It Takes a Month

I love lists. They are one of my favorite things to make, but I tend to overwhelm myself with possibilities. I plan out everything I want to do and of course each goal is related to another and so I have trouble deciding where to start. Logically, I know it is best to take things one at a time and implement new habits slowly so that they stick. Because it takes a long time to form a habit. The most common theory I've heard is that it takes a month. Although, depending on the habit and other factors it can take much longer. For a more thorough explanation, see a post on Huffington here.

A month minimum? That's a long time and a lot of room for one exception that turns into a pattern of laziness.

When the seasons change and fall hits, I find it more natural to seek change and organization than in springtime. Perhaps it's something to do with preparing for the winter, organizing a welcoming home and place someone would want to settle into for a few months. Maybe it's just the pattern continuing of fall being the season that change is most apparent in our lives. Starting a new school, moving into a new dorm/house, etc.

Anyway, when I see the leaves changing color and starting to settle on the ground I know it's time for change in my own life. It doesn't have to be a monumental thing, it can be simple and small. But I also have a tendency to bite off more than my fair portion and in the end accomplish no goals. It's so easy to get excited and plan out all the habits I want to start (or stop) and forget that the best way to make them permanent is to choose just one and take baby steps with it.

All that being said, I will continue to make lists. I think they are a great way to organize thoughts and determine what takes priority over another thing. I also find them extremely fun. But gone is the pressure of accomplishing everything within a given timeframe (that's what college was for!).

So here's to lists, keeping high expectations of ourselves and realizing that failure is the best way to learn and improve. It's not a reason to stop, just a sign to stop and re-evaluate.