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{From Traci Smith’s Treasure Box Tuesday, 1.17.23}
Today for productivity Tuesday, I’ll be talking about habits. (yes, again!)
One of the things that feels somewhat “accidental” about studying faith practice is that I’ve also become somewhat of an expert on habits. Perhaps expert is too strong a word, but I’ve learned quite a bit about habits because what makes a good habit is also what makes good faith practice.
To get better at anything, learn to create and sustain habits.
By far my favorite book in recent years on habits is Atomic Habits by James Clear. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Right now I’m working on an incredibly challenging writing project (I’ll tell you about it this summer, maybe, if it turns into anything. If not, you’ll never hear about it!) I’ve had to lean hard into the habits I’ve created, both to get the project done, and also to get everything else done around it. For this reason, I’m thinking about habits a lot.
Here are five thoughts about habits that apply to your own productivity and also to your faith practice. Enjoy!
First, to create a new habit, tack it on to an existing habit. (Or routine.) I think I learned this from James Clear, but I’m not positive. Perhaps you want to practice gratitude more regularly. What do you already do, daily, that could cue or remind you to practice that habit of gratitude? Could you think of three things you’re grateful for while you put on your shoes and socks? While you brush your teeth? Do you drink a glass of water every morning? Maybe you’ll give thanks to God for your baptism while you drink. Make associations and create new habits.
Second, make it easy for yourself. This one I know I did learn from James Clear, but it’s pretty common sense. Make the habit you’re trying to create a low barrier to entry. A great example of this is my desire to walk my dog early in the morning before everyone gets up. One of the biggest predictors of whether or not I’ll actually do it or not is whether or not my shoes are easy to find. Spend too much time looking for my shoes, and the deal is off. What will make it easy for you to practice the habit you want to practice? How can you set yourself up for success?
Third, take on the identity of what you want to become. I’m sure there’s a better way to say that, but what I mean is this: #writerswrite — It’s one of my favorite writing hashtags, and also somewhat of a philosophy. Want to be a writer? Write. Swimmers swim. Gardeners garden. Try saying you’re the thing you want to be. “I’m a writer” or “I’m an athlete” or “I read a lot.” Give it a try.
Fourth, hang out with people who do the thing you want to do, better than you. Find people who are a little bit ahead of where you are. They’ll challenge you. Annoy you. Make you better.
Finally, start small. This is from (you guessed it) James Clear, but I’ve also seen it in many other places, like HERE. The idea is simple enough — if you want to do something big, start small, but keep it consistent. Write 250 words a day and you’ll have a novel-sized manuscript. Or what about this small change big savings calculator. Interesting. Especially if you combine with investing.
What habits are you trying to create? What works well for creating and (most importantly sustaining them?)
I look forward to hearing about your habits and strategies!
–TS
From Traci Smith’s Treasure Box Tuesday, 1.17.23
