Last month I wrote I was going to establish a new habit: daily art journaling. My plan – simple:
- decide/schedule time between 6 A.M. and 6 PM;
- keep it visible, track and
- share!
I did not achieve that goal: my daily schedule was/is revised a bit. The time I thought I’d devote to creating this new habit was preempted. – which is OK and understandable in that I’d not figured in a factor over which I have no control. So, it’s back to the drawing board … and a different approach.
The key to success, in addition to including the activity on my daily agenda, lies in [my] tying the new habit to an existing one – a technique called habit stacking. So, the revised plan is to:
- tie the habit to my M-F 12 Noon Daily Pages activity – which I really enjoy;
- have an idea of the day’s focus and supplies at the ready;
- keep it simple – therefore doable;
- share on this blog and/or Instagram.
Clearly, not everyday will result in achieving the goal as outlined but I’m banking on having more rather than less success at October’s end. Watch this space.
How has your word been manifested this month of September? Please share via the link up and if for any reason you have a problem, do include a link to your post in the comments. Thank you for joining us and sharing your one little word experience.
Cheers~
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Morning Glory Studio 
Habit stacking is such a great idea. I love how you’ve combined your habits to help ensure success! Have you read Atomic Habits yet? This is something the author talks about a lot and he includes lots of good ideas… but it sounds like you already have the jist of it and you’re prepared with a plan!
Thank you for hosting today!
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It sounds like you found a great way to link (stack) those habits–I know that makes a HUGE difference for me.I’ve also gotten a little better at not being too hard on myself when I miss a day when I’m attempting to establish a new habit. I flirted with a #100dayproject for so long without jumping in because of that high expectation. It took me a while to realize I can set my *own* expectation! Enjoy the making! And thanks for hosting.
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I like your idea of habit stacking… what a brilliant idea! I also love your honesty! I understand the discomfort of trying to create a new habit (I am trying to incorporate a tiny bit of artistic journal and wow… it is hard.)
Thank you for hosting! 🙂
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It sounds like a great plan, Honoré, and I wish you much success as you “stack” your activities. I have a hard time thinking about things I do for pleasure (creative activities, in particular) as “habits,” so I’m interesting in seeing how this works in your days. And — what a lovely porch planting! I love fall mums. XO
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Those unexpected demands – I have had too many of those here too. I think your new plan sounds good.
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Habit stacking seems like a brilliant plan — it’s so hard to create a new habit, so why not add on to one that’s already established? I hope it works well for you.
Here’s my link: https://paknitwit.blogspot.com/2020/09/one-little-word-september-2020.html
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I love the idea of daily art journaling. What a good way to bring art into your life every day. I had never heard of the concept of “habit stacking” before, but it makes complete sense. I have been wanting to begin a yoga practice lately, but find every excuse to not practice. I am going to try to stack my yoga class with another habit to see if I can become more consistent. Thank you!
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I set goals all the time and they are mighty lofty but then life gets in the way and it gets budged out. October I am trying again to set time aside to do all of the creative things I want to do.
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I think the connection between the old and new habit is a great strategy. Life has a way of interfering with the best laid plans. Keeping goals simple and doable is another good idea. I hope all is well.
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Sometimes life throws up things we just have to attend to, and we have to reshape ourselves around them … You haven’t allowed yourself to get off track and give up, but rather put thought and energy how to get it to work for you. This isn’t the first time I’ve read about you doing this, so I think you can count this as another very positive habit you have :).
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First, Honoré, I admire your wisdom in setting a different plan when the first one didn’t work out. Clearly your flexibility resonates with all of us! Here’s to a new month. another fresh start. and maybe some new habits!!
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Your photo is beautiful. Habit stacking is a great idea and I am all for keeping it simple. I have finally joined your one little word which I have wanted to do for ages. Small steps! Looking forward to seeing your progress. Cheers.
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I agree with Mere2007 setting a new plan and not giving up is success. Part of a new habit is thinking about it before hand. 🙂 That is what they say when someone gives up smoking. You have to think about a big change a while. You are doing Great. I cannot recall my word from month to month. Tying the new habit to an old one IS a great idea. Hmmmmm. Now how can I do this?
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FINALLY getting caught up on blog reading. Always a good idea to evaluate what is or is not working for you. I love the fall photo. It is definitely here!
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I know! We plan something and in the end, we don’t keep up with it! Your decoration is pretty, we got our big pumpkins yesterday, I need to take a photo of them.
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