Did you know that an avalanche can start by something as small as the noise of a gun shot?
Avalanches are most common in the late winter and early spring when the most snow has accumulated. A thin top layer of snow begins to slide, causing a ripple effect of more and more snow falling down the mountain at excess speeds of 80 miles per an hour!
We know that a small action, like a gunshot, will trigger these events, and the avalanche itself can be catastrophic.
One action causes huge results.
In many ways, humans emulate the process of an avalanche when forming habits.
Think back to a time when you were lacking motivation. You had to clean your house, do homework, or even just get off the couch. Did you notice that as soon as you started the activity you were dreading, it was so much easier than you thought?
I personally remember times when I dreaded cleaning my house. I would procrastinate all day and finally clean one bathroom. The crazy part was that once I cleaned one bathroom, I was on a roll and cleaned even the dirtiest of rooms.
Just like an avalanche, one action was all I needed to get motivated. Mel Robbins, the author of “The 5 Second Rule”, calls this “activation energy” — the energy needed to start an action.
Recently I started thinking about this activation energy in my own life. What is one habit I could start that would trigger so many more good habits?
I thought about going to the gym every day. Maybe it would cause me to start to eat better? Sleep better? Be more energized?
I thought about reading more books. Maybe it would cause me to be a better conversationalist? More intellectual? Stop me from watching TV?
I thought about meditating every day. Maybe I would have less flare ups? Have a clearer mind? Be happier? Be more present?
Finally I figured it out.
I would wake up 1 hour earlier every week day.
By getting up earlier, I would force my self to read, journal, workout, and meditate. I would start a morning routine.
They say it takes 30 days to form a habit. I decided for the month of March I would wake up early. I called it #MarchMornings.
The best part is that it worked. OMG it worked better than I could have dreamed. Every morning by 7am I am done with the gym, journaling and meditating. By 7am I feel more accomplished than I used to by 7pm.
My good habit avalanche was waking up early.
What is one habit you can change today that will make a lasting impact to your life?
Do you want to be happier, live the life of your dreams, maybe start something new?
Pick the right habit, and your life may change forever.
Post your avalanche habit below!
Dave
