Stop Fooling Yourself

We eat poorly. Find excuses to avoid exercise. Seriously consider the pre-filled injector pen Wegovy.

We are very busy to the point of exhaustion, yet not very productive. Often have more month than money. And seldom if ever pay off those credit cards. We get in our feelings. And we hold grudges.

How’s all that working out for you? Why continue down a road that leads to disappointment, frustration and sadness?

Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, known for his leadership and contributions to philosophy, particularly Stoicism, calls it madness to keep being the same person, “mauled and degraded” by a life we don’t even enjoy—one that doesn’t give us what we want.

According to Aurelius, "people who refuse to change are like gladiators torn apart in the arena, begging to fight again tomorrow, only to be clawed and bitten once more."

Insanity, they say, is doing the same thing repeatedly but expecting different results.

There’s nothing sadder than someone with a fixed mindset…who refuses to grow, can’t turn over a new leaf, or take a leap of faith into the unknown.

Regardless of your trepidation, launch into the new...not later, but NOW!

What could your year become if you trusted yourself to work on implementing just one outrageous item on your goal list?

Tackle that thing. List the littlest of changes you can make, in the context of James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits.

Use the acronym “OAES,” which aligns with the four laws of behavior change Clear outlines to help build good habits and break bad ones.

1. Make It Obvious
   Design your environment and routines so that the cues for your good habits are clear and unmissable. Place items related to your good habit in plain sight, set reminders, or use visual cues…like putting the dental flossing next to your tooth brush. And just floss the teeth you want to keep.
2. Make It Attractive
   Make it look appealing which increases your desire to do it. Put those new running/walking shoes next to your bed. When you finish your prayers, slip them on and get going. Reframe your mindset to see the positive outcome of the habit…less stress, weight loss. This will also increase your desire to keep going at it.
3. Make It Easy
   Make the habit as simple as possible to perform. Just walk the length of your favorite song. Break down habits into its smallest steps. The goal is to lower the barrier to action so the habit is easy to start and maintain.
4. Make It Satisfying
   Make sure that completing the habit brings you immediate positive feelings or a reward. Use your watch to track your progress, which can reinforce that new good behavior. Celebrate small wins with friends over tea or coffee and no sugar.

Now, make you own atomic “OAES” list and get to doing the work!