Podcast Episode 245 - Crack the Habit Code With This Secret

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Podcast Episode 245 - Crack the Habit Code With This Secret

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Do you ever struggle to keep your house clean?

What about that promise you made to yourself to lose those 10 pounds?

Do you have a dream that you keep saying, “someday I’ll do such-and-such”?



We’re talking about how to crack the habit code so you can actually get them working for you to get what you want in life.


Today is for you if…

  • If you’re tired of disappointing yourself for not following through…again.

  • If you desire more out of yourself and life.

  • If you’re ready to figure out how to turn someday into today.

Oh, habits, how I love and hate you!

Growing up, I was consistent at all the things I didn’t want to be consistent at and never at the ones I should be.

I had a pile of forgotten habits a mile high and a sea-wide. That gets very defeating when you never stay with a habit. It makes me quit other habits as I spiral from the weight of disappointment.

When I put a line in the sand in 2017 to finally make something of my life, I knew habits would be a big part of that…especially a morning routine. 

Just recently, I’ve wanted to work on keeping my house clean and organized. I’m terrible at this, so I bought a book to help, and it’s changed my views on habits.


What Habits Are Not:

Habits Are Not Projects

I could do projects. It had a start and end, and I could forget it for a while.

But once I’m done, I don’t think about it again. That’s a problem if it’s supposed to be a habit.

Habits Don’t Mean It’s Automatic

Have you ever found yourself mindlessly eating candy and thought, “how did I get here?”

I’ve done that with popcorn and thought, “how did the bowl get empty?”


I’ve never been dusting or journaling and thought, “How did I get here?”

What Habits Are:

Habits are Pre-made Decisions

“Habits are a pre-made decision.” Dana K. White, author of How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind.

Pre-made Decisions don’t mean it’s automatic.

When listening to one of my podcasts, I never thought, “How did that podcast get recorded? I don’t remember doing that?” No, I had made a decision that every Tuesday and Thursday, a new podcast episode comes out. I then have to brainstorm what I’m talking about, prep the show notes, record the podcast, upload it, put it on my website, create social media, etc. It happens every Tuesday and Thursday because I made a pre-made decision. 

I thought I had to do it to the point where it came automatically.

Some habits I do consciously, so I thought it wasn’t a habit,

But the thought that habits are pre-made decisions is a mind shift for me.

Pre-made Decisions Clear Brain Space

Now your brain is free to give others things your undivided attention.

Pre-made decisions remove the need to make the same decision over and over, freeing up mental space.

i.e., Steve Jobs wore the same turtle-neck shirt and jeans with no belt.

Jon Acuff, black v-neck shirts…closet full of them.

They never have to think, “what am I wearing today?”

Pre-made Decisions Alleviate Overwhelm

This freed brain space also alleviates overwhelm from too many things running rampant in your head.

“I know there’s something I’m supposed to be doing but I can’t think of it.”

Pre-made Decisions Help You Keep Your Commitments to Yourself and Others

Say your pre-made decision or habit is to write for a blog or your book on Mondays; you know you’ve already made a decision, so come Monday, there’s no decision to make. If someone says, “want to go for coffee Monday?” You can decline or ask if they can go on Tuesday instead because you’ve already decided what you’re doing Mondays. You just do it. 


Homework:

  • What are two to three pre-made decisions you want to make to remove mental or physical clutter or move your dreams forward?

    • Read, exercise, do the dishes, write, create videos for social media, eat 70% healthy?

  • Write these pre-made decisions down.


Decide today so you can clear the brain space, alleviate overwhelm and help you keep your commitments to yourself, your dreams and others.


Next episode, we’ll tackle tips and tricks to keep these pre-made decisions/habits consistently working for you.


If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share it with a friend.


You’ve got this, and Father’s got you!

Thanks a bunch for listening!

Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!!

Resources:

*How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets by Dana K. White: https://amzn.to/3NSxxtY

* Amazon affiliate link - I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.