On Wednesday we talked about building a supportive framework to help us with our clear, specific “give up” goal. Today we’re going to tackle part two of the “Get Specific, Get A Framework, Get Momentum” plan I outlined in my earlier post. Let’s dive in!
Get Momentum
Add It To Your List – If you have a grocery list, put your special item (and next-best options, if applicable) on it.
Treat Yourself Now – Make today your first day of indulgence. Go get your special item, and enjoy it. This will help reinforce that this isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about thoroughly enjoying your occasional indulgences.
Plan Your Future – Mark the next day you’re going to have your special item on a calendar. If you have a craving, you can remind yourself that you haven’t given it up – you’ve just delayed it for a bit.
This may be a bit unpleasant for the first couple weeks, but if you stick it out hedonic adaptation will occur and it will become much easier. Once you’ve adapted, you can either decrease the frequency or pick another item and repeat the process.
Real-Life Examples
I’ve done this with great success with soda. I drink very little, usually at family gatherings or when my wife and I go to a movie. I know Gip Plaster mentioned a week or so ago that he’d cut out soda entirely, and replaced it with unsweetened iced tea.
What about you? Have you done something like this? Did it work, or did you run into obstacles? Let me know in the comments!