We often like to idealize our future selves:

“Today I’ll get that burger but tomorrow I’ll surely order a salad instead… Oh, it’s ok if I skip a workout today. Tomorrow I’ll do an extra 30 minutes… Well, it’s ok if I’ll get an extra pair of jeans that I don’t really need, but next month I surely will keep my shopping budget tight…. Hm, I really wanna watch that Netflix series tonight, but tomorrow I’ll definitely get to my Italian classes.” Etc, etc, etc…⁣⁣

Sounds familiar? We all do this from time to time. But what does make you think that tomorrow you will do better than today?

There is no such thing as better version of you in the future. There is only one available option: Better version of you TODAY compared to yesterday. So make your choices. Today.

Developing new habits is not about your willpower. It is NOT about how strong or weak your desire or motivation is.It’s about CREATING SYSTEMS to support new changes in your life until they become automatic part of your life.

Make it easy and tempting to follow new habits. Create as little friction as possible in order to perform desired action. For instance, prepare your workout clothes the night before and place it somewhere obvious. This way when you wake up, it will be right in front of your eyes, reminding you about your decision of morning exercises. Do your meal prep on your days off, so that during busy weekdays, it’s easier to make good snack choices. Get yourself a fancy water bottle, so that you’ll want to use it more often.

Do the exact opposite if you want to drop some bad habits that you already have. Make it as difficult as possible to fall into the action, create as many obstacles as you can. For instance, don’t buy cookies or candies to have at home. This way the next time you’ll crave something sweet, you’ll have to get out of you house first, go to the grocery, and purchase some. There are more chances that you’ll simply drop this idea out of laziness, or you will be reminded about your decision to cut sugar.

And I must say these principles do work.

Are you currently struggling with improving your dance habits? If yes, you will like the Belly Dance Habits Quiz. It’s free, fun and take only 10-minutes to complete. Check it out HERE.

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Author and model: Iana Komarnytska

Photographer: Pedro Bonatto