In the previous lesson, the idea of consciously and proactively using cues to trigger positive habits was introduced and, in this lesson, we’re going to utilise the same basic idea in a slightly different way.
So many of us know what we “should” do… to be happier and healthier and more successful (however you define these terms).
But so many of us don’t actually do what we know we should do!
This has come to be known as the “knowing-doing” gap; the difference between what we tell ourselves would be useful and what we really do in day to day life.
There are numerous causes of this “gap” but one of the simpler and more obvious is… forgetting.
That’s right, as absurd as it might seem when we’re thinking calmly and rationally, even for those priorities we’ve determined to be important, so often life and busy-ness just gets in the way and we “forget” to do what would help us live our best possible lives.
Even when we know we should.
Even when it wouldn’t be all that hard.
But the good news is that there’s a relatively simple solution; and this solution is probably something you already use in other areas of your life; which is great, because you almost certainly know what you can do and how you can do it to bridge this knowing-doing gap.
To what am I referring?
Quite simply, the use of reminders.
How many of you have written a note and left it next to your phone or wallet or keys so you didn’t forget something important? How many of you have stuck a Post-It note on your computer screen or on the fridge door or somewhere similar to ensure you remembered to do something important? How many of you have used the reminder or alarm or the notification system within your smartphone (or a specific app) so you bought milk on the way home or paid that bill or did whatever you wanted and/or needed to do?
I’m guessing… ALL of you!
So now I invite you to use the same strategy to help you turn these new healthy and positive behaviours into habits and routines. Your challenge is to find a way to use any or all of the ideas briefly mentioned above to ensure you never forget to complete any of the steps you’ve identified as being necessary for you to achieve your goals.
Go to it; and lock them in now.