Step #1 to ANYTHING : Know Yourself. Here’s why and how.
It’s a fact.
There is no single answer/solution/program for anything.
One size does NOT fit all.
I received a priceless tip years ago from nutrition, fitness and performance expert Jack Medina. I was preparing for a nutrition exam and presentation and he said “There is one exercise routine that, hands down, is the best and most effective. It’s the only program anyone needs.”
Don’t keep me in suspense! What is it??!!
“The best routine is the one you will do.”
This simple truth applies to everything.
What do you want to accomplish?
What do you want to become?
What habits do you want to adopt or drop?
How do you do it?
First you have to know yourself. That’s how you know what works for you.
Here’s an example (but remember, this works for everything):
Suppose you would like to start a yoga practice. You understand why yoga is good for your mind, body and spirit. You like the idea of it and think you’ll really benefit. You read an article that suggests yoga is most beneficial as a start to your day. The article gives solid evidence proving the benefit of morning yoga, maps out a morning yoga routine that sounds lovely. You’ll need to get up 45 minutes early every day to incorporate this practice. You set your alarm with every best intention, and even get up, don your stretchy pants, roll out your new mat and work your way through the poses one or two mornings…then, the third morning…ugh. Seems really early. Snooze. I’ll take today off. Tomorrow...
Your early morning yoga habit is over before your first successful vrksasana. Why? Because you neglected to consider YOU.
In this case, knowing yourself might be about knowing you are an owl, not a lark. You are naturally more productive and clear-headed at night. Mornings are already a struggle for you. “But the article said….” Well, here’s an article that explains just one of the many benefits of evening yoga (which, in fact, is extremely helpful for owls who would like to get to sleep a little earlier).
Whatever your goal — start by answering some important questions about yourself:
- Who are you at your core? Knowing your core values allows you to make plans that fit with who you are. Your core values are your priorities. The picture your core values paint shows what drives you. Get to know yourself at your core. Ask yourself why, then ask it again and again until you get to the core of your goal.
- Are you an owl or a lark? Will you be better off trying to adapt a new habit or add something to your routine in the morning or at night?
- Do you do better with one small step at a time or all-at-once? Some people are fueled by hearing every instruction and carrying home every ingredient right away. Others find a huge intake overwhelming and do much better to take just one small bit at a time, then come back for more. Decide how you want to break down the steps.
- Do you respond to accountability or does monitoring bring out the rebel in you? For some, being monitored by a device or another person helps. They do well with the pressure of accountability. Others are irritated by that little angel on the shoulder and do the opposite of what they are supposed to. Enlist assistance accordingly.
This is about you! Once you get to know yourself you can accomplish anything.
So pick something you want to tackle. What new habit do you want to adopt? What project do you want to take on? What new skill do you want to learn?
Now customize it to YOU:
- Why?
- Morning or evening?
- First step, big or small?
- Solo or community?
Whatever it is you are after — YOU GOT THIS! When you know yourself and make choices that reflect who you are at your core, you will not only succeed, you will SHINE.
I hope you will❤ my article so more people will find it!
I am Rachel Tawil Kenyon. Click on my profile for articles about living a balanced existence at work and at home.