Starting to exercise again has not only made me realize that I've been desperately lacking it, but the importance of focusing on the right habits. I initially started a daily habit tracker to find routines that may positively impact my life. In May, I began with 4 habits that I wanted to dedicate my time into. I found the first month very successful, which prompted me to continue and add onto the list. After adding a new habit every month, I realized it became increasingly difficult to manage. Eventually, having over 10 daily habits from stretching to different food constraints, routines became unsustainable. Take for meditation, I was able to dedicate my time for a bit over two months. However, it became apparent that I was unable to prioritize it while managing the rest of my habits. New commitment arise and eventually fell out of order. It became such a chore that I was definitely half-assing the habits to get it over with.
This is not to say that it was all bad, as some of these habits has definitely became permanently engraved into my life. Daily skin care routine, reading, and stretching has been a positive influence that I’m thankful for. In contrast, I struggled to disconnect an hour before bed, and to avoid all fast-food in general. Sometimes, getting Tim Hortons is better than nothing :) . Having a strict diet may be what some people want, but I learned that it wasn't for me.
It's important to emphasize that it's not only about choosing many habits and sticking to them, but focusing on a core habit. After moving away from the daily list, I decided to make exercising my focus. Naturally, it allowed me to manage a better diet as I made healthier food choices by being conscious about my physical health. It also created a consistent weekly schedule which was the stability I desperately needed and lacked during the pandemic. Whether it be exercising, building a business, creating meaningful relationships or anything else, putting all your efforts into one area for an extended period of time, is much better than stretching yourself too thin.
Find something you genuinely care about and realize that there’s a certain domino effect that happens. Some benefits may be initially hidden but will reveal itself as time goes on. In hindsight, I feel ridiculous for trying to manage so many daily habits…
