For the most part, repetition is a good thing. It gets us into a routine, creates a cycle of familiarity, and in exercise it creates muscle memory. But what about bad repetition? Things we repeat over and over in a robotic like fashion that hinder progress? Perhaps we are blind to these habits, or don’t realize how they impact our routine. Maybe we think diligence in our repetition will yield a different outcome. Consider this quote by Albert Einstein:

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

Albert Einstein

Have you ever experienced this paradox? Trying the same diet, doing the same workout, getting to bed at the same time every night; each time hoping that the results will be different. There is nothing wrong with consistency and repetition, especially if you are happy with where you are in your journey. But the frustration comes most often when we don’t make any changes and expect the better results. Its insanity. It’s like Newton’s Cradle; you know, the desk toy with metal balls suspended on a frame demonstrating the laws of physics. We can swing one ball at one end of the contraption, but only one ball on the other end will react. This will always be the case, until we move that second ball.

So much of this challenge is centered around the the idea of identifying habits we can change. Progress cannot come without change. Many of us fear change. We are happy with our routine. Comfortable in the daily humdrum that doesn’t require much energy or effort. Rather than shocking the system with dramatic changes, we can introduce them slowly, so that as you progress, your new habits will be part of your routine and will start moving the metal balls on the cradle.

Kind of a short one today, but here’s an exercise to help you start thinking about your routine. Take an inventory of your habits. Do this once during the week and a second time on the weekend. For an entire day, write down your activities in 10 – 15 minute intervals. Log the stupid details; like brushing your teeth or making a pot of coffee. Within that log you might be able to identify some of the habits you might not realize you’re doing. For example, I’ll catch myself scrolling social media and look up realizing 20 minutes has passed by. That’s 20 minutes of garbage I won’t ever get back.

Start to inventory your habits, and make a list of the ones you want to work on changing. I categorize these into 4 sections: Good habits, Bad habits, Conscious habits (one’s I’m aware I’m doing), and Unconscious habits (one’s I do without thinking). This will give you a good baseline to start making some micro changes in those habits too.

Habits are a foundation to this challenge. They are engrained in repetition, and are a key component to making sustainable changes. Even just putting visibility around what you do is a catalyst for change. Start putting those habits to work.

Crush some push-ups! Focus on your form. Make them count. Have a great Wednesday!