Whenever we learn a new task it seems to take ages, but with every repetition, the time it takes to complete it decreases until it becomes automatic – we no longer think about it…it has now become a habit!
I often start my habit change work talking to clients about about their identity and how they perceive themselves. People often use words like: kind, ambitious, hardworking, resilient and other positive terms. I get them to repeat a phrase for all their statements:
‘I am the sort of person who is kind and thoughtful.’
‘I am the sort of person who works hard.’
‘I am a clean and tidy person.’
Everybody has to be congruent with their belief, so if the person in question believes they are kind and thoughtful, they are less likely to be late for appointments or do unthoughtful things. If a child has said they are clean and tidy, they are more likely to keep things more spotless in their bedroom. By tying our identity to our habits, we create a stronger impression of how those habits affect our lives…
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Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist. Her focus lays in using non-invasive motor sensory techniques and specialist software for cognitive enhancement. She is also the first therapist to bring Bal-A-Vis-X to the UK. This programme is designed for schools and addresses keys issues that help children be successful at learning – regardless of ability. You can contact her through her websites, www.integratedbrain.co.uk and www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk
