When I decide to change something in my life for the better, like everyone, I find it tough. This change could be a very simple one like reading more everyday. Or something more difficult like changing my eating habits for every meal.
I have found that telling friends, family or co-workers of what I am doing, or of my new goal helps me stick to it. Letting them know what I am doing, or what I’ve decided to change or stop doing gives me an instant support team with unknowing participants. The more people I tell, I find the more likely I will continue. It is very strange how that works. For me, ten people seems to be the magic number.
I’m not sure if it is just me that it works for or if this is some kind of known psychological fact that works for most…doesn’t matter I guess.
So for an example, I will talk about my decision to start riding a bike for endurance exercise. I was talked into signing up for a 2 day 150 mile charity ride. Keep in mind that I didn’t own a road bike and hadn’t been on a road bike as an adult. I signed up, I bought a bike and then was worried that I wouldn’t be able to do it. But I started telling everyone I knew of my plans. Then a funny thing happened, people started asking me about the ride. I ended up talking about it almost non stop…at this point I couldn’t back out, too many people told me how great it was that I was taking on this challenge. People told me I was inspiring them. Wow! I couldn’t let them down! I would have easily let myself down because it was tough, but having those 10 people asking me almost daily how it was going, kept me going.
Now here I am about 5 years later, still riding and challenging myself to push harder. The benefits for me have kicked in and I really enjoy it, I enjoy the people I’ve met along the way and of course the physical benefits are huge..
Try it, tell ten people.