Today, I’ll be wearing my Life Coach hat as I make suggestions on how to start a new habit.
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Many people want to start new positive habits but somehow lack the wherewithal on how to implement them and more importantly to stick with them. Today, I would like to discuss how to implement a new habit and I have chosen “practicing gratitude” as an example of starting a new habit.
The practice of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support the practice of gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in work, greater health, peak performance in sports and business, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery. But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, so many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives. And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just a Thanksgiving word. That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing.
Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.
There are many things to be grateful for: nature, legs that work, friends who listen and really hear, chocolate, fresh eggs, warm sunny days, the ability to read, the smell of the ocean, our health. What’s on your list?
Some Ways to Practice Gratitude–so it Become a Habit
- Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.
- Make a gratitude collage utilizing a Pinterest board.
- Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine.
- Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
- When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.
- Post stickies with the words “Attitude of Gratitude” around your home as a reminder.
- Notice how gratitude is having an impact on your life. Write about it, sing about it, express your gratitude in any way that you can think of.
Usually, it takes about 21 days to establish a new behavior/attitude as a habit. As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.
Would you like to create other positive habits or goals? It helps to hire a professional Life Coach when trying to reach your goals or establish new habits. They will keep you on track and make you more accountable. Please reach out to me if you’re interested.
Usually, it takes about 21 days to establish a new behavior/attitude as a habit. As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.
Would you like to create other positive habits or goals? It helps to hire a professional Life Coach when trying to reach your goals or establish new habits. They will keep you on track and make you more accountable. Please reach out to me if you’re interested.
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