CTT #132: 5 Ways to Change Your Life

Grab your cup! It’s time for our weekly chat.

If we were having coffee together this week, I’d tell you that it’s the start of the NEW schedule! I’m hosting back-to-back classes almost every night of the week, which is an effective use of my time as an instructor, but definitely gets to my Type A personality. I want to give all students the FULL experience for each class, but there’s a rush and like total chaos in between, at least for this first week. I can’t wait to get into a flow.

Speaking of flow, if we were having coffee together this week, I’d tell you that rhythm is my life. From musicality of movements in my group fitness classes, to establishing a plan and routine for the day and week, and even down to planning the best route for running multiple errands, I love living in flow. I operate best when I can create an environment where tasks (and the transitions between tasks) are seamless.

What is flow? It’s a state of effortless concentration and enjoyment. It’s being at the top of your game. It’s the ultimate level of engagement and being in the moment. How do you find your flow? The secret is found in your daily habits.

“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”

• John C. Maxwell

Getting engaged with your daily life and habits leads to flow. Creating boundaries also leads to better flow. This is one of my favorite topics – I love finding ways to create a better flow in life. I want to help you find your flow! I find myself engaged in conversations with people related to developing better habits, getting fit, creating a better environment for their mental/physical well-being. I think all of this is related to your daily life rhythm and finding flow.

After having these conversations with individuals in different stages of finding their flow, I’ve put together a common list of 5 things I think can help you achieve flow. I’m calling it “5 Ways to Change Your Life” because I think recognizing and wanting to change your daily habits leads to LIFE changes.

5 Ways to Change Your Life

1. Observe without judgement. Without judgement is key. Don’t beat yourself up because of your current habits. Recognize that you want to make a change. How can you make a change if you do not first understand your daily habits? Record everything. I tell clients and friends to just start tracking – using a notebook or an app. How much water are you drinking? What are you (really) eating? When do you find yourself feeling hungry, tired, or irritable throughout the day? How much sleep do you get each night? Are you able to pop out of bed or do you slowly slide out of bed (or do you wake up fueled with adrenaline because you’re going to be late, again)? Observe all of these things. Then pick a couple to work on changing.
2. Make movement a priority. I’m not saying you need to become a gym rat or run marathons. That’s not for everybody. But moving your body every single day is important for all. Start small. Just 5 minutes a day now will compound and eventually become 30-60 minutes a day. Walk a few extra steps. Stretch when you wake up or before you go to bed. Find ways to incorporate any small movements into your day.
3. Start now. Right now. Once you make a decision to change something or start something, do it today. Waiting until ‘tomorrow’ could mean you don’t even get started. Want to eat better? Start today. Want to drink more water? Start today. Want to workout more? Move your body today. You’ll be so much more likely to stick with your plans if you start it today.
4. Stick with it. Starting something new is HARD. I get it, I understand it! Consistency is the key to success. My personal mantra is “three times,” meaning try something three times before throwing in the towel. The first time you try something, it will suck. You will be full of adrenaline or super anxious. The second time, you start to understand what it’s all about. The third time? Major flow opportunity. Keep going.
5. Get some sleep. Do you know how much sleep is recommended for you? I fall in the “7-9” category. My BEST days, I sleep 7.5 hours. I tracked my sleep for 6 months, using my Popflex Planner. I am more likely to reach flow on the days I sleep 7-7.5 hours. When I sleep fewer hours (and surprisingly, if I get 8 hours), I have a harder time concentrating, and less likelihood of achieving flow.