Decide: Creating Habits for a Happier Life

It’s February 17th, 2025. You’ve had six weeks to make some decisions about your year. So, how are things going? If you’re like most people, you might feel a bit behind. But guess what? It’s never too late to make a change!

Hey, I’m Bradley Charbonneau, and today, I want to talk about the power of decision-making. Specifically, I want to dive into how making decisions can help create habits that reduce stress and anxiety, ultimately leading to a happier life with more free time.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Decisions
• What Can You Commit to?
• Building Habits
• Finding Balance
• How Many Habits Do You Want?
• Conclusion: Celebrate Your Success
• FAQs

The Importance of Decisions

Decisions are the foundation of our habits. I’m not really a New Year’s resolutions guy; I’m more of a calendar guy. That might sound boring, but it works for me! The key is to decide what you can do daily, weekly, or monthly that can challenge you while also being enjoyable.

For instance, I write a newsletter every 17th of the month. This is an example of a decision I made a long time ago. I chose this date because it holds personal significance for me—it’s my special number. You might not have a number like that, but find something that resonates with you and make it your own!

What Can You Commit to?

Let’s think about what you can decide right now that you won’t have to think about again for the rest of the year. This could free up mental energy and reduce anxiety. For instance, I decided to create a YouTube short every day last year. It’s a small commitment, but it adds up over time.

Think about it: what’s something tiny that you can incorporate into your daily routine? Maybe it’s as simple as drinking more water or taking a short walk. The goal is to make it a habit, something you do without overthinking it.

Building Habits

Building habits is like brushing your teeth. You didn’t really decide as a child to brush your teeth; your parents made that decision for you. Now, it’s just part of your routine. What can we build into our lives that becomes just as automatic?

If you’re groaning at the idea of more commitments, I get it. But let’s add some excitement! Choose something that challenges you but is also fun. If your goal is to go to the gym every week, maybe instead, choose an activity you genuinely enjoy, like dancing or hiking.

Finding Balance

Finding balance is crucial. You want something that brings you joy, but also something that’s a bit challenging. Think about it: if you choose something too easy, like eating a donut every week, the joy wears off quickly. Instead, let’s make a decision that’s meaningful and will enrich your life.

For instance, I have my “Thursday Thunder” series where I post a video every Thursday. I made this commitment on January 1, 2020, and it has been rewarding. Some of these habits will stick with you beyond the year, while others might serve their purpose and then fade away.

How Many Habits Do You Want?

Now, think about how many of these commitments you want by the end of the year. Would you prefer 365 small wins, 52 weekly victories, or 12 monthly milestones? What are you excited to create? Remember, the positive emotion of completing a goal should outweigh any temporary discomfort you feel while working on it.

Have you considered writing a chapter of a book each month? By the end of the year, you’d have twelve chapters! Easy peasy, right? Or perhaps you want to start a blog or a podcast. Whatever it is, the important thing is to decide now and stick with it.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Success

As we wrap up, I encourage you to think about the decisions you can make today that will pave the way for a happier, more fulfilling life. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and keep moving forward!

Let me know what you decide to commit to this year! You can share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to me. I’d love to hear about your journey.

FAQs

What if I struggle to stick to my commitments?

It’s normal to struggle at first. Start small and gradually build up. Consistency is key, and over time, it will become easier.

How do I choose the right habits to form?

Choose habits that resonate with you personally. They should challenge you but also bring you joy. Think about what excites you!

Can I change my commitments throughout the year?

Absolutely! Life changes, and so can your goals. Feel free to reassess and modify your commitments as needed.