scott stonehouse

After a reminder to the world that January is Coming, I recently did a short series of posts on Building Habits (Principles, Mechanics, Support Structure).

With those tools in our tool belt, I now want to encourage you to practice using some of those principles and skills in a series of small experiments in December. December is your practice month to set yourself up for success in January.

You don’t have to be perfect in December.

You don’t have to stick with it all month in December.

In fact, don’t even try to do that.

In December you are trying things out.

Does this technique work for me?

Does that principle make doing my habit easier easier?

Your experiment can be for a day. Or two. Or a week. Whatever.

It doesn’t matter.

What is important is that you are trying different things out and discovering what works for you.

Not only can you try out different techniques, you can try out different types of habits.

You might want to experiment with a reading habit. Or learning a new language. Or running.

Try a few.

Practice some techniques.

The point is to lower the bar, reduce the pressure around “New Year’s Resolutions”, have some fun, and learn some things about what makes building habits easier and more enjoyable for you.

December is for practicing and preparing.

December is about building a little bit of experience and confidence.

In January, you can pick one new habit and have a few tested techniques ready to go.

What are you going to practice in December?

P.S. Did you find this post helpful? If so, I have two quick requests:
— First, would you subscribe to the blog? It is an encouragement to me.
— Second, who is one person you think would also benefit from this post? Would you mind forwarding it to them?
Thank you!