There are things in life that I do without fail, perhaps because it’s habit, common sense, or a matter of survival. I’m thinking of things like eating, showering, or fastening my seatbelt. There are other things that I have to remind myself to do, like drink enough water, go grocery shopping, or make sure the car is stocked with diapers before I leave the house.
What makes a habit easy is the routine. I do certain things the same time and same place every day. One of the reasons I might forget to get to mow the lawn, for instance, is that I don’t mow every day. It will be easier to remember during the spring when I’ll need to mow every Saturday.
Fortunately, the chores that I might be prone to forget have ways of reminding me themselves. The lawn gets long and shaggy—reminder to mow! I can’t find anything to fix for dinner—reminder to go shopping!
The hardest habits to form and to keep are the ones that are sporadic and the reminders are few or vague. Perhaps I have a headache, I’m having strange food cravings, and I feel tired—reminder to…eat? Take a nap? There is a mental list I go through when I’m not feeling the greatest. One of the first on that list is regarding water consumption. Have I had enough today?
Drinking an adequate amount of water seems to be one of my most difficult routines to keep. I can devise ways to remember, like tracking on paper or filling an established pitcher at the start of each day. It’s important for staying healthy. I certainly notice a difference when I let that habit slip.
Hi Kimberly! The easiest thing for me to do is not to think of it as chores! For example with diapers on the go, I just keep a pack of diapers and wipes in the car at all times, and then I never run out. We also take the diaper bag with us every time, but if we ever do, I don't worry because I know I have diapers at all times. I can't wait to be done with them, is Eden done with them?
ReplyDeleteNo, she is not done with them! I wish she would get it soon! :)
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