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Some Thoughts on Building Strong Habits
I have never considered myself very disciplined. I do realize that some people who know me are laughing at that statement. To them, I seem incredibly disciplined. But honestly, I’m not.
I’ve always defined being disciplined as having to force yourself to do something. According to my husband, I’m one of the most stubborn people he’s ever met. Most of the time, I just do the things that need doing, those things which are part of my habit. Sometimes, though, if I’m in pain or not feeling well, I draw on that stubbornness to get them done anyway. Perhaps that’s discipline. I think of it as being too stubborn to stop.
However, I’d much rather not have to lean into my stubbornness, not regularly. Instead, I try to build habits that keep me moving along.
For example, I do yoga every morning. Now, when I say “yoga” I actually mean a bunch of things in addition to actual yoga poses. I’ll do twenty pushups, as well as hold plank for one minute. I’ll spend extra time stretching out my back and hips. I’ll also do Warrior Two, Triangle Pose, Downward Facing Dog, and other poses. Plus, I do my PT exercises, to help strengthen my knee and hips. When I do a full “yoga” routine, it takes about forty-five minutes.
