Are you a creature of habit? If you are like most people then you desire simplicity. We naturally seek to save more time and energy by repeating the same “efficient patterns” of thought and behavior”. For example, we shop at the same stores, eat at the same restaurants, travel the same routes and move through our days in the same sequences (wake up, shower, eat breakfast, etc.).

Look inside your brain. You have compartmentalized everything! Thinking patterns help simplify our daily decision-making. We associate certain words and images with behaviors and choices. For example, the words “exercise” and “healthy eating” conjure specific images in each of our minds. The one who exercises regularly might think “exercise = difficult but feel good”, while the one who has avoided exercise thinks “exercise = impossible, no way, not now”.

Your thoughts are the root of your behaviors and decisions. If you want to change your behavior you must change your thinking. You can create new word/image associations that trigger positive behaviors. It takes courage to break old patterns of thinking but it is so worth it!

A teacher once challenged my graduate Organizational Behavior class to shuffle the sequence of our daily schedule to make it different everyday stating that “change is one of the most painful, yet rewarding experiences” a human will endure. He was right!

Today, I'm challenging YOU to try something different . Why should I? (You ask). Here are some benefits you will experience if you try something new :

• Builds confidence
• You will enjoy life more
• Set a strong example for others (your co-workers, friends, spouse, children) and inspire them
• Build momentum for more positive changes in your life
• Release endorphins and other natural “feel good” hormones, improving your mood
• Keeps you feeling and looking young (really – endorphins promote the manufacture of HGH – human growth hormone – which renews and stimulates cellular regeneration)
• Everything else feels more fresh and exciting
• Increases your energy, creativity and enthusiasm for life!

Two days ago I had a nagging urge to swim laps at the gym pool. The desire soon evolved into attempting a mini-triathlon. I was scared to death but I remembered to keep it simple so that I could do it. And I did! I swam 20 minutes, biked 5 minutes and ran 5 minutes. Although this is nowhere near even the shortest triathlon (a Sprint Triathlon calls for 0.5 mile swim, 12 miles bike ride and 3 mile run), I experienced all the benefits of having tried something new. I went home feeling confident, happy and positive. Now when I think “triathlon” I associate it with my brief but successful experience. I am no longer fearful of the word. In fact, I'm ready to go “tri” it again tomorrow!

Use your imagination and come up with your own mini-challenges. Here are some examples to get you started:

• Eating at a new restaurant
• Shopping at a different grocery store or clothing store
• Exercise! – try a new sport (basketball, bowling); join a league (soccer)
• Take a yoga, Pilates or cycling class
• Read a new book
• Try a new recipe
• Get lost! – try a new road to get to work or home. You may discover something and be happily surprised!
• Visit the farmer's market
• Turn the dial and listen to a different radio station
• Knock on your neighbors door and introduce yourself (you've wanted to do it for months)
• Say “no” to something you keep doing that doesn't bring peace or steals your joy

You have nothing to lose, except the fear and the dread, which only hold you back. And be warned, without variety, life dulls and creativity stagnates. You are created to be free and willing – to experience life. GOD will direct and enable you to do what you need to do. Just ask for help, wisdom and strength.

Not everyone has this luxury and blessing. Take advantage of your freedom and celebrate your life! You are stronger than you think and there is so much goodness to be had on the other side of your resistance. Step out and find out! Discover new things about yourself and enjoy life, more!

And when you do it, write me and let me know, so that we can all be inspired by your courage!

Past Newsletters:

July 24 - Learn to Slow Down

July 31 - Get Motivated

August 7 - Fire up your Metabolism!

August 21 - Code Red - Stress Alert

September 4 - 6 Real Ways to De-stress!

September 18 - All Carbs Are Not Created Equal!

October 2, 2006 – Is Your Protein Powerful Or Pitiful?

October 16, 2006 – Fat: Fact or Fiction?

November 13, 2006 - 5 Life-Changing Principles of Eating

November 29, 2006 – Reprogram Yourself For 2007

December 11, 2006 – Make IT Doable & You Will Do It!

January 8, 2007 – Count it ALL…Joy!

January 22, 2007 – Tri Something New!