One of the biggest things I’ve been doing is to deeply commit to my intentional habits over and over again.
It goes something like this,
Alarm goes off at 6.45am. I wake up into consciousness, although you wouldn’t know it from looking at me. I run a self check through my body.
Body reports back, “I need more sleep. Limbs are lead. Maybe, I’ll wake up more in a few minutes. If I do wake up in a few minutes time then I’ll get up. I’ll just lie here like I’m still asleep so I don’t wake myself up too much in case I want to go back to sleep.”
Arghh… the indecisiveness has kicked in within only a few seconds. And some very interesting creative logic too.
Brain says, “But I want to go to yoga. I’ll feel awesome after I have done it. If I don’t go I’ll feel really guilty.”
A force takes over my body and I find my legs sweeping in an arc and landing on the carpet.
I’m upright.
“Okay, not quite sure how that happened.”
Pull on yoga clothes. Quick. Before I change my mind.
Grab my already full water bottle.
And go.
On the walk there I put sleep hair into a messy bun to hide the unbrushedness.
Decide not to breathe on anybody.
Will brush teeth when I get home.
If I linger in the flat too long I may not make it.
Someone should put the equivalent of a chastity belt on beds in the morning. As soon as you hit the alarm it should start rolling you gently off the bed. If you don’t swing your feet to the ground you end up in a heap on the floor. Then a blue force field should come and hover over the bed so I can’t get back in. It would also be wonderfully convenient if this force field made my bed too.
I know someone who sleeps in their fitness clothes so there is no chance for excuses in the morning.
I’ve contemplated it. I really have.
But I think that in the Australian summer I’d end up with some nasty fungal infection somewhere on my body from lack of oxygen to body parts. Also, my back and rib muscles seize up when I wear one of those exercise tops too long.
I’d wake up sweaty, infected and hyperventilating.
But, back to my walk to the yoga class.
4 minutes into my walk I’m feeling so happy to be alive.
I focus on how good it feels and expand the joy within me. This is really important to do.
I know my tendency. That’s why I get out of the flat super duper fast. If I leave decision making too long I crumble. I trick myself into getting to class.
After class I feel amazing. I feel like I have accomplished so much and it’s not even 9am. Again, I dwell on how good I feel and amplify it.
Now I am doing in charge on my life. Not the other way around and it’s great. Doing this difficult thing in the morning sets off the way I approach the rest of my day.
When I am in the energy flow of ‘doing in charge of my life’ I tackle the hardest and most important tasks first. I don’t distract myself by jumping onto social media. I commit deeply to the rest of the day. Stuff gets done that I thought I’d never get through so quickly.
My personal integrity is strong. So I know I’d feel terribly guilty if I didn’t go to yoga. I’ve committed to myself really strongly on purpose. It sets me up better for success.
It’s what gets me through when I waver.
It’s not just a habit, but a higher standard I hold myself to.
It is also about the kind of person I see my-Self as. I see myself as a successful person who makes decisions about important things and follows through. A fit and strong body is something I am deeply committed to after 16 years on the couch with illness. This is my goal but it is my habits that gets me there. Goals without a plan are just dreams. Not only have I developed a physical routine, but a mental one too.
The other thing that gets me through when I waver is the awesome feeling I’ll get after a class, which is why I amplify it. Then it is easy to remember that feeling when I need it for some motivation. This is my empowered story I tell myself. If you don’t understand the importance (backed by research) of an empowered story read my article here, Change Your Story To Change Your Life Two
I also follow my feelings.
I do things that I love, and that helps me access my joy. Yoga does that for me. If something gives you joy you will always want to do more of it. So, if your exercise routine is a drag I’d suggest changing it. Same with other parts of your life.
Now, just two weeks ago, I hurt myself in class. So I am doing frustrated. I could let it get the better of me and use this as an excuse to stop. But I’m not. Instead I have changed over to gentle walking, and will do so until I get better. I’d love to do hills or go hard, but I need to be patient.
There is always something you can do to keep to your habit or intention.
It’s about wanting the change in you more than the excuses.
Action Item
What are you deeply committing to at the moment? Is it at the level you want? How could you do more of it?
What is your weak point? How can you trick yourself around it, or develop a better way to get it done?
Do you have a story around it? (mine is focusing on how great I’ll feel afterwards)
How is your personal integrity muscle? What standard do you hold yourself to?
Just around the corner is a challenge waiting for you. Say yes to it. The confidence you get from achieving it will spread to other parts of your life.
Best,
Monique xx
You may enjoy my very popular posts 8 Top Habits That Create A Bad Relationship To Self or The Mind Believes What You Tell It.
Phyllis says
I am trying to be committed to actually doing the things that I pray to Jesus (MESSIAH) about daily. And changing those things that make me feel separated from him. We are living in the last days, as described in the last book of the Bible: REVELATION. I want to be ready to meet Jesus in the air when he returns,which will be soon…????????????????????
Monique says
Goodluck Phyllis with your prayers and actions! Cheers Monique
Cynthia Goodin says
Hello Monique,
I enjoyed reading your writing . It put me into memories mode.
I am committing to all arrears …relationships .., my health , my make Beauty Consultant business with Aularale Skin Care and Cosmetics, building it in sales and recuriting. Orders in my home. College degree. Focus on my commitment . Goals , Visions and dreams.
Thank you so much.
Monique says
That sounds amazing Cynthia! You are very welcome. ????????????
Maria says
I am trying to start my own business. My problem is i dont get enough time because i have to work hard to pay the bills and i am not actually happy with what i am doing right now. I need a motivation everyday, i am thinking fears too is taking a part in my life.
Monique says
Hi Maria, It sounds like you are clear about what you want in life which is great. Make sure you read encouraging books or blog posts as this helps keep the mind on track. Remember your WHY, why you are doing it and keep a written note in your wallet or at your desk. It is all to easy to lose sight of the goal when we get overwhelmed for any length of time. Join an entrepreneurial group to give yourself accountability. Enthusiasm and dreams feed each other. Consider all parts of your day with an objective mindset and see where you can make extra time to work on your goal. There are often hidden pockets of time that we can unlock. If you are interested in one on one sessions with me to fast track growth, then email me at info @ riseregardless dot com. I will send you questions before the one on one session so you get the most out of the session. Sending you peace, inspiration and strength, Monique
Soukey Alexis says
I’m deeply committing to being more conscious of what types of foods I choose to eat. Listening to my body more.
I’m committed to finding a yoga studio for expanding my practice. I get on the mat around 4-5 times a week at home.
I’m committed to building my skillset for career advancement, entrepreneurship.
I’m committed to doing the work towards creating financial freedom.
I’m committed to nurturing my friendships.
Monique says
Hi Soukey, that sounds fantastic. And you are looking after all areas of your life too. Some people make the mistake of focussing on their strength – let’s say career – and then don’t look after relationships and are still unhappy six months later. You are hitting all areas. Be amazing!
Let me know how you go! Best, Monique
Ash Srinivasan says
Monique, I directly need your help on an issue that is holding me back from realising My and the company’s true potential. Are you open to video chats or phone chats for an hour? I will pay. Please help. Thanks, Ash
Monique says
Hi Ash,
Yes I am now taking on clients! That is awesome work that you have identified what may be holding you back. The best way to get in contact with me is info at riseregardless dot com. I’m looking forward to working with you! Best, Monique
Suzanne says
Thank you or the inspiration! Sometimes that’s all you need – for someone to say, ‘Go for it.’ i wil definitelyl let you know how things work out. ~ Sue 🙂
Monique says
Awesome!
Nadine says
Back to basics. For the last year, my major depression has returned. My house has gotten disorganized and needs dusting. I have committed to keeping the dishes clean; but I feel overwhelmed and anxious about even attempting to begin the larger jobs. Just reading these motivational stories help me feel understood and give me the hope and encouragement I desperately need. Thank you so much Monique!
Monique says
Hi Nadine,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Start small and commit to the jobs you can..I’d also recommend the hour of power. This is when you put on your favorite dance music (it has to be upbeat music – I prefer seventies disco) and commit to one hour of work, and you throw yourself into it for one hour only. It’s mandatory to sing along 😉 to the music. Just joking.. I also do dance moves. You’ll be amazed by what you accomplish in an hour and it can be much easier than committing to one particular task. Make sure you mentally store all the things you did in your memory and how good you feel about doing it. When we do the things we say we will it creates a trust bond in our heart, and it makes us feel good about ourselves, and then our confidence goes up to tackle new things. It’s when we let ourselves down constantly that things go awry. Although this is different then knowing you need to let things slide and not being too hard on yourself. I hope that really helps you. I’d love to know how you go. Best, Monique
Suzanne says
Thank you so much Monique! I love your attitude towards life and your determination to not accept second best. You are truly a role model. Your reply was helpful in a practical sense as well as being motivational. I really appreciate it. I will get on that!! It will take time but so worth it. All the very best things for 2018! 🙂
Monique says
So happy to help Suzanne. Let me know how you go. Keep Rising Regardless every day.
Suzanne says
I want a job that excites me. My dream job would be Mission Control at NASA. I have a degree in Physics + a programming diploma. Right now i do something that pays the bills but doesn’t often motivate me. But I have no plan in place – it’s only a dream for now.
Monique says
Hi Suzanne,
That sounds like an amazing job to reach for. Are you checking their website for job alerts? Have you sent in your resume to some of the top people there even though there are no jobs available at present. I’m guessing they don’t advertise often because people send them resumes all the time (or are too intimidated too!). Be proactive. Do a follow up call then. If you find out something is missing from your CV then you are one step closer to closing the gap. Tell them you intend to fix that and can you send your resume again in 6 months time. I always go after my dreams. If there are not within reach at all then I know and I can move onto something else. Being stationary means all the important stuff gets paused. I know you can action this and get the ballmoving. Best, Monique
Monique says
You could also find the personnel page of the people who work there on the website or find their profiles by doing a search on linkedin. See what their employment history and skill set is. Fill in any gaps, if there any, on your resume. Get a new job, or ask to work on a project. Create your own side project. Whatever works in your industry. Best, Monique
Nelo says
I commit to reading my books and writing my project.
Monique says
Hi Nelo, that sounds like a great goal. What is your project on?
Christina Goebel says
I deeply commit to loving humanity every day. ~Christina @lovegoldenheart
Monique says
That’s awesome!! Have you are strategy in place for doing that? 🙂
Christina Goebel says
Yes, I wrote a book about how to do it, GoldenHeart: How to Love Humanity. I will promote my book and spread the word about how we need to target large-scale change. ~Christina
Monique says
Sounds fabulous!!!