Let us begin from the start with todays topic. We are all consequence-driven. We behave more or less unconsciously in the way that best benefits us in a given situation. What does it take to successfully create a new habit? Why are some habits easier than others? To start with, so if you are going to start with a new habit then it will be absolutely crucial if you can find a reinforcer.  Consequences that you experienced as positively which are connected with the new habit. For example, if you have something that you find hard to do. If you do it first thing in the morning. Make that hard call or send that notification or wherever you feel like being? How does it feel when it’s done? If you feel good about it, you celebrate with a good cup of coffee. How will that effect you? Now we coming to the tricky part, we are all different…That together with the fact that some of the habits are easier to set, than others. This depending of  how easy it is to see and feel and experience and of course how easy it is to see and experience positive effects.

Then we are also different as individuals; some have an easier time making decisions and sticking to them despite the lack of short-term reward for a longer period than others. But why is it so hard to set a new habit then? Well, it is also related to the fact that we are programmed for saving energy and effort. Normally we use our reptile brain, and its capacity is 11. 000.000 bits/sek. As for a new behavior we need to move brain activity up to our frontal lobe where our logical, empathetic and strategic thinking is located. It requires much more energy and here the brain operates at a speed of about 40 bits/sec. So that explains why we like to do things habitually. Make sense or? That is also the fact why we normally do thing habitually to around 45% and the morning routines around 85%. 

So now to the how, how do I fix it to set a new habit then? Were in January so its a perfect time for this type of change isn’t it? Ok, so here we go:

1. Make sure you can reward the habit in a good way.
2. Remove obstacles that may interfere with your new habit.
3. Learn from mistakes if they happens, It is never wrong to fail as long as it develops you…

So to my ”new” habit -shower in cold water. Today it was my 26th day in a row with cold water shower. So what have I experiences so far? Some day are tough, and some day are very easy. But standing in the bathroom, it has almost never been a fight with my mind (Terrorist, never negotiate with your terrorist). The best thing is that I feel really awake, and feel on the top. A physical ”clean” experience. Increasing of the alertness. A energy boost of the start of the day.

This week I will review the Karrimor SF predator 30L Backpack. This is a tactical back pack with a lot of technical details that looks real  nice. Since it got this ”build in” solution it is very easy to adept the pack for what adventure you are aim for. Perfect for fasten ice axes or sticks. You can also put extra pockets etc. So it really looks nice at the first view…

King’s Call

See ya soon…