Upgrade Your Operating System Today: Change Your Habits and Mindset
We all get those prompts to update our devices: "Update now" or "Update later." But what about upgrading our lives, mindset, and habits?
Too often, we tell ourselves, "Now's not the right time." But is there ever a perfect time? There's always something easier or more comfortable to do. Today, I want to share my own story of the BS I’ve been telling myself—and how I’ve decided it’s time for an upgrade.
The wake-up call: time to upgrade
Almost another year has passed, and I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve been living my life, especially regarding my mindset and habits. Here’s what had been working well for me over recent years:
Running 5 times a week and weight training.
No drinking alcohol Monday to Thursday.
Setting hard goals to work towards.
Filling my mind with powerful, positive information through podcasts and books.
Writing consistently about life, challenges, and purposeful actions.
But as 2024 began, I slipped—for a number of excuses. My running dropped off due to injury, and without a new ultramarathon goal on the horizon, my discipline around drinking and reading also waned. My writing slowed, too, as work demands increased.
All of this was a complete and utter fabrication of reality. I could have trained more on the bike in the garage, maintained my drinking limits, and found new goals. I could have kept reading and writing more. But I didn’t. My mindset and habits weren't where they could be, so I called BS on myself and decided to make a change.
Time to upgrade your habits
If you’re reading this thinking, “Yeah, I do need to update my mindset and habits... It’s time to overhaul the system,” you’re not alone. But where do you start?
Here are a few strategies beyond the usual advice:
1. Experiment with 'Mindset Snacking'
Instead of overwhelming yourself with major habit changes, try small, incremental adjustments—what I call 'Mindset Snacking.' These tiny habits are easier to implement and maintain, leading to sustainable progress. Learn more about Mindset Snacking.
2. Practise digital minimalism
Adopt a minimalist approach to your digital life by decluttering and simplifying your digital environment. Reduce screen time, curate your online content, and prioritise meaningful interactions over constant connectivity. Start by deleting apps that don’t serve you.
3. Engage in ecopsychology
Connect with nature to enhance your well-being and cultivate sustainable habits. Spending time outdoors, practising environmental stewardship, and fostering a connection with the natural world can have profound effects on your mindset. Interested? Check out my Purpose and Legacy Masterclass to find out whether nature can play a role in building a meaningful life for you.
4. Prioritise restorative practices
Incorporate restorative practices into your daily routine to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This could include activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature.
Time to change your mindset
"Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." — Mahatma Gandhi
Perspective is a powerful tool, and shifting your internal story can fundamentally change your life. Here are some strategies to help you move forward:
1. Cultivate optimism
Train yourself to focus on the positive aspects of situations, rather than dwelling on the negatives. Optimistic thinking can improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase your overall sense of well-being. But remember, stick to the facts—don’t BS yourself.
2. Challenge limiting beliefs
Identify and challenge any negative or limiting beliefs that might be holding you back. Replace them with empowering beliefs that support your goals and aspirations. For more on changing your mindset, check out Why you must learn to change your thinking.
3. Cultivate a beginner's mind
Approach each experience with curiosity and openness, as if you were a beginner. This mindset allows you to see things with fresh eyes, free from preconceptions and biases, fostering creativity and innovation.
4. Practise forgiveness
Release resentment and grudges by practising forgiveness. Let go of the need for apologies or reconciliation from others, and instead focus on releasing the emotional burden to find peace within yourself.
5. Embrace impermanence
Recognise and accept the transient nature of life and experiences. Embracing impermanence helps you let go of attachment to outcomes, allowing you to appreciate each moment fully and foster a greater sense of freedom.
Create a powerful reason why
We can all map out perfect plans, but without a clear and powerful reason for why these behaviours and positive thinking matter, it’s easy to lose motivation. When emotions rise, and it feels too hard or time-consuming, tap into that deeper "why" to keep moving forward.
Ask yourself:
Why does this change need to happen for you?
Why do you need to stick with these new habits and mindset?
How good could life be if you never gave up, even when failure happens along the way?
If you keep making progress, what will your legacy be?
The more detail you have, the richer your painting of "why," and the more likely you are to stick with it.
Before you know it, 2024 will be done! Time to upgrade your operating systems and for those looking to make impactful changes in less than a month's work, my 21-Day Lightning Coaching Program which focuses on clarity and goals coaching is perfect!
Ready to upgrade your operating system? Book a free 30-minute exploratory call with me today, and let’s start working on the habits and mindset that will lead you to success.
