Man Among Boys

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If you give me two weeks, I can change your life, for better for for worse.  I’m not kidding and I’m not starting an advertising campaign for a cheesy infomercial. I’m talking about creating a habit.

It takes about two weeks to change a goal (something you want to do) create a habit (something you do subconsciously and without any effort).  Two weeks.  Two weeks of solid dedication, whether positive or negative.  You might be questioning “negative dedication”, but all you have to do is look at a smoker that is willing to brave -5 degree weather to rush outside on their break to puff a few drags off a Newport.  That’s dedication for your ass.

Adding or deleting certain things from your life can be tough, but it can all be done in time.  All it really takes it two weeks, and honestly, I don’t care what it is.  Can you put down a cigarette for two weeks to stop smoking?  Can you go to the gym for two weeks straight to lose weight?  Can you stop eating meat for two weeks straight to lower your cholesterol?  Can you tell your subordinates “thank you” for two weeks straight to show them you appreciate them?

Would you be willing to stick to something for two weeks if it could help you?

It’s the concept of “will power”.  It’s not something that can be taught or given.  You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone for about two weeks until it become a habit.  Then it becomes something as natural as locking your front door when you leave the house.  It becomes second nature.

Here’s a few tips on how to build a habit:

Write It Down

Write down what you are going to do (i.e. – I’m going to go to the gym).  Write it down every day before you do that activity.  Put it up on your calendar and “X” out the day when you’re done.

If you use the Calendar in your PDA or Microsoft Office, that can be a great reminder to do it.

Keep It Consistent

Every day, at the same time, in the same way.  We’re trying to build a pattern and a process.  For at least those first two weeks, there should be no variation.  Do it exactly the same way over and over and over.  Repetition is the key here.

Use The Buddy System

Tell a friend about what you want to do and ask them to keep you honest.  A true friend would be more than willing to help you out.  Their job is to make sure you complete the two weeks without a missing a day.  Whenever they, talk to you, they should make sure to mention your goal.

Get Creative, Especially When It’s Tough

You may need to be inventive when it comes to keeping a habit on track.  For example, I wanted to start exercising before work at about 5am because I got re-railed during the day and didn’t get to go in the evening.  I got through the first few days fine, but then it got a little tough dragging my ass out of bed at 430 AM.

Soooo, I decided I couldn’t brush my teeth until after I got back from the gym.  Yep, I said it.

Now, I couldn’t go to work without brushing my teeth, so logically, I had to go to the gym before going to work.  It was tough and I didn’t talk to anyone at the gym, but in about two weeks, getting up at 430 AM was second nature to me.

The “Why”

You need to focus on the “why”, or the reason you want to move towards your goal. For me, working out (or as the “The Situation” would say, “workin’ on my fitness”) is a way to stay healthy and maintain my sexy.

(Note: Yes, I watched the Jersey Shore. I tried to fight it, but it was like watching a train wreck.  You hated to see the carnage, but you had to watch the crash.  For those of you that don’t like Man Among Boys, “if hatin’ if your occupation, I probably got a full time job for you.”  “The Situation” was the man.)

That’s my “why”.  It might not work for you and you shouldn’t be taking it from me anyway.  Your personal goals are your own and you need to find your own path to make it into a habit.

If you can man up for two weeks and dedicate yourself, you can make your goals a habit.  It will be a rough two weeks, but in the end, you’ll find it becomes second nature and you’ll be a step closer to making yourself a better person.

…like me.  You can catch me in the gym at 5 AM…workin’ on my fitness.

Feel free to comment.

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