In our time starved, chaotic lives, it can sometimes be hard to keep new habits going. We are all experts at keeping ahead of deadlines, completing tasks and running from one chore to the next but not always at nurturing new growth in ourselves.

Do you remember all of your good intentions that you planted in January?

How are they looking now?

Are you seeing the shoots of new growth coming through, or have your efforts at changing your lifestyle and old habits come to a halt?

When life gets busy or unexpected changes occur, it’s easy to let ourselves fall back into old habits and patterns. A loss or disappointment can be enough of an excuse to run to the fridge or open a fresh packet of cigarettes. Burning the candle at both ends, a busy work schedule and unforeseen challenges are all factors that can destroy the brand new positive habit that you are trying to cultivate. Spring is a great time to become conscious of how our old habits may have crept back in. It is also a reminder that new growth is always possible, and that we always have the choice to start moving again.

If you are ready to get going again, then follow my three simple steps and give yourself the green light to go!

Step One  
Red = Stop

Start by revisiting the reasons why you wanted to change this particular habit. Was it bringing you problems in your life or holding you back in some way? 

Now get in touch with the motivating reasons why creating a powerful new habit is worth the effort involved. Visualize how your life will be when you have broken this behavior. For example, if you want to quit smoking, imagine the freedom, the feeling of vibrant health, the taste of fresh air, the new, vitalized YOU that being smoke free will bring. The more you can generate those positive feelings, the more your determination and commitment levels will rise. 

Step Two
Amber = Get Ready

Have faith in your Self! It’s by having faith – or belief – in our Self and living with optimism that all of our greatest achievements will flow.  Having faith in our Self allows us to be faithful to our chosen promises, behaviour, purpose or plans. Without high-Self belief, hope or faith, our low-self would limit our thinking to: “If I couldn’t do it before, it means I can’t do it now, and there’s no point in even trying in the future.” Faith is belief that you can change, even if you have never changed before. Faith is like the magical fairy dust that you sprinkle wherever you go. Faith is the key to taking action and experiencing the results you want to create.

Step Three
Green = GO!

Download some fresh Self Mapping templates and make a brand new Spring Self Map, capturing the positive new habits that you want to create. Put the Self Map somewhere that you can see it on a regular basis. To make the command to your subconscious mind, it’s vital that you look at your Self Map at least once or twice a day. Commit to visualizing it and affirming your Self Map for the next 21 days. It takes at least 21 days to establish firm new habits and behaviors.

A great tip is to get up each morning and when you look at your Self Map, set an intention to be that person “just for today.”
By taking the pressure of tomorrow and the next day away, you can focus on being your new self one day at a time. This way you will take consistent actions to not only break the bad habit, but to positively develop the new one. Continual day-by-day actions are crucial. This isn’t about an occasional action or step. It is about being consistent every day.

There will be times when you question whether it is all worth it or you “fall off the wagon”.
There may be days when you think that breaking old patterns is too difficult; that you are too “weak” to change. This is just your low self – your old conditioning – trying to hold on. When these days come along, simply return to your Self Map and visualize. Remind yourself of the rewards and the value that this is going to add in building a brighter future.