Turns out, we can use the “house rules” technique to achieve optimal fitness!

The research says up to 45% of our daily actions are done by habit, without conscious thought. As we learn a behavior, we internalize it and perform that behavior on autopilot. 

If we refuse to argue with the plans we’ve set to work out, eat smart, and get enough sleep, before long our bodies will be doing the work for us!

For five points, tell us about a “rule” that you’ve successfully turned into a habit. How did you do it, and how has it changed your life?

Remember, thought into action = consistency

If you want to learn more about how to form habits, click here.

In order to be good advocates, these lawyers work long and hard to know what they are working with–in other words, the law. What kind of demands can they make? What grounds can they argue from? This is what helps them make a successful plan for going into trial.

What if we could all be our own lawyers? Maybe not in court, but in the trials of day-to-day life?

The research says there are 3 factors that make a goal successful. Successful goals have to be intrinsic, specific, and well-grounded.

We tend to think that “modest” goals are the easiest to achieve. The truth is that if we cultivate these three factors in making plans for our day/week/life, we’ll find ourselves reaching for even our “impossible” dreams–and achieving them!

For five points, tell us one of your biggest goals. Maybe something you’ve never even tried, because it just seems too big. If you had all the resources at your fingertips, what would you set your sights on achieving?

Remember, thought into action = success

If you want to learn more about the 3-fold approach to achieving goals, click here.

But sometimes I’ll still find myself inflamed with envy, when someone in my field seems to be succeeding more than me. It can make me almost crazy!

Then I actually met one of these people, and began to work with her. What I discovered was that my jealousy was actually admiration, that had gotten lost in translation.

The research says that envy activates the “error detection” part of our brain. When someone achieves what we’re after, our brains respond as if something has gone wrong in the universe…and we get stressed out!

When someone else succeeds where you hope to succeed, it’s a critical moment for making your brain work for you (instead of the other way around). Instead of letting jealousy drive a rift between you and the other person, turn it into an opportunity for admiration, learning, and friendship.

For five points, tell us who you find yourself being jealous of. Specific groups, like fashion models or business tycoons? Particularly family members or coworkers? Maybe even someone close to you, like your spouse or your child? Tell us how you could express your jealousy as admiration, and how that might change your life.

Remember, thought into action = growth

If you want to learn more about how to use jealousy as a tool for growth, click here.

Did you know that the best approach to eating right is like a successful date? By filling your day with high-quality calories, you never have time (or space in your stomach) for giving in to guilty cravings.

The research says that eating key foods throughout the day keeps your hunger satisfied and your time occupied, so that you feel full, fulfilled and content.

Health experts have coined the phrase “crowding out” to describe this habit. Not only does it reprogram our bodies to appreciate the right kind of calories, but it also prevents that feeling of deprivation that usually makes a diet crash and burn.

For five points, tell us 3 foods that you could use to “crowd out” your unhealthy cravings. I’ll tell you mine–apples, hard-boiled eggs, and macadamia nuts. With these three nutritional powerhouses close by, I never have time to fantasize about solving al my problems with a Snickers bar.

Remember, thought into action = satiety

If you want to learn more about how “crowding out” can help you eat better, click here.

“This ashtray, and this paddle game, and this remote control, and these matches…” When he finally makes it to the door, his arms full of random junk, he mumbles, “That’s all I need. I don’t need one other thing.”

Another dramatic life moment turned into comedy by a lot of things we “need.”

The research says that the less dependent we are, physically and emotionally, we become more productive, more perceptive, and make decisions more easily.

Everyone needs things to solve problems and achieve goals. But in a culture of plenty, our ideas of “need” can get way overblown. Pretty soon, the things you “need” start getting in the way of the things you truly desire.

For five points, tell us about a time you found out that you didn’t actually need something you thought was essential. How did it happen, and how has your life changed since then?

Remember, thought into action = resourcefulness

If you want to learn more about how to identify your real needs, click here.

Relationships never have solid, formulaic rules for success. But there’s one thing that researchers agree on–cohabiting does not work as a marriage test-drive.

The research says that cohabitation is like signing up for a credit card with 0% interest. It’s easy to start, hard to get out of, and often brings long-term damages.

“Moving in together” seems fun and economical, not to mention a logical next step in your relationship. But it often ends up choking the life out of your connection to the other person. Your emotions and affections may not be committed to each other, but your convenience and finances are. And this decreases either partner’s likelihood to improve, grow, or change.

For five points, tell us about a time when convenience overrode your desire for growth and improvement in a relationship. What helped you finally get past it?

Remember, thought into action = commitment

If you want to learn more about the danger of convenience in relationships, click here.

“Electives” were instituted in the curriculum because educators saw the need for students to be well-rounded. Everyone has an artistic or creative pursuit that they’re drawn to. You may not have wanted to make a career out of it. But indulging in it can help your career, by expanding your ability for abstract thought and exercising your creative powers.

The research shows that artistic self-expression gives our brains a sense of meaning and purpose outside of our daily activities. When we give the creative side of our brains a chance to stretch and grow, we’re able to perform better in all areas of life.

For points right now, tell us about your favorite “elective.” What pursuit really gets your creative juices flowing? How often do you spend time on it now, whether in your work or just for fun?

Remember, thought into action = artistry

To learn more about the benefits of daily creative expression, click here.

The research shows that people feel the greatest personal satisfaction and motivation from viewing the results of core-strengthening exercises.

When it comes to exercise, visual results are a key part of progress. When we like what we see, we’re motivated to keep improving, and to give up the behaviors that would set us back. And our core muscles are a great place to start!

For five points, tell us where you’ve noticed the most improvement in your physical health recently. How does it make you feel when you look in the mirror and notice a difference?

Remember, thought into action = self-assurance

To learn more about the two-fold benefits of core exercise, click here.

Instead, try asking yourself this question–”How often am I happy?” It’s a lot easier to answer, when you look back over the course of a month or a year. And it also provides insight into how you can achieve the answer you want.

The research shows that most people view their happiness as something outside their control. Yet the feeling of being in control–having influence over our own happiness–is the single most powerful factor in experiencing contentment.

What (or who) do you blame for the dissatisfaction in your life? Is it possible that you’re giving control of your life to something or someone else?

For five points, share with us a situation when you changed your feeling about life when you took control of your own feelings for happiness.

Remember, thought into action = authority

To learn more about taking authority in your own life, click here.

]]> http://www.thoughtrocket.com/2012/04/94-the-1-factor-in-your-happiness/feed/ 1 http://www.thoughtrocket.com/2012/04/93-give-yourself-some-confidence/ http://www.thoughtrocket.com/2012/04/93-give-yourself-some-confidence/#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:43 +0000 Thought Rocket http://www.thoughtrocket.com/?p=4850 It happens to all of us–no matter how hard we try, we sometimes fail. Even at the things we’re good at! Sometimes you just have a down month (or year). And when it does, it can really make your confidence bottom out.

But there’s a way to get your sense of personal power back on track. The answer is to give. Give to someone who has even less than you.

The research shows that giving of your time or resources to someone less fortunate builds your confidence and self-esteem. Over time, continuous giving to others helps us process personal criticism and withstand aggression from others.

Charity turns us into superheroes! And the closer the contact, the more powerful the effect. Sure, it’s great to donate $20 to an online charity, but even better to sponsor a child that you can write letters to, visit with an elderly person in a hospice, help care for disabled children, deliver meals to shut-ins… Anything that connects you to the person you are serving.

For five points, tell us about a time when you were discouraged yet gave to someone who needed you. How did it make you feel?

Remember, thought into action = abundance

If you want to learn more about the benefits of charity, click here.