#159 What unintentional living looks like

Once upon a time, I consciously chose to brush my teeth every day, until brushing my teeth became my new default. Now the conscious choice I have to make is NOT brushing my teeth.

Once upon a time, during a pandemic, we consciously chose to wear face masks, until wearing face masks became the new default. Then the conscious choice we had to make was NOT wearing the face mask anymore.

Once upon a time, I consciously chose to write every day, until writing became my new default. Now the conscious choice I have to make is NOT writing.

Where else could I use a new default?

Choice inflection.

Every time I commit to do something and then follow through, I’m building self-trust in my ability to persevere (because actions overrule thoughts).

Now here’s the pitfall: the action you commit to doesn’t have to be grand or impressive for you to build trust.

There’s only one thing that matters: commit, then follow through.

I set out to meditate 30 seconds today – and I follow through? I’m building self-trust. I’m a meditator now.

I set out to write one sentence – and I actually write one sentence? I’m building self-trust. I’m a writer now.

I set out to do one push-up – and I do one push-up? I’m building self-trust. I’m an exerciser now.

Such tiny actions might not make a huge difference in your skill level, but that’s irrelevant. You’re not building skill (yet). You’re building self-trust by making commitments, then following through.

Once you trust yourself to follow through, you can start thinking about skill. That’s the flow of skill- and habit-building.

So… first things first. Commit to a tiny action. Follow through. Build self-trust and self-esteem.

The magic is in the Tiny Trust Builders.