🌪 the habit vortex: building up to high-stakes habits [OHT 082]

Let's talk about the power of a habit vortex.

(Sharing more mixed metaphors with you in this one.)

Pour out all the puzzle pieces of habits you'd like to try and experiment with. Notice the ones you feel the most emotional attachment to. (There's likely a lot of resistance to those too.)

Start with the small-stakes moves.

As you build your trust, energy, and consistency muscles with these, you'll likely notice the higher stakes habits start to move into your peripheral vision.

Like if you're at a bar or restaurant visiting with someone and you notice [your bestie, sister, partner, or somebody cute who catches your eye] and starts walking your way.

The best way to stay in the zone is to focus on the person right in front of you, AND it's fun to know another somebody you want to connect with is on their way to you too. (The more the merrier, when the conversations are this good!)

For me, starting with physical habits led me to wanting to update a few pieces of my daily wardrobe, which got me feeling sparky too.

Then I noticed a desire to record podcasts again, which I have been doing. At this point I notice a FUME of a desire to possibly even wake up early (?!) to journal or walk before my kids wake up, which I haven't wanted to do for years.

Further out on the horizon is me working on my book again. It's not ready for direct eye contact, but it's there. I can feel it. Not gonna rush or spook it, but I'll enjoy the habits right in front of me while it makes its way over here.

With the habit vortex, we're imagining a tiny tornado in 2 liter bottles. Glitter, food coloring, you know the deal.

The stronger it gets, the more glitter it picks up. The stuff that once seemed too heavy to lift is now spinning with ease, because we started where we were WILLING to start.

Okay. You get it. I hope. 😛

Give it a go and keep me posted!