Changing a habit I want changed

2 years or so ago, I used to play a game on the iPhone before going to bed. Somewhere down the line, I had begun to ask myself if I liked the habits that made up my day and if they were sustainable. My gaming habit failed both. My effort to change it involved installing a bed side reading light and books on the bed side table. That worked very well and the coming of the Kindle app on my iPad effectively sealed the deal. I’ve read a ton of fiction over the past couple of years as a result.

The next habit I’m looking to change is the sifting through email habit when I wake up. I’ve had periods of occasional success with this one but the overall effort has clearly been a failure. I don’t like it as it leaves me prone to responding to email that annoys when I’m drunk (sleepy = drunk). Thanks to “The Power of Habit,” I now have a more scientific approach to changing habits. So let’s deconstruct it –

Cue: Opening both my eyes and deciding I can’t be in bed any longer

Routine: Switching WIFI/3G on on my phone and browsing through email/feeds

Reward: Getting something done while still waking up

The cue will remain. The goal now will be to switch the routine from switching WIFI/3G on and heading straight to to brush instead.

I’ve found almost no process more singularly frustrating than changing little habits that make up my day. But, our habits make us or break us and they’re worth the effort. More importantly, the act of exercising control over these little habits leave spare willpower to deal with other more important things.

Here’s to change!