Co-op Classes: Establishing Simple Habits

By Jackie Gibbons

My name is Jackie Gibbons and I’ve been researching psychology and self-development for over 6 years. I have struggled for years to reach goals (reading more, establishing a healthier lifestyle, or climbing a mountain) that inspire me. So often, my brain gets muddled in the details before I even begin, and I find myself overthinking and then feeling that the task is unachievable. I understand how life pulls us in many directions (work, friends, family, kids, pets, etc) and sometimes we have mental blocks that make even the simplest tasks seem hard. Changing a habit can be daunting. 

The book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear is a good place to begin. Clear’s main concept is to take a goal and break it down into small steps that don’t overwhelm. It’s about checking in where you’re at, doing what you can each day (regardless how small) and being proud of the consistency more than the giant leaps.

For example, say you want to write a book. Instead of trying to write it from start to finish or forcing yourself to write a chapter a day, create a single character. Focus on just that character. What’s their name, gender, and main personality trait? 

Sometimes your task may feel too big because you have a time constraint. In that case, set a timer for 20, 10, or even 5 minutes. Write for just that amount of time. When the timer goes off, stop working. Trust that curiosity will lead you to new aspects of your writing. 

Importantly, hold yourself accountable in a flexible and forgiving way. It took me years to understand the saying, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” The system you build in your daily life is often more than the goal itself. 

If this intrigues you, please join my Simple Habits class that meets once a month at the Co-op. Check the calendar for specific dates and times.

Hope to see you!

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