How To Be An Exerciser
Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Vietnam
400 words, 3 min read.
This is a sleeper bus I took for a 6 hour trip north of Hanoi, Vietnam. The bus has 40 bunk beds set along 3 rows. Except for the nerve wracking fact there is no washroom, it's a descent way to travel.
One this journey, I listened to a James Clear interview on Brene Brown's Unlocking Us Podcast. Clear is the bestselling author of the book Atomic Habits.
After the bus trip at our B&B hotel, I noticed a shelf with a couple of English language books; including….Yes- Atomic Habits.
And here’s where you come into the story:
I pay attention when something shows up twice in a row. In January and many folks looking for inspiration for the New Year, it seemed a good idea to share it with you.
Here are some ideas inspired by Atomic Habits that I jotted down on the bus:
Find an interest or area of your life where you want changes or more of something, ie; meditation.
Choose an identity associated with that new role or person using the phrase "I am a......."; for example “I am a meditator”
Pick out some behaviours and consistent habits a type of person who does your thing might do. “A meditator sets aside 15 minutes to sit each day and creates a comfortable peaceful space.”
Here's a key. Don't wait to reach a goal to claim your identity. Name it, align with it and get to developing the identity through behaviours; ie, don’t wait until you can consistently meditate daily for an hour to be a meditator. Small daily habits for the win!!
I wrote down I am a Leader and Movement Educator. It required I set up Born to Move in a way proven to help you move and move better-
To which I’ll add, Movement is life and the science is clear that consistent moderate exercise increases longevity and your quality of life.
Magazines and books are filled with people feeling guilty and looking for ways to exercise more. Maybe you?
I suggest saying: “I am an exerciser” and/or “I am a mover”. And start from there. Think of it next time you are considering a quick walk or even grocery shopping.
Born to Move Zoom Nia and MELT Method both begin sessions this month, if that helps you out. Registration form
Write a couple roles you want more of in your life. Leave it in the comments below. “I am a….”