Why I failed my habit, and what I learned Pt.2

Continuing from our previous blog, I found myself in a dilemma: is my identity defined by my workout routine? What should I eliminate? How could I transform?

This is the section where I reference "Atomic Habits." The book recommends beginning with an identity that simplifies the habit. For instance, an athlete considers training crucial, a student prioritizes studying, and an entrepreneur views building their business as essential.

This was my first shift, shifting my identity to a flexible location worker. I would arrive at the gym earlier to get work done by the lounge rather than dreading it at the office.

Second shift, no more decision fatigue. There was no negotiation for workout or not, but when I would workout. I incentivised myself with a pre-workout drink and post-workout meal in the beginning stages while developing this habit.

"If you hang around the barber long enough... sooner or later youre gonna get a haricut." - Denzel Washington

Third, I included mindfullness and yoga in my training to calm my mind while combined with strength training. This helped me recover mentally and made the gym feel less like a battle.

"I used to listen to hip-hop and rock music with heavy beats, but the energy came and went quickly. I switched to more relaxing songs like R&B, blues and even podcasts to calming strength rather than bursting and source. Lasting a 60-minute hot yoga class is not about physical strength, doubts creeped in 10 minutes in and I observed how my mind reacted under pressure." - Paul Chan

"I was about to end the blog but this thought emerged "My undiagonsed ADHD symptom moments U.A.S.M."

In summary, spending time to develop an identity that decides seamlessly in accordance with a habit is more powerful than relying on willpower alone. Removing friction from habit and making it more enticing. Finally discovering that workout is not just about pure strength and going through motion but also relaxation and mindfulness moments to gain inner strength. Also known as changing the perspective in seeing this situation.

That's it for this one. I will share more about the mindful moments on tomorrow's blog.

Cheers!