Change Your Habits = Change Your Life

If you are someone who is trying to become the best version of themselves, physically and mentally, but not sure how or if it is even possible, I am the perfect example of "If I can do it, so can you." Becoming mindful of your daily habits will allow you become mindful of how you are spending your time, and how you can make small changes that will lead you to reach your goals. Here is my transformation to show you that you can make small changes that will change your life.

On the left I was still in college, newly 21, right after the pandemic, and on vacation in Miami with my best friend! This version of myself was having a lot of fun being in college drinking, partying, enjoying the lack of responsibilities that most college kids have, not paying attention to my nutrition or exercising, did not have any sort of structure or idea who I was/wanted to be. I had so much fun during this time; however, this lifestyle was not sustainable once I graduated college. A big reason I was able to make the lifestyle changes was giving myself grace for who that old version of myself was. I accepted who I was, forgave myself for all of the unhealthy decisions I made during this crazy time period, and decided I would treat my current self better and become the best version of myself. This was the first time in my life where I was committed to working out because I loved my body (taking care of it because I wanted to be strong and feel good) and not because I hated my body (working out/doing hours of cardio because I wanted to be skinny or punishing myself).

On the right I was about 6 months into my committed fitness journey. I had a good workout routine down, I was fueling my body with whole foods, getting 8-9 hours of sleep, cut back on drinking almost completely (I would still spend time and go out with friends, I just would either go out sober or not binge drink like I would in college), I was journaling, my remote job was going great and not stressful, I kept my room/environment clean, and truly loved the person I had worked so hard on becoming physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially.

My entire life I never once was mindful about the type of habits and routines I performed on a daily basis until one day after I came home from college with almost every aspect of my life at rock bottom. I had no job lined up, was the most out of shape I have ever been, living with my parents, and had absolutely no idea who I was or who I wanted to be.

I knew I wanted to make a change and incorporate self love and discipline into my life but had no one in my life that was pushing me to do so or teach me how. This is where I realized I needed to put the effort in myself and surround myself with the type of people I wanted to be and learn from through the content I was consuming on social media.

I began following motivational speakers like Jay Shetty, listening to inspirational podcasts like Mel Robbins, following health and fitness coaches like Sydney Adams, as well as people who used to be in my current state (always partying, overweight, self sabotaging, depressed, spiritually lost, broke, etc.) who were now living my dream life (Sal Vittorio, Chelsea Tansey, Joey Schultz, and Shelby Sacco are just a few that come to mind). Shelby Sacco talks about how to build healthy habits and recommended the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and I could not recommend this book any more if you struggle with self awareness, bad habits, etc. After reading Atomic Habits, this is where I really sat with myself and realized the character traits, habits, routines, morals, and values that these people represented were the complete opposite of what my life was.

My old habits + routines:

1. I did not have a good fitness routine

2. I lacked any sort of connection with myself and nature

3. My diet was processed, high fat foods

4. I averaged about 4,000 steps a day

5. I never went for walks outside or just sat and enjoyed the peace and quiet

6. I would stay up late scrolling which lead to sleeping in, hitting the snooze button, zero morning routine.

7. I did not have a nighttime routine, which lead to me being disorganized and underprepared

8. I never made my bed, room was always a mess

9. Talked poorly of myself, especially in front of other people to get a laugh

10. I was chasing dopamine/serotonin through drinking 3 times a week/going out to the bars every weekend/ receiving the wrong kind of male attention

11. Never spent quality alone time with myself.

My current habits + routines:

1. Waking up early with a set morning routine (hydrating, skin care, journaling, stretching/meditating, walking + greens)

2. Working out everyday (rest days with a walk) and really listening to what my body needs

3. Grocery shopping + meal prepping

4. My diet consists of 95% nutrient dense foods

5. Going to events I actually want to go to, having just as much fun staying in cooking myself a nice meal and relaxing on a Friday night

6. Cut out alcohol

7. Going out once or twice a month

8. Being mindful about how I am spending my time/what I want my future to look like

9. Spending more time outside getting sunlight, fresh air, connecting with nature, watching the sunrise/sunset

10. Putting myself first

I can confidently say I am a much happier, healthier, more confident person than I have ever been because of the hard work I put into myself.