James Clear, author of Atomic Habits contends that the habits we keep are like casting a vote towards a person’s identity. So if you want to say you live a healthy lifestyle, but you only eat fast food, and don’t exercise, you’re casting your votes for living an unhealthy lifestyle. We are what we do. This is where some may think, “Well that makes sense but getting into the habit of living a healthy lifestyle is overwhelming. There is so much to do, and it’s difficult to manage it all!’ I hear this and can relate!
Strategy #5 The Two-Minute Rule
If you want to establish a habit but it feels too hard to get started then the two-minute rule is just what you need. You can do almost anything for two minutes! Here is how it works; basically, the goal is to spend no more than two minutes doing something. For example, if writing were a challenge tonight, I would set my timer for two minutes at the end of that time, I know I met the goal. There is a little dopamine release, “Yay I did it.” and now I feel good. If I do this every day (over time) I know I am the kind of person who writes every day. I can say, “I am a writer.” that becomes part of my identity.
I am also the kind of person who enjoys a fun beach day now and again. This is a local beach close to where I live on Long Island, New York. It was a really nice summer day.
Getting to Goal 