A few weeks ago, I purchased a Ninja Fit Blender and a juicer. I knew to get the most out of my new investments, I would need to develop a habit of using them. Blending smoothies with my Ninja every morning is easy. But juicing vegetables and fruits every day for dinner is challenging.
Cleaning a juicer after every use is quite a messy process that requires diligent scrubbing and rinsing. I knew my body needed the nutrients from fresh juice. If I maintained my old habit of eating Cheeze-Its and M&Ms for dinner or skipping the meal entirely, I would pay a hefty physical and emotional price. My body was already suffering.
In his book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg says, “You can’t extinguish a bad habit; you can only change it.” I needed to replace my poor dinner habit with a healthy one. I needed to say “no” to laziness and “yes” to my wellbeing.
So every day, after coming home from work, I immediately washed my hands and started juicing. No turning on the television. No grabbing a granola bar from the pantry. No changing my clothes into something more comfortable. I just juiced because I understood the power of habit.
How often you hear people say they really want to write, but they don’t have the time? Or they want to start tennis lessons or learn to cook or spend more time with their loved ones–but they don’t have the time.
We all have 24 hours every day. And we’ve filled those 24 hours with habits–some good, others not so good. Instead of declaring that we don’t have time, suppose we made a more honest declaration: “I have the time. I just haven’t yet decided what poor or unnecessary habit I’m willing to replace with a better one.” What possibilities might that statement open?
I’ll leave you with this:
- Always be honest with yourself about your time because it is your most valuable asset.
- Invest your time; don’t spend it.
- Ask your higher-self what habits need changing. When she speaks, listen.
What’s a habit you need to change? Share in the comments!
So true.. if we really want to do something, we’ll find the time. 😀
Hi, Manali!
Right. If you really want to know what you value, pay attention to how you use your time.
Thanks for stopping by!
Love this! There’s always time for what we make a priority. I’ve always been a fan of Charles Duhigg. Have you read Atomic Habits by James Clear? Also very good!
Hi, Clarissa! Atomic Habits has been on my reading list for a year now. I’m going to read it next now that you’ve mentioned it. Thanks for the suggestion!