When I wanted to floss more, I put a bag of floss picks right next to my toothbrush. When I wanted to read more, I placed my current book right on my nightstand. When I wanted to run more, I set my running shoes right where I get dressed in the morning. When I wanted to drink more water, I kept a full water bottle with me at all times. And when I wanted to show more affection to my wife and kids, I made it a point to hug, kiss, and tell them I love them every time I see them.
It’s amazing how busy life can get and how easily the good habits we want to build can slip away. The older I get, the more I realize the power of placing the habits I want to cultivate right in front of me. Want to eat healthier? Keep nutritious food at the front of your refrigerator. Want to drink less alcohol? Stock your fridge with non-alcoholic alternatives. Whatever habit you’re trying to build, put it right next to you. It works. We become what we think about and what we do most often—and when what you want to do is right there, you actually do it.
If there’s a plate of cookies right next to you, you might have the willpower to resist them, but most of us will reach for one—especially me, considering my family nicknamed me “Cookie Monster” growing up! But if you place fresh fruit next to you when you’re hungry, that’s what you’ll eat instead.
What habits are you trying to build in your life right now? Put them right next to you so you do them more often. Write them on Post-it notes where you can see them. Schedule them into your calendar so you receive regular reminders, and set the reminder function 10, 15 mins, and/or 30 mins before the event.
You naturally perform the actions and build the habits of whatever surrounds you most. Want to be a more positive person? Surround yourself with positive people.
If you can’t surround yourself with positive people right now, hang inspiring notes or signs in your office. You truly become what you think about and surround yourself with!
