Earlier in July I decided to loan a book from our local library- I have read great reviews heard about how fantastic this book is. I think you can say, I was late to the party (I only just heard of this book from a friend).

This book is called “Atomic Habits” written by James Clear. I was so keen to delve into the book when it arrived. I guess my anticipation already existed prior to receiving the book- just a few pages along into reading – I was able to identify some of the things I found difficult to understand regarding creating healthy habits and how this contributes towards my personal development.

Prior to reading this book, I was on an ongoing exercise regime (no preparation nothing) just getting by if that makes sense. It was just a way to get the momentum going for myself, but like many; I do have a tendency to get bored doing the same routine.

I guess, I just went along with it, but did not think I could be consistent. As I got into the third chapter of the book, I felt compelled to take my exercise program to another level- since I was already exercising the book concept of habits, curated this idea for me to incorporate the habits by taking it to another level.

Without hesitation, I made the decision to do a “30 Day Exercise Challenge” . Yes ! Yes! You got it right I wanted to trial for myself what I was reading to compliment my daily routine of life. It was both a challenge but a complete game-changer. Can you imagine the idea of doing exercise once per day – to keep the momentum going not because it’s for a show, but due to diligence of wanting to see results of a consistent activity that is a positive outcome for you.

In addition, the book brought some interesting topics and reflective insights as to how an individual can make small changes to their daily routine, no this book was not insinuating those major changes but the little details that often times we feel tempted to overlook.

Now as a Christian woman in my thirties, I was encouraged by this book; the fact that it motivated me to not just read as it was another book to meet my monthly challenge goals of reading. Yet it helped me to implement some changes into my daily routine which therefore influenced my life in a positive way.

I have read some books about habits, discipline and the likes, but they were to not avail. This book taught me not just about routine but honouring those little moments that we often times forget. I began to understand that small amounts of changes made in my daily routine can make a huge difference in my life.

In addition, the mental effect of this changes helped me to understand the importance of creating habits that not just as a temporary measure, but more so that I can focus on which could gradually become a lifestyle. I do feel that at a time when I needed some form of motivation and direction regarding weight-loss- this by far has made me feel more confident and less anxious about what I should do with my day.

As I write this blog, I am now eighty-seven (87) days into my exercise challenge. I didn’t imagine that what transpired with just the thirty days idea propelled me to remain focused and achieve my goals in my own mind.

You wouldn’t believe, that a few days before I was going to complete my sixty days exercise regime; I made another attempt to continue my exercise program to ninety days. What more can I say? Small habits do make a difference in your life.

I am guilty often times trying to achieve the goals that are often too much for me to handle, because they do become a bore or I just become less motivated to push boundaries. This exercise challenge has somehow impacted me more than I could ever imagine, where I intend on running a marathon and not a sprint to help me achieve my goals one step at a time.

I share my personal thoughts here;

1. I had to put my phone on “do not disturb” and kept it away from me- just so I can do my workouts.
2. Constant time on social media can get in the way of achieving your goals, don’t get me wrong, you can be busy comparing your journey to someone else, when you can focus on your own. If it means you need a time away from social media do that. (Solitude is a great initiative that I do on a regular basis to get me off social media for a break and focus on what fuels me).
3. I have monitored my access to TV, I love a good documentary, but I make sure to watch when Iv done what I need to do first. Watching TV can get in the way of you getting things done, especially as a SAHM.
4. Online shopping reading reviews to get the latest gadget or electrical appliance. I now ask myself the question, if it is a need buy it if not DON’T, just because something is trending doesn’t make it right for me.
5. If you love journaling and some mom-praise in the morning, get up an hour earlier before the kids and you can enjoy the quiet time and prayer prior to getting the kids ready for their day.

I do believe that behaviour change is effective when done in a manner that can help you understand what needs your attention and what needs to be a moderate.

In Galatians 5:22-23, the bible talks about the fruits of the spirits, one of the fruits mentioned is called “self-control”. I recognise that in creating this healthy habits this word plays a vital role when it comes to discipline and how to manage it well. As much as we thrive in the things of God, we too can also maintain the status of keeping a healthy lifestyle which emulates the environment we live in today.

Habits are not just a temporary fix, they have to change the way we live and how we think about ourselves regarding how we desire to live our lives fully present. You can’t do much when you have everything going at once. I have tried it and it doesn’t work that way.

Paul exhorts us to have the mind of Christ, (1 Corinthians 2:16). I understand that it is hard when living in a world that can have so many things going all at once even more so in your personal lives. It is a gradual process that you will have to discern and help you not just in your Christian journey but your entire life. Having the mind of Christ is essential- you need it for your life, without it you might crumble in the face of adversity and become overwhelmed with the world around you.

It’s easy to assume that in order for you to achieve massive success you are required to do massive action. But the reality is this, small habits are achieved through improving your daily life.

Until you can improve on the particularly unnoticeable things, the things that are seen will certainly be within reach.

I can’t recommend this book enough, how it has inspired me to create healthy habits the kind that I find is manageable and enjoyable, choosing to achieve little goals each day has rightly earned me a great deal.

If you can loan this book or grab a copy from a friend – I encourage you to do so.

If you desire to go on an exercise challenge, please consult your physician or GP. This is not recommended as it’s my personal experience.

I hope that in whatever journey of life you find yourself in? Know that creating healthy habits will help you to achieve your goals in the long run.

Keep going,

Carolyne.