Constant failure may be nothing more than a bad habit you picked up, like biting your fingernails. This is great news, because it is simple to change a habit. Of course, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy.
Have you, over the years, set goals for yourself and then repeatedly not followed through? If so, your brain has come to expect you to give up, and will even assist you in doing so. Over the years you have created a strong neural pathway that your thoughts follow; thoughts of quitting before achievement, thoughts that are reinforced by your negative self-talk.
It is commonly accepted that it takes about 30 days to create a new habit. This ishow long it takes to strengthen a new neural pathway. So, to overcome a habit of failure, you must stick with your new goal for 30 days before it starts to feel normal to you. If you want to start exercising daily, or you want to start actively networking to find new customers, go into it knowing that your subconscious will be fighting to stay on its familiar old pathway. If you know the source of that urge to quit, and that it is temporary, this should help you to forge ahead.
I just read that our will power is weaker as the day wears on, and it’s negatively affected by emotionally upsetting incidents. With this in mind, perform your new task as early in the day as possible, before other issues can get in the way.
Another tip to help keep you on the path is, stay positive. Pay attention to your thoughts. When you think “I just can’t do this”, stop that thought in its track and replace it with a supportive statement. You can accomplish anything, but you’ve got to give yourself a chance, and about 30 days.
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Tags: entrepreneur, form habits, homebased business, micro business, small business, startup
Thank you so much for your concise, well presented insights. I plan to read more of your articles. Just posted one myself on a similar topic. Check out http://www.denucciandcompany.com/denotations
Have a fabulous day!
Thanks for taking the time to read this, Patti. I appreciate your comments. I'll definitely check out your article.
Beth
Love the fonts in Header. Okay so this is it for me --truly when I start going south with my new business you are dead right, it is usually out of nothing more than some bad repetitious habits like not goal setting or keeping myself accountable for time management strategies. And that negative self-talk, not good. But I like your terminology of "Business Habits." In that light the solution is easier to see and correct. Great stuff Beth!
Thanks - I got the foint from fontdiner - love that site! And thanks for your candid comments. It's easy to get into the habit of anything without even realizing it's happening. Awareness is key to taking control of our lives.