Establishing Habits

Everything we do is a habit. Habits are the automatic behavior that happens without the need to think. So if we want to establish new habits it helps to have a reminder until the new habit is established and the need to think about it is gone. According to many experts, it takes 21 days to break a habit. Similarly, it takes a while to establish a new one.

Some Tips for Establishing Habits

1.  Become aware of the habit you want to make: A little research into the daily decisions we make that can be more environmentally friendly will help you decide where to start.

2.  Changing is a matter of making a decision: Sometimes you will be willing to decide to make the new habit and sometimes you won't. For instance, you may be reluctant, as I am, to take cooler showers. If you can’t live with the decision, start with something else and come back to it later or make other modifications, such taking shorter or fewer showers.

3.  Make a committment to the new habit: That means, you will do whatever it takes to let go of your old behavior or create new behaviors that you know are better.  

4.  Continue to take daily action: Habits are with you every minute of every day, even when you aren't thinking about them or doing them. This is because when you're not thinking, when the time comes, you will act out your old habit unless you have vowed to take consistent daily action to change. Using a STOP! THINK GREEN sticker can help as a reminder to stick to your commitment.

Reward yourself for sticking with your new habit. For instance, you could spend the money you saved by upcycling something or buying in bulk on some fair trade coffee. Or better yet, keep saving up and invest in a green company.

5.  Try substitutions: Each time you go to the store, try choosing one item to switch to a green, organic, or fair trade product. It may take awhile to find one you like as much. So do some research, ask friends, and keep trying new things.

6.  Don't give up: You may find yourself wondering whether all the effort is worth it. Some will argue that it isn’t but really it’s up to you. What do you value? If we are right about human impact on the environment, how would you feel if you didn't do anything to help?  

If things seem tough, try praying about it.