Stephen Guise

This little book is chock full of stuff you may already know about yourself but just never thought about before. Not the most enjoyable book to read, but definitely the most reasonable motivator idea ever. Although a short little read, it seemed long-winded in the science area and a bit repetitive in other areas. Still, it is worth your time for a new idea.

Mental motivation is unreliable and we all know it. It depends on our mood, our energy. It comes, it goes. So drop it! Forget about it!

Forcing yourself to do things daily through pure willpower, regardless of moods or energy, is more reliable. But, if it’s a large thing you have in mind to create into a habit...it may also fail you. Willpower at least allows for consistency. The timer goes off, or you have it scheduled on the calendar, it's time to exercise...or it's time to write. Period.

But, if what you want to do daily seems daunting and overwhelming, then instead, just turn it into a "stupid small and ridiculous" habit, one that is too small to fail and too small to skip for special occasions and requires absolutely no motivation or willpower because it's so easy and effortless. These "stupid small" habits will help encourage you to do more and they will actually become mini habits. Mini habits force you to START.

For example, me?

I want to develop a habit of exercising everyday like I've done most of my life but now too lazy and absolutely energy-less. But, the thought of me spending 30 minutes out in the shop alone sweating my ass off in this blasted southern Texas humidity as I get older is a huge turnoff...so I just sit here reading or working on organizing my genealogy (I have no problems in these two areas), or doing whatever I'm involved in at the moment.

To help me get started, maybe I can choose to do 10 each daily: pushups, situps, & squats, in my room where it's nice and cool (OR, I can choose to get dressed and at least walk to the shop). If I feel motivated to do more than that, then it's a bonus, but I don't have to do any more exercises and I don't have to workout at the shop...just come back in and do my mini habit goal. The point is to get in the habit of doing something, at least, everyday and eventually the habit will be there and most likely the energy and motivation will be there to do more as it gets easier.

Other things I've always wanted to do, but either too lazy, unmotivated, or it just always seemed overwhelming:

- Journaling...agree to write one sentence a day (if motivated, keep writing)
- Eat more fruits and vegetables...eat one raw fruit or vegetable every day
- Drink more water...drink a glass of water BEFORE morning coffee
- Finish my family photo projects...scan at least one days photos every single day until complete

I've already developed a habit of reading every morning, after not reading a single book for 20 years or so to raise a family. But, now I have a problem of putting a time limit on that plus I need to develop a habit of spending quiet time with God each morning and reading my Bible to start my day and put reading my other books second behind that. But, then I find that when I start reading and studying the Bible, two hours or more slips by.

My problem is I always LOVE whatever I'm doing and can't put a time limit on whatever I'm involved in. I wonder if there is a book to help with that kind of problem? I'm usually full steam ahead with gazelle-like intensity and focus on that one thing until I'm finished...poor hubby.
--------------------
Blog: stephenguise.com and for mini habit ideas go to minihabits.com (also for purchasing habit tracking supplies)… (mais)