thought about it again.”
Wow. That’s a quote that has the power to change your life.
More next week!
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Action: Make a list of all of my habits.
Reflection: What habits are serving me? Which ones are not?
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