“You will never change your life until you change something
you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your
daily routine.”– John C. Maxwell
The quote above is something that I have believed for a long time. Which is why I have written quite a bit on the topic of habits and how important it is to be aware of our habits and take control of them. Otherwise they will control us.
Along the same lines is the importance of the slight edge. This is where making small almost insignificant choices daily create the makings of success slowly one day at a time, building on each day to create a larger success over time. Clearly using the slight edge is how to successfully bring a new habit to life.
Each choice that we make is important even if it seems infinitely insignificant. But as those choices are made over and over they have a compound effect on our lives. This is something that successful people are keenly aware of and unsuccessful people aren’t.
Do you want to be one of the successful people or one of the unsuccessful people? If you want a life lacking in success then you needn’t read further.
But if you desire to live a life of success then what follows is for you!
The Habit Building Challenge
I am in the process of putting together a month long Habit Building Challenge for the month of January. I am putting together activities for each day of the month of January to help solidify any habit that you wish to build.
The activities will take less than a half an hour per day depending on how much time you choose to spend on the day’s activity. Each day’s activity is designed to give you tools to turn your desired habit into a real habit by the end of the month if you are consistent and participate each day.
I chose the month of January because that is a common month for people to be focused on new goals and resolutions. It’s a fresh new year and even if you don’t set resolutions or goals you are likely looking ahead to the year with hopes for where you will be by the end of the year.
A new habit will greatly assist you in going where you want to go because habits are something that you don’t put much thought into as they are natural!
You’ve got close to a month and half to decide on what habit you would like to build. You may want to:
- Eat healthier
- Exercise regularly
- Reach a specific rank or level in your company
- Use afformations or affirmations daily
- Write 3-5 blog posts per week
- Improve your blog statistics
- Replace negative thinking with positive thinking
- Drink water instead of pop or coffee
- Connect with more people daily
- Build your business
- Stress less
- Spend more time with kids, spouse or a friend
- Educate yourself
- Wake up earlier
- Or…?
Are you up for the challenge? Please post your thoughts in the comments section and please share ideas of other habits to be built to give ideas to others.
The more people that participate, the greater the support that everyone will have leading to a greater likelihood of success!
I will also give more information on the challenge as we get closer. There will be blog posts, emails, freebies, discussion, and support for all involved! After this challenge everything will be packaged together for purchase – but this challenge is totally free and participants can keep everything to use over and over again with each new habit that you want to create!
Get ready to start next year off on a successful foot!
Don’t miss any updates or other important information:
Subscribe to the Habit Building Challenge e-mail list!
To Your Success,
Thank you for reading! I'm Stacy, the owner of this blog. You can learn more about me here.
I'd love to hear from you, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments section.
You can get free bonus chapters from my novel Deception!
Website: → Stacy's Fiction
Connect
Your post is always inspiring and you’re a fan of slight edge. Habit building challenge to welcome year 2012 is just right.
viviana@network marketing business invites you to read… Review Viviana’s Attraction Network Marketing Blog in The Top 50 MLM Blogs Contest
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Viviana!
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Change is inevitable thing in this world.If your change your habits,it means you are curing your faults.Soon happiness will knock at your door.
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Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
True, change is inevitable but we are much better off if we are the ones creating change!
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It’s amazing what small steps over time can accomplish! I chose to begin a life-changing habit, joined an online challenge, and read the Bible every single night for 90 consecutive days. Simply read it. At the end of three months, I had read it cover to cover! BTW, welcome to my newest blog!
Carrie invites you to read… Quiet Reflections
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Hi Carrie,
That’s quite a feat! Congratulations! Also your new blog looks great!
Stacy
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Emmanuel Olonade Reply:
February 21st, 2012 at 8:21 am
Amazing feat! It’s interesting that when we commit our hearts to something and stick with it enough we would be surprised at what we’ve accomplished along the way.
Emmanuel Olonade invites you to read… Andrew Rondeau Interview – Founder of WeBuildYourBlog.com
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
February 21st, 2012 at 5:13 pm
It is amazing the power of a habit!
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Hi Stacy,
We all have something we need to improve. I counted 8 from your short list. Outside of spending more time with my kids, I probably need to make more connections most.
Thanks for the inspiring post.
Bob Guzeman at UBMighty invites you to read… Don’t be a Commodity – Add Value
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Hi Bob,
That’s definitely one of my goals too! It won’t just happen, it takes planning!
Stacy
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When 2011 started, I promised to accomplish reading at least 20 books for this year. I plan to continue it and add daily exercise. 30-minute trampoline exercises or jogging would be nice.
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Hi Lis,
Great job accomplishing your reading goals! 30 minutes of exercising is great! If you haven’t been working out at all you might find the most success by starting with 10 minutes, then 20 and finally up to 30.
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
interesting challenge that sounds very interesting. In fact, as humans we are the product of our habits. Our habits either make us or break us. The Slight Edge is very powerful and it works either way. So keep us posted about the challenge.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Be blessed
Oliver
Oliver Tausend invites you to read… Mentor Marcello Lisi About Success Key Nr. 1 In Network Marketing
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Hi Oliver,
I’m learning more and more about how important our habits are, either to our benefit or detriment. I will definitely be posting more about the challenge before it arrives!
Stacy
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We so often focus on habit-breaking instead of habit-building that we forget we can do both. Phasing out old, negative patterns works so much better when we replace them with new, positive ones! I love the idea of a habit-building challenge! I’ll have to give it a good think and see what I want to build up next year.
Ellie Di invites you to read… When Is A Binge Not A Binge?
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Hi Ellie,
Great point about how we can break and build habits. I think that even with breaking habits we are really just building new ones. We need to have a new one to replace the old or the old will persist!
I am still deciding what habit I am going to build for the challenge too!
Stacy
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I have always believed this is true, that habits define how we succeed or fail at things. We are creatures of habit and we will do mostly things we are accustomed to, so we better make sure those are good things, positive things, productive things. That’s why when I write my book on happiness, I focused on the habits that can make the biggest difference, mostly negative habits that can and should be turned into positive habits.
David @ self help blog invites you to read… Hide Your Goat!
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Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
That’s very true, David. I think that is a reason why in adulthood many people replicate the same relationships from childhood!
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Hi Stacy,
I’m so with you and look forward to doing this with others here.
Last year I did a similar thing, but did it alone. Changing a habit is not east so having others to join will be good. Last year I meditated for 66 days in a row till it became a habit. It worked.
So looking forward to this. Sally
Sally Brown invites you to read… Happy Is As Happy Does!
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Sally,
It is much more challenging to build a new habit alone. That is one thing that I think will make this challenge so successful for those who participate!
Thanks,
Stacy
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I’m going to go with “Build your business”!
I will be reaching my 2nd full year as of March 1st 2012 and with 100 days remaining am totally committed to achieving as many “successes” as I can. My first year was a very successful one so I know I have my work cut out for me if I’m going to be satisfied with my business successes in the 2nd year as well.
It’s a good thing I love what I do!
Ps. I’m your newest FB fan! Cheers!
Warren@Internet Marketing invites you to read… Creating a Vision Statement
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Hi Warren,
It sounds like you are doing great so far and I’m sure that you will continue to do well if you keep working the same way you have been! Thank you very much for the follow!
Take care
Stacy
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I’m trying to focus on regular exercise since last 2 months and till now it’s going good. I wake up early in the morning and then go for 15 minutes run and few normal exercises, that’s really keeping me fit for whole day.
Aanchal @ Web Design India invites you to read… Web Design company India
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HI Stacy, I’m IN! I received your message, thanks so much. Funilly, I wrote on a ‘slightly’ related post. LOL. You will see that below. I’m all about building better habits and making small changes. (Hence the post today). I do have one or two I am going to work on.
I wonder … are we going to ‘check in’ in a forum manner or just keep track and report?
Great idea. January is a great month too as you say.
Thanks for inviting me. I will definitely share!
Jayne Kopp@life and business coach invites you to read… Are You Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results?
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Hi Jayne,
I’m glad that you’re in!
So far my plan is to use the comments as a way to discuss as I’ll be posting for the challenge every day with a new idea, inspiration, etc. I may start a FB group at some point, but I’m not sure yet! I will be posting more about the challenge next month!
I’ll definitely check out your post soon!
Take care,
Stacy
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I’m doing exercise. I’ve been recovering from a car-accident injury so am going to start with 10-15 minutes a day as often as I can now and be up to the every day commitment for our January start!
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Stacy Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Hi Devon,
I’m glad that you’re joining the challenge! I’ll be posting ideas and inspiration daily here on the blog!
Take care,
Stacy
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Interesting way of looking at success Stacy. Never thought about connecting it with daily habits before. Maybe it’s time to change somthing we do on a daily basis? But it has to be important issues such as the ones on your list.
Catarina Alexon invites you to read… Occupy Wall Street – The beginning of a new era?
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Stacy Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Hi Catarina,
It’s a pretty new concept to me as well but I’m really beginning to see the truth in it. So I’m very excited about this challenge!
Stacy
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Step-by-step gets us there! Thanks, Stacy!
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Stacy Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Very true, Charlene.
Thanks for stopping by,
Stacy
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Affirmative!!!! I got it! those quotes really catch me off guard. I always think of better ways to elevate my financial situation and what I do everyday was to think, think and more thinking without putting things into action. I know from this forth I can make a step by step progress on my financial situation by making a goal for myself and do something about it daily. I have to manage my time so there won’t be anymore excuses which for short only fooling myself.
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Charotzz,
Getting rid of excuses is an important factor!
Stacy
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This is definitely a great way to start the New Year, Stacy. Along with developing new habits, January is also a great time to start breaking those not-so-good habits that we have knowingly or unknowingly developed over the years. This one is a bit more challenging, but it’s a great way to complement your effort in developing those good habits.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Adeline@Food and Travel Writer invites you to read… Survive the Holiday Season: 7 Easy Money Saving Tips
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Adeline,
I find that it’s much easier to break a habit when you replace it with a new one. Building a new habit can be twofold!
Stacy
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This is an awesome idea. I have just started yoga and hope to keep it up in the new year. Stress reduction and exercise are certainly always on my list. But maybe I will try out something new during the new year, like making new contacts! Sounds like a lot of fun.
Kristen invites you to read… I Am Glad I Made it to Yoga Since Physical Activity is Linked to Better Mood and Less Depression
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Hi Kristen,
That sounds like a great plan!
Stacy
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Oh WOW, what an enthusiastic post, just at the close of the year! Well timed and I will start to write my list this weekend. I will think carefully and write less number of activities so that I don’t give up soon without being able to keep up with them all.
Jane invites you to read… Black Friday And Cyber Monday Are For Shopping
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Hi Jane,
Sounds like a great plan!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
great Post,very inspiring. I am actually currently starting a challenge to eat a much more healthier food since I had my kidney transplant
I have also joined an Online Challenge.
Easther invites you to read… Crazy Fat Black Friday Sale At MyOnlineGameplan
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Hi Easther,
That sounds like a great challenge! I hope that you are continuing to do well since your transplant!
Stacy
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I am still struggling to be consistent with posting on my personal blog. I am working on a way to reduce the work load and increase my time looking for work. In January I am going to set a goal to post every day.
Susan @Cirquedumot|WOMM invites you to read… Giving Thanks & Giving Back
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Susan,
That is a great challenge! I participated in a challenge at the beginning of this year where we posted 5x a week for a few months and I really grew a lot!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy, what a great idea. I’m in. I just have to think about which bad habit I most want to break.
Sherrie
Sherrie Koretke invites you to read… A New Direction
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Hi Sherrie,
I’m still narrowing down my habit too!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
Nice list! Wow I will try to list the habit that I will develop in the year 2012. Are you a fan of Maxwell? Because I have read a quote from Maxwell. I love the books of Maxwell specially the “Failing forward”
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Hi Mary,
I’m actually not very familiar with Maxwell, I just loved the quote! I am going to check out that book, thank you!
Stacy
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This sounds like a great challenge. Im looking to get more consistant in writing in my personal blog and Im looking forward to participating.
Margaret from Margs World invites you to read… Happy Thanksgiving!
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Hi Margaret,
I’m glad to have you as a part of the challenge!
Stacy
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I love this idea and the quote. It’s easy to do the same thing every day and hope for different results. My goal is to write posts faster. I write for five blogs, including my own, so I need to step up the pace. Thanks for the motivation!
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Hi Lisa,
Isn’t that the definition of insanity?
I think we’re all guilty of it at times though!
Stacy
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Great idea, Stacy. January is so great for new initiatives. My biggest problem is maintaining it throughout the year.
Like Sherrie, I’ll have to think about this one.
Cathy Miller invites you to read… Fear Tactic Headlines That Have You Clicking Delete
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Hi Cathy,
The great thing is that once it’s a habit it will be much easier to maintain. After 31 consecutive days it should be a habit!
Stacy
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Hey Stacy,
This is a very interesting challenge. You have chosen a great month to run it as everyone wants to make changes in the new year.
So true – our habits can either make or break us.
Well done,
Mavis
Mavis Nong invites you to read… Celebrating Our 8th Wedding Anniversary Today
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Hi Mavis,
Thank you very much! I appreciate your support!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
The most habitual thing I do involves driving. I habitually drive as fast as the law allows. But I know that keeping that pace continuously will probably result in an accident. So, sometimes, I consciously drive below the speed limit. As you can tell, I agree that taking control of habits is a good and necessary thing to do.
Lou
Lou Barba@informationhighwaycardandgiftshop.com invites you to read… The View From My Office
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Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Hi Lou,
Thank you for your thoughts!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
Thanks for the challenging post. I find the most powerful (and most difficult) habits to develop are related to the way I think. Attitudes are particularly resistant to change.
My best,
Tom
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Hi Tom,
Changing our mindset can be a true challenge! It really does take a lot of time, effort, study, application. Have you tried afformations (not affirmations)?
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
I love challenges like this. Moreso that it is coming at this time of the year.
Little things get much done. The slight edge principle is so awesome.
Thanks
Tosin
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Hi Tosin,
Yes, it’s definitely the slight edge at work!
Thanks,
Stacy
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[...] The Habit Building Challenge [...]
I always use affirmation and i also have my children saying them every day as well…. this is the core of success, like in the book think and grow successful years is nothing more than a some total of successful days!
Tanisha invites you to read… Mike Dillard The Elevation Group
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
That is very true, Tanisha!
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Stacy, your challenge came at the perfect time. I have so much happening with my business in the new year, that I will have to develop new habits to keep things a float. I would love to participate in it.
Tisha invites you to read… Daily Meditiation-Happy Worker
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Stacy Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I’m so glad that you’ll be joining the challenge, ,Tisha!
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Hi Stacy,
This is my first time on your blog but I loved the subject you used for this article.
For 2012 I’m planning to run the NY marathon (my first marathon ever) and I know that in order to achieve this, there is a very strict training plan to follow and stick with.
I’m not yet 100% sure how am I going to do this but I’m definitely putting my 110% on it and that’s one of my things to cross on my bucket list.
Thanks and looking forward for this challenge, seems like an amazing idea, take care and speak soon, cya!
Sergio
PS. The link to my site has some 2012 goals that are marketing related but nothing in detail (yet).
Sergio Felix invites you to read… 2012 Goals And Perspectives
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 21st, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Hi Sergio,
Welcome and thank you for your comment! A marathon is a huge goal and something that definitely must be taken step by step.
Good luck with that and I look forward to having you join in the challenge!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
I started building a new habit back in October and the result is great. I start each day by taking 10 to 15 minutes to write my journal. Only after that will I go to work.
Basically I would just write down 8 to 10 things I’m grateful for. I’ve been writing this for the last 60 days and will continue doing it in 2012.
I believe feeling gratitude is one of the best ways to change my life and achieve my life goal.
Thanks for creating this GREAT challenge.
Janus
Janus Ng invites you to read… Guest Posting To Drive High Quality Traffic To Your Site
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 21st, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Hi Janus,
That’s great! Being grateful is a wonderful habit to build! I’ve already decided on a different habit for this challenge but I may make gratitude my next habit to build. Thanks for the idea!
Stacy
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I can’t wait to find out more about the challenge, Stacy! I’d like to work to build my Alexa ranking. I had it built up to about 422,000, but after a few weeks of absence to deal with teaching, I fell way off, so I’d like to focus on that one to get to where I was, and maybe even better.
Steve Nicholas invites you to read… Do Your Best
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
December 22nd, 2011 at 7:52 am
Hi Steve,
That’s a great goal! I know that my ranking has dipped some as well as I’ve been posting only twice a week.
I’m going to post daily for the month of January (part of the reason I’m only posting 2x a week now!) for the challenge so be sure to stop by each day.
I’m glad you’ll be joining us!
Stacy
[Reply]
[...] I know two, both of them on my favourite blogs. Try to commit to one only! There’s a habit challenge, as well as a fitness challenge. And, stay tuned for another post, where I will kick start the [...]
[...] This is a great habit to get into. You may want to consider making this a habit to start in the new year, in which case you will want to join our Habit Building Challenge! [...]
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