Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

Mounds · 11-12-2010, 01:19 AM

I had this idea while I was on the elliptical today. I was thinking, "Wow, I'm going back to my default settings..." For a couple of weeks, I made a conscious effort to eat plenty of fruit and always pack a lunch on time. Pulled off the goals no problem and felt like a million dollars. As soon as the goals ended, I started to slip. Ate more junk, didn't pack my lunch a couple times... end result, I had a bad week. I didn't think well, I didn't feel well, I didn't sleep well. Nothing.
When I considered the fact that I was reverting to my default settings, I thought... why not change the default? Just consciously say from now on that these are the new settings:

1. I pack my lunch each night.
2. I eat at least two pieces of fruit a day.
3. I write a to-do list each morning.

Old settings would be something like:

1. I pack my lunch in the morning, if I have time.
2. If I pack my lunch, I might eat some fruit... if I don't fill up on junk or simply not eat.
3. I decide things on the go.

It's kinda odd to explain but whenever I make a conscious intention of doing something, it just kinda happens. I literally say to myself "I pack my lunch each night." It's as if the brain says, "OK." If I say to myself, "I'd sure love to pack my lunch every night.", the brain says, "Ya... that would be nice." and nothing changes. You've gotta command it.

-Tim

secrets0stolen · 11-12-2010, 01:36 AM

I've had the same experience! It's not even a matter of wanting to do something--but knowing you're going to do it. Having it be the first thing that comes to mind.

Quantum Blue · 11-12-2010, 01:41 AM

Hmmm...you've inspired me. Not to get on an elliptical machine or anything, body builders can't be seen in the aerobics machines room

, but the recalibrating of the default setting is genius. I might experiment with that one. Don't worry, I'll give you credit when I publish my findings in the scientific community.

And you're right, focus determines outcome. Inspiration runs far longer on far cleaner fuel than motivation ever did. And it runs itself. I'll meet you by the dumbbells for a high five.

QB

sandy · 11-12-2010, 02:12 AM

I think it's a great habit you are building *Mounds*, and I also hope you don't *beat yourself too much* even once in a while you are just *being human* and happened not to stay in that lovely habit

As long as you *intend* to keep the habit, I believe you will always not stay too far from it

11-12-2010, 01:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mounds Family Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3,853	Working on Default Settings I had this idea while I was on the elliptical today. I was thinking, "Wow, I'm going back to my default settings..." For a couple of weeks, I made a conscious effort to eat plenty of fruit and always pack a lunch on time. Pulled off the goals no problem and felt like a million dollars. As soon as the goals ended, I started to slip. Ate more junk, didn't pack my lunch a couple times... end result, I had a bad week. I didn't think well, I didn't feel well, I didn't sleep well. Nothing. When I considered the fact that I was reverting to my default settings, I thought... why not change the default? Just consciously say from now on that these are the new settings: 1. I pack my lunch each night. 2. I eat at least two pieces of fruit a day. 3. I write a to-do list each morning. Old settings would be something like: 1. I pack my lunch in the morning, if I have time. 2. If I pack my lunch, I might eat some fruit... if I don't fill up on junk or simply not eat. 3. I decide things on the go. It's kinda odd to explain but whenever I make a conscious intention of doing something, it just kinda happens. I literally say to myself "I pack my lunch each night." It's as if the brain says, "OK." If I say to myself, "I'd sure love to pack my lunch every night.", the brain says, "Ya... that would be nice." and nothing changes. You've gotta command it. -Tim

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11-12-2010, 01:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
secrets0stolen Retired Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A Greyhound Station where I set my thoughts to far off destinations... Posts: 4,380	I've had the same experience! It's not even a matter of wanting to do something--but knowing you're going to do it. Having it be the first thing that comes to mind.

11-12-2010, 01:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
Quantum Blue Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: US Pacific Northwest Posts: 271	Hmmm...you've inspired me. Not to get on an elliptical machine or anything, body builders can't be seen in the aerobics machines room , but the recalibrating of the default setting is genius. I might experiment with that one. Don't worry, I'll give you credit when I publish my findings in the scientific community. And you're right, focus determines outcome. Inspiration runs far longer on far cleaner fuel than motivation ever did. And it runs itself. I'll meet you by the dumbbells for a high five. QB

11-12-2010, 02:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
sandy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: China Posts: 312	I think it's a great habit you are building Mounds, and I also hope you don't beat yourself too much even once in a while you are just being human and happened not to stay in that lovely habit As long as you intend to keep the habit, I believe you will always not stay too far from it

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums