My Unexpected Habits

Exploring the secrets to sustained routines

Why do we struggle to do hard things?

What helps us adopt a good daily, healthy habit?

Why don’t we do more good stuff that would benefit our health and wellbeing?

These are questions I also ask myself…

There is an intriguing revelation hidden within our daily routines, one that is testament to the things that drive us towards transformative habits.  For me, its the paws of my ridgebacks that beat the pavements, fields and beaches in an unbroken daily ritual. Come rain or shine, they beckon me on walks, nudging me towards a healthier lifestyle - walking being something I didn’t enjoy in the storms and the freezing cold temperatures. But now I walk every single day, without fail and I never return home regretting the walk.

Much like the commitment forged through my daily dog walks, another practice took root in my life - journaling. As some of you who read my Substack will know, over 1000 consecutive days, my pen found solace on the paper in my journal.  A place where I unravelled my thoughts, described my dreams, and channeled my emotions of each passing day.  I’ll be brutally honest with you, this for me if an astounding achievement, a testament to the remarkable power of consistency and a habit that now boosts my health and wellbeing.

This journey has spurred a curiously within me.  

While I was out walking across fields at 8am in the freezing fog, a burning question came to me that I wish to explore with you…  

How do we ingrain and nurture good habits into our daily lives? 

How do people like me and you adopt practices that fortify mental, emotional and physical health?

The stories and techniques behind such good habits fascinates me.  The struggles and the victories of trying to commit to a good habit is something I’m going to delve into more in 2024.  I will be sharing case studies and the stories of those that join me on my therapeutic journaling journey, as we weave positive routines into our lives.  Care to join me?

As I reflect on my own journey, one principle shines brightly, and hopefully it will be a guiding light if you are wishing to adopt a new habit in 2024, it’s the art of starting without seeking perfection.  Permission to begin, to take those initial first steps, has proved to be the cornerstone of my success. But it took time, dedication, sheer grit and a lot of patience.

On refection walking and journaling are two good habits I never thought would be part of my daily activities across 365 days of 2023.  What about you?  Has there been anything particularly good for your wellbeing,  that you’ve kept doing on a daily basis this year.  Oh and I’ll let you into a little secret, I don’t also wake up in a good mood knowing I have to ‘keep on keeping on’ with my good habits.  Just know that I am a healthier 49’er for having weaved good habits into my day.

So I invite you to join me on this quest.  Where we could together unravel the intricacies of good habits particularly walking and journaling.  Failing that, you’re very welcome to keep reading my daily monologues here on Substack, as I promise to report back daily on how I uncover the nuances that drive consistency.  

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xx