Making the right thing, easier

Have you ever tried to loose weight but saw those amazing cookies on the counter or tried to to stop smoking but kept buying a pack of cigarettes. Trying to create a new habit (e.g. going to the gym) or breaking an old one (quit eating junk food on weekdays) is never an easy task, but who says you shouldn't try. And try, and try again until you try better and succeed.

I have been in the position where I was lost, I didn't want to put much effort into trying to do something I knew was good for me but didn't really see the benefits. I NUDGED myself in following 4 steps that will allow the me to make the right choices, easier. Here are the tips and tricks to help you:

Commit to yourself using StickK:

StickK is a company that works around helping you create or break a habit through the use of a commitment contract. Aside from the contract, you put money on line to test your process. Every 3 days, it sends you a reminder to say whether you are committing or not. I recommend to being this journey alongside a friend or family member. You guys can work as "supervisors" and track each others journeys.

I have and still continue using StickK. One year ago, I began to star thinking about quitting smoking. Me and my boyfriend subscribed to StickK and I felt "motivated" just so my supervisor (in this case, him) could put positive comments of my journey and continue reinforcing to keep going.

Set daily reminders using Wunderlist:

Keep reminding yourself of your duties, even though you don't actually do them. I have used Wunderlist throughout my whole journey to constantly remember what I want and what I have to do. At 9am I had a remember that included 2 healthy and yummy breakfast options. This little reminder helped me start my day on the right foot. At 6pm I had another reminder which told me to go the gym. I would sometimes not even go, but the fact of actually pushed me to do it.

Let your friends and family decide on a "punishment"

Tell your closest friends and family members about your commitment. Let them decided how to "punish you" for not following your process the way you should. For example, giving $20 to your friend or invite them to a fancy dinner if you break the rules.

I don't know about you, but the sound of loosing $20 is just....:(

Optimists live longer (even if they're wrong)

The most important thing is to be positive and motivated. Remember, if it were easy, everyone will do it. However, don't force yourself to do things right, just give yourself a little push every day. Instead of negatively framing the gym, starting thinking of the gym as "playground for adults that is going to make me feel happy and good about yourself" and smoking as something that "if you continue to will loose money".

Create these mental notes in your head to constantly remind to keep motivated and positive, with a good attitude and strong power.

Here are the 4 steps I recommend anyone whose trying to commit to something they think they don't have time for. If you haven't started yet, this is a sign for you to start at least mentally preparing yourself for this great journey.

REMINDER: Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.

XOXO

Sofia's Choice