To successfully implement Zen To Done, you will need to acquire new habits. This requires a methodical and consistent approach.
Enabling Behaviors
- One habit at a time - Start with just one habit and apply proven change methods.
- Gradual progression - Once you’ve acquired one habit, move on to the next.
- Perseverance - Dedicate an entire year to implementing habits, one at a time.
Method for Changing Habits
1. Commitment
Commit yourself fully to acquiring a new habit. Commit publicly:
- Write it on your blog
- Join an online forum and tell everyone
- Communicate it to family and friends
- Send a daily update email on your progress
The more positive public pressure, the better.
2. Practice
Changing habits is a skill that requires practice. Commit to a 30-Day Challenge and try to practice the new habit every single day for 30 days. If you fail, don’t indulge in self-criticism, but try again. Practice makes perfect.
3. Motivation
Find all possible ways to motivate yourself:
- Identify a strong “why”
- Recognize the benefits of the habit
- Imagine the positive results
- Share your enthusiasm
4. Record
It’s important to record your progress in the habit every day:
- Mark your progress in the evening before going to sleep
- Keep the record next to your bed
- Review your progress regularly
- Celebrate small successes
5. Rewards
Reward yourself often, right from the start:
- After the first three days
- At the end of each week
- Special reward at the end of the 30-Day Challenge
6. Focus
Stay focused on the habit you want to acquire for all 30 days:
- Put reminders, signs, writings near your desk
- Send yourself email reminders
- Put a reminder in a frame on the table
- Adopt the concentration of a laser beam
7. Positive Thinking
This is perhaps the most important element:
- If you tell yourself you can do it, you will do it
- Chase away negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones
- Maintain constructive internal dialogue
- Visualize success
Remember: it’s easier to acquire a new positive habit than to eliminate a negative one. Focus on what you want to add to your life, not what you want to remove.
