Bonus Benefits of New Habits

If you are following along on our 30 Days to Create Change Challenge we are on day 14 - two whole weeks in. So . . .How are things so far?Did you take my hint from last week and look at your week to plan for the obstacles?  I hope that was helpful and you'll continue.This week I want to talk about your expectations.  When we begin to make a change, create a new habit or say goodby to one , we typically have a reason for. wanting to make that change.  In order to create any change we need a why.  The stronger your why the better your chance of succeeding.I am wondering if you are seeing those results and meeting the expectations you expected.  Remember the realistic expectations you wrote down?  What  are they?  Do you see progress toward those expectations?What I have found so interesting are what I call the bonus benefits. These are the additional benefits that come as a part of your change, the actions yo are taking and steps you are making, that you didn't expect.   Have you noticed these bonus benefits?I've shared the change I am creating to breaking up with my phone.  (this morning I was up for 2 1/2 hours before I reached for my phone!).  I share it here, embarrassingly, because I recognise the need and because sharing with you helps keep me accountable.  See #4 on your roadmap.I expected to have more time, become more focus and less distracted and to be more present.  But I've realised so many other little benefits I hadn't expected.Putting my phone away not only gave me more time and focus, but it's also given me more peace. (And if you know anything about me, you know I'm a huge stalker of peace).  Seriously.  I am now less worried   about seeing what is going on and especially what is going on with others in my field.  I am not comparing my progress (or lack of progress) with (what I view as) the super stars working, creating and sharing on social media.  Also, removing my phone and the email checking from my morning routine has allowed me to begin m y day less frazzled and in more control.  These are just a couple of the bonus benefits I've noticed.What about you?  What bonuses have you noticed?  For example, if you are adding a 30 minute walk to your day (which is something I've talked about in the past and I know some of you are creating a walking habit) besides the obvious benefits of walking, what else do you notice?  Maybe you use this time for a walking meditation and to clear your head, (so you feel less stressed and more calm) maybe during your walk you listen to personal development (and are learning new things or gaining more confidence), or maybe you use your time to walk with someone and now have this extra connection you hadn't even intended.  So, you have some bonus benefits coming from your new habit of adding a walk to your day.I would love to hear your own bonus benefits.Have a GREAT week!

Stay Well!