3.10.2013

DIY Post-it-Note Craft: Breaking a Habit or Setting a Goal in 21 Days

Parents out there! I have one piece of advice for you that needs to become a priority.  Fill your own buckets too.  We are so busy taking care of our kids every needs and it's noble and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I love it.  BUT, in order for us to be the very best mom we can to these kids, we need to make sure we are filling our own buckets and not letting them run dry.  One of my favorite things to fill my bucket is to run, especially outside.  I find that when I run, I am able to think everything out and release any pent up stress.  I notice when I am not running, I am not as efficient and not as good as a mom as when I do run.  Funny, I know.  But it's true.

So with winter and a big move, I found myself letting that bucket run dry.  In order to get back on the horse, I tried out this little {simple, cheap and EASY} tracking system to get back into the swing of things and re-instate my habit.

It is generally said that it takes 21 days to break a habit, and perhaps to form a habit.  So, here's a fun idea to keep track of your 21 days.

I went to the Dollar Store and found these post-it-notes.  Then I labeled all of the post-it-notes from 1-21 and stuck them on a door frame.  Each time I ran, I took a post-it-note down and eventually it was no longer something that needed a reminder.

So find something to fill your own bucket - be it reading a book, exercising, scrapbooking, a girls-night-out, quilting, cooking, attending the theater, etc.  And get back into the habit of doing it.  Because I promise, you will end up being a better mom because of it!

**I also love that kids could do this with piano practicing, brushing teeth, exercise, healthy after-school snacks, homework, etc.  Try it out together with your own goals!

Ideas for setting a goal:
1. Write it down.  Seeing things visually really stimulates our mind.  Plus it so rewarding to cross something off when it's done!
2. Provide yourself with memory tricks - for example, tell your kids that every time they tie their shoes, to ask if they did their habit for the day.  Or every time you look at your watch to ask yourself.  Another trick I've heard is to put a penny in your shoe.  Every time you feel it, ask yourself how you are doing?
3. Be positive and find find friends and family who can help you be positive as well. 
4. Reward yourself.  It can be verbally, or even with a fun new item.
5. Take one step at a time and don't give up if you miss a day, just keep pulling those post-it-notes down one by one!  


-->

1 comment:

Jennifer Hays said...

Hi, I followed your link from MBC. I really enjoy your blog; I think you have really helpful content for moms. I'm subscribed to your posts with Google Reader. I look forward to reading more. My blog is at thistlebearhome.blogspot.com if you want to check it out. :)