There is no standing still.  You are either moving forward in your life or your are falling behind.  Time respects no person.  It marches on despite our objections.

Developing good habits is essential to success.  Habits are your auto-pilot.  Yours are either moving you toward your goals or keeping you from them.

This is why it is so important that we consciously examine ourselves to ensure we are developing good habits that serve us well.

Four quick litmus tests to evaluate your habits

We all form habits.  The question is are yours good or bad?  Are you getting what you want out of life?  If not, then maybe it is time to re-evaluate.

Take a few moments to ask yourself the four questions below to see if your habits are the ones you need to achieve success:

1.  Is your quality of life what you want it to be?

Are you in the habit of focusing on what is truly most important?  Many of us are not.  We waste too much of our time and energy in areas that have no value like watching television and then wonder why our lives seem empty and meaningless.

Concentrate on really living your life instead of just existing.  Dig deep and find those things that fill you up instead of draining you.  Make these the activities that fill your day.  It might feel a little odd at first, but eventually new, better habits will form.

2.  What do you say about your life?

Listen to yourself.  What do you hear yourself saying?  Are there negative patterns in the way you describe your life to others?  If so, then you probably have some work to do.  Usually, this toxic talk becomes self-fulfilling prophecy.

Learn to expect the best from life.  Talk expectantly and positively about the future.  Have hope that better things are right around the corner for you.  Be enthusiastic!  Cheer yourself and others on toward the prize!  Make this kind of positive attitude a habit and you’ll be amazed at the results!

3.  Are you honest with yourself about where you are at?

Do you seek the truth about your position in life or are you in denial and living a lie?  It seems that many of us can’t handle the truth.  We create a false lifestyle, live well above our means and boast to others about our success.  However, it is all a house of cards.  It could come tumbling down any minute.

Seek the truth and face up to it!   Vow to start living honestly with yourself today.  Draw a line in the sand and decide to start developing good habits to really build the life you desire instead of just pretending.  You’ll be happy you did!

4.  Would your parents be proud of how you are living?

Look at your life through the eyes of your parents.  If they knew everything about the way you are living, would they be proud?  If not, then you likely have some work to do on your habits. 

Spend a little time reflecting on the lessons that your parents taught you.  Write down what you think they wanted the most for you.  This can be a humbling experience, but a very healthy one.  If your life is off-track, then you will probably recognize it with this exercise.  The good news is that there is still time to make adjustments!

Developing good habits will transform your life!

Did these tests reveal some work you need to do?  Well, don’t fret because none of us are perfect!  We all can do better.  The good news is that you are no longer living in the dark.  You see where you can improve. 

Recognizing and admitting our faults is a huge first step.  Many would say that you’ve already won 90% of the battle.  Now it is time to claim the victory in your life!  Start changing your habits and you will realize all the success you’ve ever dreamed of!

What new habits are you going to work on?

Photo by singsing_sky