Summary: Life can often feel like a series of obligations, with an endless list of things we tell ourselves we have to stop: Stop procrastinating. Stop eating junk food. Stop wasting time on social media. While these intentions come from a good place, focusing solely on what we need to eliminate can leave us feeling restricted, guilty, and stuck.
In the latest episode of Journey to Authenticity, host Braiden Belnap explores a different approach: instead of trying to stop habits, we shift our attention to starting meaningful ones. This mindset change not only reframes how we view personal growth but also sets the stage for sustainable, empowering change. In this post, we’ll break down how to build better habits, create a life-changing schedule, and embrace the art of pivoting when life throws curveballs.
Why Shifting from "Stopping" to "Starting" Matters
The idea behind shifting your thought process is that focusing on positive actions creates a sense of growth and momentum. When you aim to start something—whether it’s a new habit or a fresh routine—you generate excitement and motivation. This proactive approach is easier to maintain than a restrictive one that revolves around deprivation.
Think of it this way: Instead of saying, “I have to stop eating junk food,” say, “I’m starting to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my meals.” The focus moves from deprivation to nourishment, making the journey feel more fulfilling.
This mindset shift sets the foundation for developing meaningful habits that are easier to sustain. Here’s how you can set better habits, structure your day effectively, and make space for the pivots life often demands.
Step 1: Build Better Habits by Starting Small
One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting new habits is aiming too high, too fast. We dream of drastic changes—waking up at 5 AM every day, exercising seven days a week, or cutting out all sugar at once. But habits stick best when they are small, manageable, and tied to something positive.
The Power of Micro-Habits
Micro-habits are tiny actions that take minimal effort but build momentum. Instead of deciding to meditate for 30 minutes every day, start by taking just five mindful breaths every morning. Over time, these micro-habits snowball into larger, sustainable changes.
Anchor Your New Habits
Habit stacking is a powerful tool that involves tying a new habit to an existing one. For example:
After brushing your teeth, you do a 2-minute stretch.
Before starting work, you take five minutes to journal.
By anchoring new habits to routines you already follow, you increase the chance of them becoming automatic.
Step 2: Create a Schedule That Works for You
A thoughtfully designed schedule ensures that your habits fit seamlessly into your life. However, many people fall into the trap of overloading their calendars, which leads to burnout. Creating a flexible schedule is key to maintaining productivity without sacrificing well-being.
Prioritize Your Non-Negotiables
Start by identifying your non-negotiable activities—the things you must do daily or weekly for personal or professional well-being. This might include work, family time, exercise, and self-care. Once you’ve identified these, build your schedule around them.
Batch Similar Tasks Together
Task batching means grouping similar activities to minimize the mental effort required to switch between tasks. For example:
Schedule all your meetings on two specific days to keep other days free for focused work.
Dedicate one time block to answering emails and messages, instead of checking them throughout the day.
Batching reduces stress and improves efficiency by allowing you to focus more deeply on tasks without constant interruptions.
Set Time Blocks for New Habits
If you want your new habits to stick, allocate specific time slots for them in your schedule. For example:
Morning block: 10 minutes of journaling and stretching.
Afternoon block: 15 minutes of learning a new skill.
Evening block: Reading before bed instead of scrolling on your phone.
By creating time blocks, you are signaling to yourself that these new habits are a priority and deserve space in your life.
Step 3: Be Willing to Pivot When Life Changes
No matter how well you plan, life is unpredictable. Unexpected challenges, opportunities, or responsibilities can disrupt even the best-laid schedules. To thrive, it’s essential to develop the ability to pivot when things don’t go according to plan.
Embrace the Art of Letting Go
Sometimes, the hardest part of pivoting is letting go of rigid expectations. Maybe you planned to work out every morning, but your schedule shifts, and mornings become hectic. Instead of abandoning the habit altogether, look for another time slot or modify the routine. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
Reframe Failures as Redirections
When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed. But often, these disruptions are opportunities for redirection. Maybe skipping a few workouts leads you to discover a new class or activity that fits your schedule better. Or perhaps an unexpected career change pushes you toward something more aligned with your passions.
Build a Growth-Oriented Mindset
A growth mindset embraces change as an opportunity to learn. When plans shift or challenges arise, ask yourself:
What can I learn from this situation?
How can I adapt my schedule or habits to fit my current reality?
By seeing obstacles as part of the journey, you free yourself from the pressure to have everything figured out all the time.
How to Combine Habits, Scheduling, and Flexibility
Building a meaningful life requires balancing consistent habits, effective scheduling, and the willingness to pivot when needed. Here’s how these three elements come together:
Start Small: Choose micro-habits that are easy to integrate into your life.
Design Your Schedule: Create time blocks that prioritize your new habits and align with your goals.
Stay Flexible: Be willing to shift your routine when necessary and embrace change as part of the process.
By adopting this approach, you’ll create a lifestyle that feels both productive and authentic, setting the stage for long-term success.
Final Thoughts: Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Switching your mindset from “I have to stop” to “I’m starting” changes how you experience personal growth. Instead of feeling weighed down by restrictions, you begin to see every day as an opportunity to start fresh, try something new, and build habits that align with who you want to become.
With thoughtful scheduling and the flexibility to pivot, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. The key is to focus not just on the destination but also on enjoying the journey—after all, authenticity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real.
Join Braiden Belnap on Journey to Authenticity and discover how small mindset shifts, intentional habits, and a flexible approach can unlock your full potential. Start today, and watch how your life transforms!
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