90 Days to Happy?

I saw a post that said "It takes 21 days to cultivate a habit and 90 days to cultivate a lifestyle." I'm trying to do both. I believe it can be done, but I also know that it depends on the individual and the habits and lifestyle they're trying to create.

The lifestyle I am trying to cultivate is a simple one...I just want to be happy. Ironic, isn't it - since I literally wrote a book on being happy? And to be clear, I'm not miserable. But once you know what happy feels like - you just can't go back. It's like love - once you know what true love is - you won't settle for less. I won't settle until I'm back to happy. 😀

So, how do we get there? How do we start with this idea of what we want and make it happen? That's where motivation comes in. Motivation is the driving force behind our actions. It's the desire - the enthusiasm to pursue and achieve our goals. Motivation provides the initial burst of energy, but it tends to fluctuate over time. We're all motivated to hit the gym on January 2...but how many are still going on February 2 or March 2?

That's where discipline comes in. This is where it's crucial. It keeps us moving forward when our motivation is low. It enables us to establish a routine and stick to it...creating those habits. It keeps the focus on our goals - even when we don't see the rewards immediately.

I have a weekday routine that I first started last year and then fell off the wagon for a couple of months at the end of the year. During the time I was not following my routine, I felt lost, so I started back right at the beginning of this year. Every weekday morning, my alarm rings at 4am. As soon as my eyes open, I get out of bed and go work out. After working out, I make my bed and get dressed for the day. I spend 30 minutes in prayer and/or meditation and then spend an hour writing. Then I go to work....

I do that every weekday. I may adjust the start time if the weekday is a holiday - but the routine stays. There are some days I don't want to do it - but I do it anyway. And I feel so much better immediately...it's really gratifying to complete something that you really didn't want to do. Some days, you really don't want to go to work - but discipline makes you go. And you're usually glad you did.

I'm comfortable in my morning routine. I am trying to set one for the evenings and weekends. During the day, I think of all the things I want to do when I get home - but when I finally walk through the door, sometimes I just don't even want to think anymore! But, as the saying goes - if nothing changes, nothing changes. So that's what I am working on now.

Both motivation and discipline play an important part on achieving our goals. Motivation provides the spark and discipline keeps us on track. Together, they can greatly enhance our ability to accomplish our tasks and overcome any obstacles on our way to success...

So here I go...90 days to Happy...wish me luck!

#90days#motivation#discipline#gohappyyourself