It takes 21 days to form a habbit.

I wrote this on my chalkboard in my kitchen. About two hours later I realized I spelled haBit wrong, erased it, and wrote "21 days." Erasing it seemed easier than trying to figure out if the word "habit" had one B  or two. Then I realized that it was a perfect example of how I constantly take the easy way out, and avoid hard work needed to create positive healthy habits in my.  And so  I googled the correct spelling as I started writing and here we are.

Ive heard before that its some kind of proven fact that forming a habit takes 21 days. I read it again somewehere recently, and it got me thinking. ThInking about all the things I have avoided or given up on because it was hard work. Or required patience. I crave immediate gratification and hate waiting to see results, or change. And I thought about all the things I have missed out on because I couldnt wait the 21 days. I couldnt push myself  to stick out something that is uncomfortable or makes me work for it. I wasnt able develop healthy habits because those are the ones that are the most difficult. And the most rewarding.

And so, I decided to try something to begin to put a stop to my procrastinator/avoider self. I decided that 21 days isnt THAT long and maybe I would try to test this 21 day theory and see if I could form a new habit. It is a proven fact, right?
So lately I had been feeling like I had put on one too many pounds and was not at all comfortable about my body. In fact, I was disgusted. Ive always enjoyed the fact that I was always the "skinny friend that eats lile shit and never exercises" friend. There are only a rare few times in my life when I felt too heavy or unattractive. So this new development of weight gain was not welcomed. And it was a suprise. Never saw it coming.
My best friend (who works out religiously and eats healthy) always griped about me remaining super skinny as I ate anything I wanted to and never worked out. She used to tell me that my metabolism would slow down or my bad food choices would catch up with me. Well maybe it was turning 28, or drinking too much or getting minimal to zero exercise......but here I am. So, I decided to test my theory on making a habit of exercising daily. My only requirement was that I do at least 30 minutes of some kind of cardio and some kind of strength building exercise. Today is day #4.
Of course when I started i wanted to rush through to the results, so Day #1 I ran with petey way past my limits, and then I tried to pretend I was super ripped and attempted this insane workout video that I could barely even perform the moves. And when I couldnt do that, I wanted to "complete" an exercise so I did a Jillian Michaels "6 pack in 6 weeks video." And then I was dead. And super sore the next day. And completely dreading any type of movement or healthy habit. I was frustrated and ready to throw in the towel.
Day #1 and I was over it. Over the work and uncomfort. But, I reluctantly thought about why I started my challenge, and sucked it up. Day # 2 I took a walk......and grumbled my way through some ab exercises and baby push ups. I felt better after I muddled through. Day #3 came and I was able to convince myself that If I did what I needed to do, I would allow myself to indulge with a few drinks and yummy food. Its all about balance, righr? And today on day #4, I told myself that I walked enough today at work and was allowed to skip strength workout. That I was allowed to give in to my bad habit of taking the easy way out. Rationalize that my long/late day at work and lack of sleep the night before equaled NOT doing anyhing hard.
And then I suprised myself. I got home with intentions to take my dog for a very quick walk outside (it was raining after all), but instead I found myself walking our "required" route in the rain with a little sprint at the end. And THEN I tried the Jillian Michaels video again, and made it farther than I did the last time. And although Im now sitting here with a glass of wine in my hand, I feel pretty damn proud. And maybe tomorrow wont be so great, or maybe I will continue to suprise myself.
Maybe 21 days wont be so bad. And maybe I can form a new ha it.