Ask the Readers: What Habit Changes Are Your Top Priorities?

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

November 5th, 2008, 18:59 pm

I’ve done really well this year with changing bad habits (mostly out of necessity). But now I still struggle with managing time, specifically time at home. I have a bad habit of taking my time getting ready in the morning, what should take me an hour takes two. I know if I really needed too, I would change, it’s just a matter of needing to I guess. :)

Simple Sapien Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:01 pm

I have a bad habit of neglecting my music and my blog. I will tinker with them here and there, but never commit enough time each day to get anywhere with either of them. I want to record one new song every two weeks and get a 5 post a week posting schedule going for my blog.

Other than, exercise and eating less are on my need to do list.

Oh yea… and… find a steady job. That is not exactly a habit though.

- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien

Sue Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:03 pm

Lately I’m trying to save more and spend less as I’m sure many others are doing.

However, the key habit I’d really like to get a handle on is being my own best advocate. Ditch the self-sabotage that makes it difficult to pick up a new habit in the first place. I’m getting better at it but it’s a paradigm shift to be more encouraging to myself and helping myself achieve goals rather than discourage and feeling defeated that comes with self-doubt and fear of not succeeding.

Jessica Stalley Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:15 pm

I’m getting into the habit of working on my novel for a set amount of time each week. I’m experimenting at the moment with how much time I can commit, and so far it’s going quite well. Also, my focus. I have a million projects going at once and I am eager to focus on a select few so that I can actually achieve something (eg my novel, my blog, and little projects in my house.). My third habit - a constant struggle - being positive. I am the eternal pessimist and I really need to turn this around :)

Great question, Leo. Coming up to the holiday season, we definitely need to be holding on to what’s important to us.

Kelli Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:15 pm

Eating when bored, not hungry. It is so embarrassing to admit! I am a health nut; I work out 1+hour plus each day, eat a super healthy diet, but then 8 pm rolls around and the cereal comes out…
Living alone is not good for a bored eater.
I would LOVE advice on how to change this.
I’ve conquered other bad habits: nail biting (went into the peace corps, couldn’t regularly wash hands, didn’t bite nails!), overspending (became conscious of the needs of those around me and began tithing instead), etc.

Crystal Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:16 pm

I’d really like to stop procrastinating, which is a habit that perpetually leaves me unable to get important to-do items off my list.

See more of my thoughts about procrastination.

- Crystal
http://www.sparkleize.com

Fit Bottomed Girls Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:19 pm

Here’s my three:

1. Stop biting my nails.

2. Eat according to my hunger.

3. Mediate for at least 5 minutes most days of the week.

These were going to be my New Year’s resolutions, but there’s no time like the present, right?!

Brad Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:20 pm

My goals are to stop procrastinating! It has gotten to the point for me where it really affects my life in many ways. I’d also like to become more focused and work harder.

The biggest goal in my life, however, is to write and publish a novel! That has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager (perhaps earlier). But life tends to get in the way of that dream a lot, and I’m a big procrastinator.

TheInfamousGdub Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:22 pm

The two habits I’d most like to focus on are (1) not procrastinating confrontational tasks and (2) exercising.

For me it is very easy to procrastinate dealing with problems that I cannot see an easy solution to. The whole, “if we ignore it, it will probably go away” feeling.

Exercising is something that’s always been tough as I work full time and go to school full time (well full tame and a half actually). Finding a way to squeeze it in that’s both dirt-cheap, easy, and fun for me has escaped me.

Greg Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:25 pm

Thanks to this site (and others) I have changed several habits this year (getting up early, eating healthy, & MTAs amongst others.)

Next ones up:

1. Get spending under control

2. De-clutter my living spaces

3. Less TV…set aside time each day to read or meditate.

Emily Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:30 pm

Exercise more. My story is the same as everyone else’s. Since the economy has gone sour I gave up my previously active lifestyle of yoga, climbing, pilates, and gym memberships. I also have to work longer hours now so its harder to make ends meet and find time to exercise.

I’d like to get back into running, at least, outside everyday in the morning. Now if I can only get around to that waking up at 5 am in the morning part…

ViCtoria Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:37 pm

A bad habit I really want to change is having sugar cravings, especially after lunch or at 5 pm. Even though I’m underweight, I binge pastries and cakes, and obviously don’t feel good about it.
Other things I’m trying to change right now are enjoying college more (there’s a lost sense of purpose involved) and keeping up with running 5 - 6 times a week at mornings.

Susan King Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:38 pm

I’m trying to do some art every day.

Jessica Stalley Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:40 pm

thats interesting that you say that, emily. I gave up my gym membership this week :( because its $20 each week that i really need for my mortgage and bills. I know i can get/stay fit doing outdoor workouts like running and walking from home - we even have a few pieces of gym equipment in the garage - its just always easier to put it off and clean the dishes or watch tv instead. I wonder how many fitness based businesses will have to close their doors as a result of this financial fallout?

I should get up at 5am as well and run. maybe tomorrow…

clif Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:41 pm

id like to stop masterbating - sometimes I wake up - have an erection - start playing with it out of habit (its in my way for christ sake!) and next thing you know a full blown wank is going down.
i dont know about you fellas but a wank really leaves me drained and off balance for the day. i find it hard to look people in the eye on those days without thinking “wanker”. ive been trying to get to a 0 wank state for some time but its not easy.

Maureen Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:48 pm

These are my top habits I’d like to change or create:

1. Exercise at least four days a week. I used to do aerobics five days a week and started skipping a day and now I don’t do any exercise. I want to get back in the habit.

2. I want to get back to eating healthy foods at every meal, and eat breakfast everyday.

3. Keep track of family birthdays and send cards on time rather than panicking and sending them late.

Skyler Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:49 pm

My goal is to not take so much for granted and to focus on giving the important relationships in my life the time and attention they deserve.

Kathy Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:51 pm

The number one habit I want to develop is to be more honest in my communication when the message is hard or unpleasant - like employees who are not working to expected standards. I tend to put it off instead of dealing with it right away.

The second is to write something every day and post to the blog at least twice a week. It’s been a slow start, but at least it’s started and will get better with practice.

Emma Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:52 pm

To start running!

leslie Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:53 pm

I have a tip for the folks who are sacrificing exercise due to finances. If you are a netflix member (my plan is $8.49/month), you can view quite a few work out videos instantly via their Instant Watch feature. Sure, this still take discipline to do it in your own home. But it is a great way to have access to a variety of different routines, exercises and styles.

a Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:54 pm

1. wake up at the first (or 2nd or 3rd) alarm in the morning, without snoozing for over an hour
2. stop procrastinating
3. be more productive at work (no email/ internet)

Eric Hamm Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:56 pm

My favorite place in the whole wide world is the local RC flying field, just on the outskirts of my town. I’ve been going there for 10 years now, and many times just to walk some laps and, breathe in the fresh air and watch the clouds float by. Every time I’d go there, I’d come back feeling rejuvenated and at peace.

Recently, I’ve been so busy, that I’ve neglected many beautiful days that could have been ‘airfield’ days. I’ll go outside and see how beautiful it is, and tell myself, “Maybe another day.” Unfortunately, that ‘other day’ hasn’t come for months.

So I guess my point is that I need to stop waiting for the ‘perfect opportunity’ to enjoy those simple things in life that recharge my batteries, and ‘just do it’. My bad habit is putting off the ‘me time’ that helps me stay fresh, focused and effective.

Bill Wilson Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:57 pm

I’d like to be able to develop the habit of using some sort of to-do manager (OmniFocus or something like that) and sticking with it. I find it’s too easy to begin ignoring the undone items in a software app or even paper lists.

Tom Says:

November 5th, 2008, 19:57 pm

Focus.

My four-hour daily commitment easily becomes an eight-hour day. The joys of working at home for an internet company…

Julia Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:06 pm

Three things?

1. Blog more regularly. I did NaBloPoMo last November and it gave me a good push, but then I slacked off. So I’ve committed to it again this November, and so far I’m four days for four — a good start!

2. Get into a regular exercise habit. I’m a totally non-athletic type with nightmare memories of phys. ed. classes so it’s hard convince myself it’s worthwhile. But right before I read your post, Leo, I dragged myself into the other room and had my DH (a fitness buff and soon-to-be-black-belt) coach me through an initial workout to establish a baseline. Baby steps, dear, baby steps.

3. I also want to build the habit of taking care of the business aspects (photography, listing items for sale, etc.) of my tiny little art business. Right now I make time for the art-making, but the sales aspect of it is going nowhere. Help!!

Will - TheSatisfied Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:07 pm

My most recent habit change is to remember that most situations we all get worked up about are really inconsequential. It seems to me that we fill our lives with meaningless drama to give our lives meaning. Unfortunately, trying to add meaning with meaningless nonsense doesn’t work. I ask myself if the issue I’m upset about is going to be important to me in 5 years. If the answer is “no” (and it almost always is), then I can let it go. No more concerns. It’s interesting to observe people once you start thinking this way.

Stephen - Balanced Existence Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:09 pm

I’m not much concerned with waking up earlier but actually with going to bed earlier. That’s probably my number 1 habit I would like to change right now. I would also like to waste less time checking email and so forth. Finally, my meditation habit has slipped since I got sick two weeks ago. I certainly plan on returning to that.

Writer Dad Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:11 pm

I would like to chew slower, and I don’t mean solely in regard to food. I need to chew on life a little slower as well. It’s hard to taste when in your in a hurry to swallow.

AMQ Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:13 pm

1. Get in shape before nursing school. (Male)
2. Become more social before nursing school.
3. Memorize the Qur’aan.

Vered - MomGrind Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:16 pm

I need to be more patient with others.

I’m a super-fast person and I tend to expect everyone around me to have the same fast inner pace but I need to stop. It’s rude and inconsiderate.

Valeria | TimelessLessons Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:19 pm

Single tasking and eliminating the non-essential are key ones to me. It’s so easy to get caught up in the unimportant and loose sight of the essential. Focus on the important and single task it. Works wonders.

Evan Meagher Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:29 pm

I’ve been trying to swear less lately. Specially, to stop dropping the f-word as frequently. Not to say I want to stop swearing. It’s a good outlet for frustration and anger and adds a nice spice to candid language. However, I’ve found lately that swearing less overall makes isolated expletives all the more effective and profound.

Mich Mash Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:31 pm

1. I’d like to quit smoking
2. I’d like to stop swearing (just around my son - though I don’t do it often, it’s just that it slips sometimes)
3. I’d like to focus on my religious studies more often.

These are not necessarily in any order. They all have lots of weight in my mind, though.

Mich Mash Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:33 pm

Clif -
Not to downplay the importance of your goal here, but you are experiencing what we women call being “a typical guy.”
It’s not a bad thing. It’s a biological thing. Don’t beat yourself up too much.

Kay Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:51 pm

1. Watch my potty mouth. It’s a bad habit from way back, but I have a little one now.

2. Stop procrastinating.

3. Stop focusing on the unimportant things on my to-do list while I ignore the important things, just because it’s easier to do.

Becky Says:

November 5th, 2008, 20:51 pm

My biggest habit that needs changing is setting goals for myself then getting distracted and never getting things done! I want to become a better animator, so I know I need a lot of practice, but every time I sit down to do it I end up reading blogs for hours or just staring at the screen terrified to try anything.

I feel so A.D.D. all the time.

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:08 pm

I have a habit of resisting my husband automatically, like if he asks me to do something my first reaction is resentment instead of graciousness or curiosity or love. Kind of snuck up on me, probably started after my daughter was born and she ALWAYS needed something from me.

Brenda Hough Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:10 pm

1. I’d like to engage in focused thinking more frequently and scattered online nibbling a bit less.
2. I’d like to eliminate negative thinking about certain areas of my life and just practice acceptance.
3. I’d like to be more openly appreciative of my friends and family. I think things, but need to be better about actually expressing them.

Maya Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:10 pm

1. Focus and be more efficient.
2. Be organized. Find the right tools to do that.
3. Read one book every week.

Brenda Hough Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:12 pm

I enjoyed this exercise and appreciate the candid replies.

Elizabeth P W,
I just wanted to say how self-aware the habit you mentioned is. I think a lot of us do that, but are unaware of it. Thank you for sharing that. It made me think!

Griff Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:13 pm

Quit procrastinating! I’ve done it my entire life - I’ve been able to do alright with it, but I can’t imagine how much more effective it would be with it.

Ceres Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:25 pm

I would love to concentrate at will so that I can focus on the tasks at hand. But even simpler than that, I would love to walk when I walk, eat when I eat, and meditate when I meditate.

curiousalexa Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:25 pm

Stop self-defeating behavior.

1. I have a wonderful opportunity to do something that has a lot of meaning to me, and yet I find myself not doing it. Huh??

2. this also applies to my eating habits!

Francisco Carneiro Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:38 pm

My 5 cents(or top-3 priorities):
1. Start going to all classes at the university.
2. Get to classes on time!
3. Develop a habit to write.

Drew Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:40 pm

Believe it or not I have a bad habit of making a list of bad habits and then doing nothing to rectify them. In honor of this post though I need:

1) to work on priorities in life; for many areas

2) learn to say “I love you” more

3) stop cracking my knuckles

Brennan Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:48 pm

Two things…

1) stop cracking my knuckles - I do this way too much

2) read a book a week

Chris Says:

November 5th, 2008, 21:49 pm

Stop procrastinating. Number one.

Mike Tieden Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:13 pm

I’ve been getting very good at going to the gym regularly.

Amalgam Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:27 pm

I’ve been in my room for 5 days straight, I haven’t been to school for 4 days straight. So I guess I want to get out of the bad habit of not leaving my room and sleeping all day? Also need to get into a habit of studying and doing school work/assignments, seriously it’s impossible. Help me Leo! Basically - How to stop being lazy…….

Stephanie Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:27 pm

Patience. I keep checking every hour to see if my stats midterm mark went up yet.

Focus on a single task. I’m not very good at multi-tasking — I normally end up forgetting about something.

Eating healthily, making my own lunch (which I’m normally good at when there’s food in the fridge..).

Being less dependent on the Internet! I become bored of it easily, and yet I keep coming back for more.

Chantel Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:33 pm

I’m sure I have a lot of bad habits, but the two that I really want to change are:
- eating out
- generalizing

I spend so much money eating out, and it totally contradicts the time I spend exercising. As for the generalizing, I say/think mean things, like “I hate people.” I’d like to be nicer and more understanding of people.

Love your blog!

Balfour Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:38 pm

1-procrastination
2-eating junk food, particularly sweets and diet cola (which I previously quit through this site)
3-getting to work later than I want to

Debbie Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:38 pm

For me, it’s about creating new habits to override the old ones:
1. develop the habit of home beautification
2. develop the habit of paper management
3. develop the habit of sharing my love with humanity

and a 4th develop the habit of writing daily

Emma Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:54 pm

1. Stop eating lunch out every day
2. Yoga/pilates/work out!
3. Pick one passion (hobby) rather than spreading myself thin among five

Debi Says:

November 5th, 2008, 22:56 pm

1 - Exercise daily
2 - Plan meals for self & family
3 - Get enough sleep.

The odd thing is I had the first two habits well established earlier this year but when I started to focus on sleep, my DD went through sleep problems of her own and blew my other good habits out of the water. I feel like I’m startng from scratch.

Claudia Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:01 pm

Another great post! My list includes:

1. Less multi-tasking and better time management…

2. Incorporating more exercise (or activity) into each day…

3. Curb my incessant need for other people’s approval, permission, and/or recognition in order to feel better about myself.

Vincent Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:03 pm

My habit would be to pick up my guitar again. Lately I have spend more time on the computer than on the guitar and I would like to have the habit of committing to at least 30 mins of training per day.

Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

Carolyn Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:08 pm

Here’s my list:

1. Be more open to the advice of others, regardless of how it is delivered. Even if information is delivered in a less-than-positive way, there may be some truth to it.

2. Exercise during the winter. (I’ve been riding my bike regularly since April, but now that winter is coming, it’s going to be harder to consistently exercise.)

3. Make a concerted effort to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with people.

Mike Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:16 pm

Purge the incessant free-floating anxiety from my mind.

Develop the ability to focus my mind like a laser, at will.

Leo Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:17 pm

Hey guys … I’m really enjoying this thread so far! It’s really giving me a better picture of what you’re interested in, and I’d like to write about some of these habits in the next few weeks.

Van Scott Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:27 pm

Leo, I’m happy to outsource my personal issues to you. Here we go…

1) I can never go to bed on time.
2) I may or may not be addicted to YouTube.
3) I check my email 1 million times a day. I just did it between (2) and (3). Jeeeeze.

I have Zen Fever! Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:33 pm

I must stop eating - Junk food. Not sit at the Computer all day reading Blogs!

Success Professor - Danny Gamache Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:34 pm

Hi everyone,

A few habits I would like to create:

1. Have a weekly review
2. Ask my wife “How can I pray for you?” daily.
3. Email to welcome all new customers immediately

Thanks!
Danny

Shanna Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:37 pm

Everyone has such great lists and most really hit home for me as well.

Here is my list.

1) Learn how to meditate and find the time to do it. I’m working on getting up earlier (thanks to one of your earlier posts), so once I find the time, then I need the skill. I’ve tried to do this before, but always had difficultly clearing my mind.

2) Stop seeking others’ approval and act on my dreams and passions.

3) Focus more on the important stuff.

Elena Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:48 pm

1. Go to bed earlier. I’m bad at stopping whatever I’m doing, so I tend to stay up too late, even though I know lack of sleep will make me feel worse afterwards.

2. Get up early, even when I don’t have to. This would probably be quite easy, as long as I could accomplish 1.

3. Stop being a perfectionist about writing which I know will get read by other people. Replying to emails, blog comments, etc. takes me much longer than it should.

Deb Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:50 pm

1) I would like to increase my daily exercise.

2) I would like to clean and organize my office and bedroom.

I don’t know why I have so much trouble with these two items. I have worked on both of these the past year but I still have trouble with them.

Jayadeep Purushothaman Says:

November 5th, 2008, 23:52 pm

I get bored with things easily and give up things before I have something concrete to move on.

Stephanie-TX Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:04 am

I have lost a lot this year. I lost my mother, my dog and anytime now, my great uncle.

I want to change by improving my relationships with those I love and to not hold back. As I sat next to my dying great uncle tonight, several people passed through the room saying “I am so sorry I haven’t seen you sooner, I am just so BUSY” or “I have been so busy with work”. I used the same excuse too but had an epiphany tonight. I don’t want to be too “busy” to appreciate and honor the people in my life. People deserve that long before they are about to die.

Olivier Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:19 am

Stop smoking ! but it’s rather a “sometimes/maybe/potential” than a real project, I’m afraid…

Jessica Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:23 am

Habits to form:
1. Listening carefully, during conversation and otherwise
2. An actual daily routine.. my life is very scattered.
3. Performing a daily kindness

Habits to break:
1. Coffee addiction
2. Wasting hours away on the internet
3. Avoiding social interaction

Gina Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:26 am

1. Stop procrastinating
2. Stop avoiding confrontation and conflict
3. Take more time for my photography and art

robert Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:29 am

There’s a lot but if I had to boil it down to 3 they would be:

1) exercise/ride my bike on a regular basis
2) meditate
3) find time for my own art that is separate from what i do to make $$$

Sam Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:43 am

Being productive and effective! as i have some med exams coming up that will determine my future.
I need change alot of habits to acheive this however, for example;
1. Procrastination
2. Eating Habits
3. Getting up early so as not to waste the day
4. Study time and Productivity.

ABhishek Says:

November 6th, 2008, 0:51 am

3 Goals of my life….
1. Stop eating lots of sweets. (I’m still slim though)
2. Stop thinking that success comes at price of freedom.
3. Daily exercise or yoga.

thomasgeorge1979 Says:

November 6th, 2008, 1:12 am

Thank you for an excellent blog.The habits that I am currently trying to develop are

1.execute a morning and evening routine

2.do an exercise cum stretching routine in the evening

3.drink 1.5 L of water per day(I keep a water bottle of the same volume with me)

4.study 50 pages per day(I am getting there :))

5.negative habit that I am trying to get rid of - excessive use of the internet.I followed the instructions given here and now maintain a zero inbox + only 6 feeds in google reader.Sometimes I spend too much time reading finance blogs etc.

Two habit suggestions that I picked up from Joes goal(which I use to track my goals)

6.daily review

7.write a journal.One article I read stood out,it mentioned the difference between a diary which is like a record of what events took place in your life versus a journal which in which one analyses what happened and why.

Thanks once again for the tips and suggestions.

A subscriber,goldbug and libertarian wont to make doomsday commentaries on the economy,
Thomas.

5.

ML Says:

November 6th, 2008, 1:15 am

I really need to quit smoking while I’m still young and haven’t been doing it for a long time. I also really want to learn how to budget my time and work ahead on schoolwork instead of letting it consume me at the last minute–I work well under pressure and I think I use that as an excuse to create less than amazing work right before it is due.

Parag Shah Says:

November 6th, 2008, 1:19 am

Getting up early and exercising is one habit I really really need to develop.

Thanks for prodding us along :-)

Catalyst Says:

November 6th, 2008, 1:40 am

Number one on my list is creating an effective practice routine for my piano studies. It’s a long trip to the practice rooms, and it’s tough to get up the motivation to do it, and to work hard once I’m there. I’d love to conquer this, make a solid habit somehow, and have a commitment to regular, quality practice.

Secondly, getting up early. No matter how I tell myself I will not push the snooze button the next morning, I completely talk myself into it in my half-awake state the next morning, and fail again. So frustrating.

Jeff Rene Says:

November 6th, 2008, 1:49 am

1. Workout more often
2. Snack on healthier food
3. Spend less time planning before taking action

Hot Alpha Female Says:

November 6th, 2008, 2:04 am

1. Procrastinating via eating, cleaning, doing something less important

2. Discipline - doing what you say you will do without backing down

Hot Alpha Female

restcat Says:

November 6th, 2008, 2:28 am

I am already working on that:

1) Getting up early to:
2) Exercise and strech every morning
3) Have a propper breakfast instead of a too large dinner

MegatonSunder Says:

November 6th, 2008, 3:12 am

1. buying breakfast and lunch on workdays. I’d like to prepare my breakfast and lunch at home to save money.

2. being so tied to the internet. I’d like to not think about checking my mail again this hour, or visiting my favorite blog multiple times a day, or making sure I stay current with all my daily websites.

3. neglecting my treadmill. I watch episodes of old television shows while I use my treadmill, and I’ve been on season one of Babylon 5 for six months now because I’m not making the time to walk.

JJ Says:

November 6th, 2008, 3:37 am

1. Working on my thesis. I’ve neglected it while working on other aspects of my doctorate (i.e. placements, course work) and need to make up a lot of ground in the next 18 months.

2. Taking time to find age-appropriate activities for my toddler, and then doing them. At the moment we end up doing the same sort of things over and over.

3. Creating a viable overall plan for the week and sticking to it.

Melissa Says:

November 6th, 2008, 4:20 am

Habits I need to change:

- procrastinating (it is seriously bad right now).
- negative thoughts (usually about myself, I know this is unhealthy and in my head).
- procrastinating (seriously)!

Martin Wildam Says:

November 6th, 2008, 4:21 am

For me the “tension” habit. I want to stay relaxed.

Robert Says:

November 6th, 2008, 4:35 am

1. Organizing my life better: Getting rid of stuff I don’t need, getting all my paperwork sorted out, spending my time more useful (TV is a bad thing sometimes).
2. Procrastinating things that need to be done: stuff to be fixed at home, ideas that I want to work out, things I want to create.

3.Exercise!

John Says:

November 6th, 2008, 4:57 am

The 3 new habits I want to develop:
- Exercising daily
- Starting a conversation with a stranger every week
- Studying every week for a number of hours

to become healthier, develop my social skills and improve my knowledge.

Emma Says:

November 6th, 2008, 5:44 am

I’m really struggling at the moment. Everything seems to be getting on top of me. I can’t seem to make any changes in my life. I’d love to be able to take control of at least one thing.

I’ve been trying to eat more healthily, but as soon as someone around me is eating chocolate I have to have some. I need to loose about 24 pounds so this is a big one for me.

There’s so much other stuff I can’t even think what to write down.

Sean Xiong Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:07 am

Thank you Leo for this interesting exercise.

For me, I finally shifted to my own apartment after 3 years renting life. Everything seems so promising and I guess now it’s the best time to start shaping my new life style. I made a long list of things I need to change, from general such as becoming an early riser, to pretty specific such as allowing maximum of 6 hours of video gaming… But first of all, most important to me, is not to procrastinating tasks. By fail doing this, my dream beautiful life can never happen.

The Daily Click Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:10 am

Spending many hours on my own every day I have the bad habit of having the TV on all day although not watching it, it’s just there for comfort in a strange way, which leads to my second bad habit of not being able to focus on work for long.

Martin Wildam Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:12 am

@Emma: It seems that you are completely overwhelmed. Here is a set of short videos that probably help you finding back to a point so that you can start by doing just one next logical step to implement one import change after the other.

http://1-2-solved.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-present-moment.html

Rohan Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:17 am

Procrastinate less.
Exercise more.

Easier said than done :-(

Miss Attica Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:31 am

My top three goals of habit-changing is:

1. Getting up early in the morning to have half-an-hour of yoga, breathing exercises and meditation before I go to work.

I am in the proses of establishing this habit, having been successfully doing it for three months now. It is really hard to do it now when it is dark as night at the time I get up…

2. Exercise 2-3 times a week.

3.Read a good book for half-an-hour every day.

And lots of longer term goals. I think it is important to do one (or maybe we can manage two or three) at at time.

Looking forward to see what you get out of this! Good luck! :-)

M Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:31 am

hi!

My top 3 follows:

1. Stop impulse buys
2. Ear people instead of critizing
3. Smile more

Alistair Says:

November 6th, 2008, 6:58 am

Three top habits

1.Live Healthier. Eat, Drink, Walk each day, & do tai chi. I know that is also four things in one, but that is the way I did it before, so that is the previous good habit that I had that I want to re-establish. I found that by just thinking of it as one thing, and noting how I went in a journal, it all came together quite nicely as just one thing. The journalling particularly helped with that.

2.Be more aware of time, its passing, how I use it (or not), and not dominated or overwhelmed by it. This is so that I can use it more wisely, and more effectively.

3.Keep a good journal, which includes written monthly goals and my results, as part of achieving 1+2. But not just goals. Life events, thoughts, etc - all the things that are important to me at the time, and enough so that in years to come I can look at past entries and remember those times.

schizo Says:

November 6th, 2008, 7:45 am

1. Health: good eating habits, start exercisisng regularly and in an ordererd manner
2. Manage money better.
3. Start writing regulalry

Jero Sánchez Says:

November 6th, 2008, 8:34 am

I’m almost done with being an early-riser (I get up at 5 AM every single day, including weekends).

Now that I have time to do what is important I’m heading towards being a quick-reader to increase my productivity. Actually I plan to go through the book “The speed reading book” by Tony Buzan, author of “The mind map book”.

susie Says:

November 6th, 2008, 8:44 am

to be more patient with my children. remember to count to ten.

Bud Hennekes Says:

November 6th, 2008, 9:28 am

1. Right on my blog more frequently
2. Increase my vocabulary
3. Get six pack abs

:)

Kristin Says:

November 6th, 2008, 9:50 am

* be a better motivator for myself (without being annoying)
* figure out how to set aside time to slow down everyday without feeling guilty
* money management $$$

Blue65s Says:

November 6th, 2008, 9:50 am

The top three habits I would like to change or create are:

1. Time Management - on a daily basis I’d like to build my to do list with my long term goals in mind instead of doing pointless tasks first.

2. Reading - I’d like to read everyday and finish the books I start. I buy a couple books a month but when I get a few chapters in I’ll stop and never finish the book.

3. Destructive Eating and Drinking Habits - I’d like to have better control over my drinking and eating habits. Usually I am pretty disciplined but one weekend a month I’ll live off beer and pizza. Not only does it make me feel unhealthy but it costs a lot of money.

Alexis Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:03 am

1. Not exercising regularly. I used to hit the gym on a regular basis. I lost about 50 lbs last year and I feel great but I know I’m starting to gain weight back. Its just felt impossible to get on a regular schedule again.

2. Cooking food at home. This may have something to do with the fact that I know my way around the kitchen about as well as I know my way around spaceship. When I do hunker down and attempt to cook meals I do pretty good (esp. when I actually follow directions) but I haven’t managed to keep it up. My mom managed to feed my whole family (veggies and all) and I can barely keep a meal in the fridge for just me and my boyfriend.

3. Procrastination when it comes to regular tasks. I don’t know why I do it. I’m not sure why I keep doing it. I can’t tell you all of the countless material I’ve read on procrastination (probably while procrastinating…). I’m much better than I was but I still find myself holding off on doing stupid little things that I know would make my life easier but I don’t keep up with them!

sd Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:04 am

Finish my last exam and become a physician.

Debra Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:06 am

Thinking more positively - not listening to the monkey voice.

Eating fewer starches.

Drinking less caffiene.

EscapeVelocity Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:16 am

One of the things I need to work on is positive thinking–I found it a lot easier to think of bad habits I want to get rid of than good habits I want to form.

I need to declutter my house without using the fact that it isn’t done yet as an excuse to put off doing anything else.

I need to quit spending so much time ruminating about things I can’t do anything about and that upset me. I especially need to not get upset about things until they have actually happened.

I need to build some closer relationships. Right now I have a bunch of acquaintances, many of whom have small children and only socialize with others in the same demographic so I hardly ever see them, but not really any close friends who actually live in the same town and have time to do stuff. I don’t know how I’d make that a habit–maybe actually call people on the phone once in awhile, or plan time every week for doing something with others that isn’t a structured group activity.

I need to make a budget and stick with it, and keep things up to date so I don’t have to spend hours at a time doing one of those dreary Quicken-fests. I need to decide on my asset allocations, rebalance once a year, and not worry about it the rest of the time.

Rahul Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:29 am

My priorities are: 1) Time Management, 2) Exercise and 3) Better PR with people.

Ignatz Horowitz Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:37 am

To achieve enlightenment.

Tosin Matti Says:

November 6th, 2008, 10:45 am

Here’s my three:

1. Stop procrastinating and get things done.

2. Get my spending habits under control.

3. Exercise and be more active on a daily basis.

Konrad Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:00 am

1. Start running three times a week - as soon as I recover from an injury.

2. Meditate daily.

3. Meet more people that live on the same city as I do.

GK Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:17 am

My top 2 things will be -

1. FOCUS: Try to focus more on whatever I am doing not think about everything else that I am not doing.

2. Execise regularly at least for 3 months

Neil Matthews Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:26 am

Procrastination, or is it, I’m not sure, I’ll just check my email, feed reader, have some lunch and come back later just to make sure it is procrastination.

Or should I look at caffeine being my habit, no procrastination.

Can I get back to you Leo.

pril Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:31 am

you named them
no smoking
work out
and eating healthier! / cook more!

those are my main three! not sure where i’m going to start yet still working on that but just picked this this morning!

laura Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:32 am

I would like to: 1) control my fly-off-the-handleness; 2) be more disciplined when it comes to both my work and leisure schedules; 3) stop being lazy–i.e., learn more.

Celi Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:35 am

1. Count my blessings- be more positive
2. Watch Less TV
3. Lose the “Mother’s guilt” (ie. I should be reading to my children instead of reading this novel…)

Neil Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:40 am

Top 3 things I’d like to change are:

1. Diet (started this week)
2. Exercise (starts Nov 10)
3. Better use of my time. I get distracted too easily and this has been a constant struggle for me.

Alexander | Big Blogger Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:52 am

1. diet (raw food)
2. meditation
3. better time management

ciao
alexander

Allison Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:56 am

A habit that I would like to change/create is that every time I have a thought to complain about another person, or say something negative about them, I’d like to be able to stop myself and instead think of something positive about them (or if that’s not possible, then to not say anything at all)

Secondly, I’m a huge procrastinator.

And thirdly, I love to exercise and I love the feeling I have after a good run or workout at the gym but for some reason I am constantly making excuses to not work out or rationalizing how busy I am and cutting out exercise. The habit I need to create is just to get started working out because once I’m started, I’m set!

Jason Says:

November 6th, 2008, 11:59 am

1) Write every day.

2) Stick to my Marathon training program over the next year.

3) Get started on getting to graduate school.

Renee Says:

November 6th, 2008, 12:06 pm

LOVE MORE.

Toni O. Says:

November 6th, 2008, 12:10 pm

My major problem is inconsistency. I am not a thinker, task oriented person. I am an intuitor and creative type. The only thing that is reliable is that every day is different for me. I am moody and let that dictate. I find this frustrating and problematic for pursuing my my big rocks. Also I have 3 kids. Being consistent for them is a dream of mine.

beth Says:

November 6th, 2008, 12:12 pm

habit to stop: smoking
habits to create: budget planning (being more fiscally responsible), and more activities with family (getting out to hike, go for a walk, work in garden, family game night)