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Habits create success

Bad habits are so hard to break sometimes. Or so we think.

Equally, and in the same vein, good habits are only a commitment away, but that commitment feels a little like walking across a suspension bridge in Nepal with a raging creek 100 feet below — terrifying.

A dose of OCD probably goes a long way toward providing the impetus to quit anything cold turkey. For most of us, however, it is a more gradual process.

It is often the decision to create a habit that we find more difficult than the process itself.

A habit takes about 30 days of repetitious activity to become part of our daily routine. Of course, stopping a bad habit is the same. So if you smoke, you had better be prepared to quit for 30 days before you have a long lasting impact.

Let's assume for a moment that the 30-day number is accurate. Think about the results below for a moment:

  • If you are worried about affording retirement, start saving just $1 a day for 30 days. If you continue the habit over 50 years with compounding interest you would have close to $700,000.
  • If your business is struggling, cold call or meet one new client each day for your business. After only a few months, you probably would be considering taking a break from the habit, so you could service your new clients.
  • If you are feeling unhealthy, run a kilometre every day. After a few months, you will be running greater distances and feeling the distinct benefits of a routine exercise program.
  • If you have a challenging relationship at home, tell your wife or husband that you love them every day for 30 days. Life would be so good that you wouldn’t want to stop the habit.
  • Worried about the price of gas? Ride your bike to work every day for 30 days. The savings on gas, insurance and maintenance, plus the added advantage of being healthier would be a very positive asset.

The important point is that consistency is the key to make positive changes in your life or your organization.

If you need an accountability partner to chase you a little, reach out to a friend.

If it is important to you they would typically be pleased to help out.

Who knows, they may even join you on the change if it has a positive impact on them too.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

Mark has been an entrepreneur for more than 40 years. His experience spans many commercial sectors and aspects of business.

He was one of the youngest people to be appointed as a Fellow of the prestigious Institute of Sales and Marketing Management before he left the U.K. in 1988.

His column focuses on ways we can improve on success in our lives. Whether it is business, relationships, or health, Mark has a well-rounded perspective on how to stay focused for growth and development.

His influences come from the various travels he undertakes as an adventurer, philanthropist and keynote speaker. More information can be found on Mark at his website www.markjenningsbates.com

He is a Venture Partner with www.DutchOracle.com a global Alternative Investment company.

Mark Jennings-Bates:
[email protected]
 

Photo credit: www.SteveAustin.ca 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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