TODAY IS RESET DAY

RESET DAY

I can’t observe Groundhog Day without recalling the classic movie. In fact, I’ve come to think of February 2 as Reset Day. The premise of the film is that the central character (Phil) - a jaded, egotistical weatherman - gets stuck in a loop; he wakes every day to find it’s Groundhog Day again.

What would you do if you were stuck in the same day... over and over??

At first, Phil is frustrated and furious. He repeats his mistakes. Then he starts to take advantage of his daily reset. No spoilers here – you’ll have to watch it if you haven’t. But the idea of a do-over has stuck with me.

Every day is a reset. Every day is a chance to make different choices.

CONFESSION TIME

Here's my confession: I set two commitments in January – both were monthly rhythms toward a goal. I did neither of them.

Fortunately, today is Reset Day! I get a chance to refocus and recommit.

I know from one of my favorite books, Atomic Habits, that behavior change hinges on having systems in place to develop good habits. It also requires a mindset shift to the new habit being part of my identity. From I want to write more to I am a writer. From I want to be more fit to I am an athlete. And then to act according to that identity.

I also learned a hack from The Power of Habit: developing a keystone habit. This means starting with one small but powerful habit, which creates a chain reaction. From the book:

“A huge body of research has shown that small wins have enormous power, an influence disproportionate to the accomplishments of the victories themselves. ….Understanding keystone habits holds the answer to that question: The habits that matter most are the ones that, when they start to shift, dislodge and remake other patterns.”

A few years ago, I had fallen into the trap of turning on the TV after work. It sucked me in, and I didn’t accomplish other things I wanted to. Since I like to work out in the evening, I challenged myself to keep the TV off until after I had exercised and/or done a chore. This one commitment helped me prioritize and create a late afternoon routine - a keystone habit. Limiting my couch potato time reduced my excuses about not having enough time in the day. It also reinforced my aspirational image as an athlete and an activator who makes things happen.

REDEMPTION TIME

Every day is a reset. Every day is a chance to make different choices.

Yep, I’ve fallen off my commitments already this year, but fortunately I get a second chance today. I can course correct and get back on track. I can get 1% better today, and set a plan for tomorrow.

One of my commitments was to publish an article monthly. And here it is, fashionably late by only 48 hours!

MAKE IT HAPPEN TIME

One keystone habit I need to develop is capturing ideas and sources of inspiration for articles so I don't get stuck – so I’m asking you for help though the power of crowdsourcing. I’d love for you to reply or DM me with topics you’d like me to explore.

Finally, there’s power in accountability, so here's my call to action: please drop your own commitment for Reset Day. If you have to live today again and again, what do you want to be doing well?

Let's make it happen, starting today!

~Sheryl