photo credit: @uns__nstudio via Unsplash
I might not listen to many podcasts, but I like the idea of listening to podcasts. I just don’t make enough time for it. This post is not about podcasts, but it could be.
Kae recently shared that she listens to The Lazy Genius and that in one of her recent episodes (ep. 377), the host, Kendra Adachi, answers a question about how to “lazy genius” exercise (how to actually get it done or be consistent). The listener says, “I say it’s important to me, but I just don’t seem like I make it a priority.” and part of Kendra’s answer is: “You need to match your expectations to the energy you’re willing to give.“
Go read Kae’s take on this (I agree with all of it) but the short is: you have to measure your results based on the effort you were willing to give. Period. Kae’s example was that you can’t expect abs if you’re not putting in the work to get those abs. For me, it means that I cannot expect to listen to podcasts if I don’t make it a priority and fit it into my schedule, regardless of how much I like the idea of it.
We also have to keep in mind that some overachievers like myself tend to want to do everything and there is simply not enough time. So, we have to prioritize. And it’s okay to say I am just working on “x” right now (like, I will be prioritizing running in the coming weeks. I know that other things have to be put on the backburner for that to happen and I am accepting that this is the reality and that I might not make much progress in these other areas until I shift my focus back to them again. I am sure you can figure that I reprioritize a lot.)
This reminded me of a nugget of wisdom from the book “Atomic Habits” (by James Clear) that I am currently reading with my mentor. I don’t know if you have read the book. There’s a lot where I am just nodding along, yes, nothing new, I know this, but I think there are also some really valuable insights here. One of them is that instead of just stating your intention “I want to exercise more”, you have to create an implementation intention (I will [BEHAVIOR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION]). If we tell ourselves when and where this new behavior is going to happen, we’re much more likely to follow through with it. (Planner nerds, are you with me?)
And then there is the idea of habit stacking, of just tagging a new habit onto something that you’re already doing regularly. (After I [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]). Or it could be adding something before something you’re already doing. This is how I got into the habit of drinking a big glass (14 oz) of water first thing in the morning right after I get up and before I work out. It was something that I struggled with but that was important to me and I just stacked it onto my existing habit. Now I don’t even think about it anymore. I just do it.
Anything that needs to be contemplated and “decided” over and over again is draining our energy and usually leads to pushing things off or dropping them altogether. The trick to success in many instances is to automate behavior, to circumvent the conscious thought process around it, with the ultimate goal of solving the problems of life with as little energy and effort as possible.
Sounds simple enough, eh?
Suzanne
August 15, 2024 at 8:54 amI love this topic and it’s one of those really hard-to-swallow truths, I think. Consistency is super hard for me and I’m constantly looking for ways to “hack” my way into it, but I think it’s just about hunkering down and doing the thing. I like the examples you give for making something a habit. Stacking has been especially useful for me, but there are so few things I do consistently, I have trouble with that too! Ugh!
San
August 16, 2024 at 5:27 pmI definitely feel the struggle. I often just bump against the “limited time” wall to do everything I want to do, so prioritization is key for me (which is a struggle in itself). You can probably relate.
Nicole MacPherson
August 16, 2024 at 4:54 amI very much agree with you on all these points, San. I feel like I’m pretty good at implementing changes and stacking habits once I commit to something. My trick is to write it in my schedule, what I am going to do that day, even when it’s something I do every day. I feel like if you don’t block off time to do what you want/ need to do, it will never get done!
San
August 16, 2024 at 5:28 pmI feel like you’re a very organized person that sticks to their schedule, Nicole, and I am not surprised that “writing it down in your schedule” works for you.
Ernie
August 16, 2024 at 3:36 pmThis is very interesting. I do most of the things that I want to do out of habit, but there are some things that I’d like to get in the habit of doing but I feel like I’m too busy. If I stack it into my day, I bet it will just become routine.
I do not listen to podcasts. I think part of the reason is that I feel overwhelmed. I have heard of so many great podcasts, and I’m not sure where to begin – or where to start. Ultimately, I don’t think I have time anyway. Not right now anyway.
San
August 16, 2024 at 5:28 pmI feel you on the “too busy” part, Ernie. I definitely have to prioritize a lot and I don’t like it (preferably, I would just have more time for everything ;)).
Meike
August 20, 2024 at 12:31 pmI had “Atomic Habits” in my hands at the bookstore before and thought it was not for me. After reading your post, I came across it when searching for audiobooks at the library and went for it. I find it surprisingly enjoyable. Some of the things are common sense in my opinion but I do like the idea about building an identity instead of setting goals. Thanks for the inspiration
San
August 23, 2024 at 5:34 pmOh, I am glad you gave the book another chance… I was also surprised how much I enjoyed it. I like all the personal ancedoctes along with some solid “action items”.
NGS
August 20, 2024 at 2:04 pmIt sounds simple, but it really requires that you have a firm grounding on your priorities because there is limited time in the day. Sure, I’d love to do cardio and strength and yoga every day, but I can’t if I want to do anything else with my life besides paid work. So your priorities have to be crystal clear and I generally find that mine are…not.
San
August 23, 2024 at 5:34 pmYes, there is absolutely a limited time in the day and it’s my greatest struggle.
Daria
August 22, 2024 at 5:03 amI will [DO A SIT UP] each time my kids [SAY MOM] at [ANYWHERE]. I’d be ripped lol.
San
August 23, 2024 at 5:35 pmHahaha. Get it on your calendar! LOL
Stephany
August 23, 2024 at 4:35 pmForming habits is SO hard for me. I try my best but some behaviors are just really hard. I like the concept of stacking but then when I don’t do one part of the behavior, then everything else falls apart. It’s like a domino effect. I’m working on it!
San
August 23, 2024 at 5:35 pmI am a creature of habits, so I can usually get into routines pretty easily, but I feel like it gets harder and harder the more we try to pack into our day. Is that also what you struggle with?
Lisa’s Yarns
August 24, 2024 at 7:01 amKae’s post was really insightful. I should read atomic habits at some point as it sounds like there are so many great ideas to implement. It is tough when we have so many interests and goals and need to prioritize. Saying yes to something often means saying no to something else.
San
September 1, 2024 at 3:41 pmYeah, I wanna say yes to EVERYTHING LOL
Tobia | craftaliciousme
August 24, 2024 at 1:24 pmOh this is a great post.
Routines and habits are what I love and then other times I wonder if life gets boring if you just be on autopilot. However I would not get as much reading done if I didnt do it first thing in the morning. But I do sacrifice some of that time to do yoga. Not daily but at least often enough.
Right now I need to habit stuck my migraine & hair vitamins to lunch otherwise I am not doing it.