Tracy’s Wellness Journey: Behave Like Who You Want To Be

I would not say I am an avid reader. In fact, I have never really been a reader. I am a collector of books and have the best intentions when it comes to reading them. To change this behavior, I started a book club in June and for the first time in decades, I read a book cover to cover. It felt good.

I am drawn to books that inspire growth and change. Personal development, self-awareness, mindset shifts, relationship building, strategy and spirituality are among my top picks. I have learned the importance of being mindful about what you put into your system. What you watch, listen to, or read matters. 

In Judith Orloff’s book, “Thriving as an Empath,” she talks about how nourishment comes in many forms. Physical with diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Emotional is the caring and positivity of others, our friends and family. Spiritual nourishment comes from the connection to your heart or a higher power and drinking from the well of compassion. 

Like many of you, I have worked and struggled to change habits or behaviors. Have you ever wondered why it is so easy to repeat bad habits and so hard to form good ones? James Clear, Author of “Atomic Habits” says that true behavior change is an identity change and that improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are. 

For example, instead of making the goal to read a book, the goal should be to become a reader. Or instead of focusing on running a marathon, the goal would be to become a runner. Your behaviors are usually a reflection of your identity.

So, the question is this, “Who do you want to become?” I want to become a reader, an athlete and an author. Moving forward, my focus will be on becoming that type of person versus looking for specific outcomes. Changing my behaviors to better align with activities that a reader or athlete or author might participate in is the starting point.

I am tired of filling my days with life hacks and not getting the results that I want. I have been focused more on the things that I cannot control instead of the things that I can control, which has left me feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Decisions, not conditions, will determine a person’s destiny.

Norman Vincent Peale said, “Change your thoughts, change your world.”  

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