Seeds

In order to start a new habit, we must first plant the seeds.

It is not enough to simply plant the seeds. We need to ensure that they are watered regularly (through practicing the new habit) and that they are in a fertile, safe environment (cultivating positive thoughts and emotions and surrounding ourselves with positive people, places, and influences).

With time, our seeds will sprout roots and the first signs of our progress will surface and become visible. 

We must be careful to not grow complacent and back down at this stage. 

We must remember that our recover roots at this stage are still fragile. 

Sometimes, the more progress we make, the more our old habits desperately want to pull us back.

Keep persevering. Don’t give in or give up in the face of obstacles. Trust that new habits are possible and that they are possibly for you. 

- Pratibha Anand

Hold On

Have patience. Have faith. 

Sometimes success is simply a matter of being able to hold on just a little bit longer.

- Pratibha Anand

Direction

Even when what you do seems to make no immediate difference, remind yourself that they do matter and that each of positive action you take adds up. 

Just like a ship destined towards a new land – though you may not know exactly when you will get there, what it will look like, or what hardships or good fortune you may face on the way, the important thing is that you are making progress in the right direction.

- Pratibha Anand

Stairs

 

Progress – even if it is slow progress – is still progress. 

Celebrate it! 

With some things, as long as we are headed in the right direction, we do not need to know all of the details. We do not need to see the entire staircase – all we need is to see the next step and to step forward. 

- Pratibha Anand

Commitment and Action

 

We must commit ourselves to the new habit, even if we face obstacles and challenges. 

We must commit ourselves to the new habit even if we feel discouraged, angry, anxious, or depressed. 

We must commit ourselves to the new habit regardless of what other people say or do and regardless of the circumstances in our lives.

Ultimately, though, we must take action.

Action is proof of commitment.

- Pratibha Anand

Small Steps

 

It can be easy to feel discouraged by what we consider to be slow progress.

We may feel impatient and frustrated that we aren’t getting to our goals fast enough.

We may feel defeated and want to give up because it feels like we’ll never get to where we want to go in our lives at this rate.

During these times, we may feel tempted to sabotage or abandon our efforts. 

But we must remind ourselves that slow and steady wins the race. 

We must remind ourselves that houses are built brick by brick. 

We must remind ourselves that the journey of a thousand miles is traveled step by step. 

We must remember that any worthwhile endeavor is worth being patient with and persevering through in order to do it well and sustainably. 

- Pratibha Anand

Punishment

 

Stop punishing yourself for not following through with your goals.

Start rewarding yourself for the times you do.

The flames of motivation are kindled not by dousing yourself with penalty and penance, but by positively reinforcing the desirable and the desired.  

- Pratibha Anand