The following blog is from a series on "Habits" by Darren Bosch of DeliberateU.
Iheard the cry of another Zoomed-out leader, “Better Habits? Yeah right. The thought of implementing something new - especially in these times is too much. I’m just tryin’ to hang on here!”. I get it. And yet, I would say yes, with promise, purpose and possibility! Even in such a time as this. How... you ask?
It’s an understandable response. But here’s the invitation for you and I: if Jesus is who God said He is... and if all of Scripture is true... then growing in intentional habits (by His grace & power) is actually a faith journey. It’s part of the process of becoming like Christ!
Track with me here. If it is certain that as God’s image-bearers, we are being transformed from one degree to another (2 Cor 3:18) … then is not your process of spiritual growth (aka sanctification) the journey of being made more like Jesus? Are not your habits and life-rhythms part of that?
Even in these challenging times of COVID-19, Romans 8:28 still says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” But why? In the next verse, God says to you and I as His followers, we are being “conformed to the image of his Son.” Wow!
Here’s what I love about the God-design in how this applies to our everyday, practical life… read on.
See this is not about self-help or sheer willpower. They rarely work. There’s a God-designed way that habits bring practical help in our leadership at work, home, and community. We often only think that habits are a means of “white-knuckling” better results or goals we aim to accomplish. Together with other habit thought-leaders, we suggest habits “rescue us” in four less-known ways.
HOW HABITS RESCUE US:
1. More Creativity
- Most think rituals stifle creativity, but they actually free up bandwidth for more headspace.
- A developed habit becomes automatic so it demands little conscious thought, creating space for our brains to pursue creativity, thoughtful thinking, and purposeful projects.
2. Deliberate Self-Care
- Pressing deadlines derail us from being purposeful but regular rhythms and “rituals” keep us firm-footed.
- Daily habits ensure we complete small (but important) tasks like eating, getting enough sleep, and recharging without much conscious effort - so we are fully present for what matters most!
3. Increased Flow
- Muscle-memory. As habits become second nature, we build momentum between tasks without pausing to reference our to-do list or worrying over decision-making.
4. Intentional Growth
- Design, monitor, adjust. After installing a new rhythm, we course-correct. After tweaking improvements are repeated, we build momentum, driving more clarity, and intentional growth... so we move from being frenetically busy to unhurried and purposeful!
Sure, forming new habits is scary for some. But I wonder if we saw habits more through the lens of the hopeful motive of Romans 8? In another year of uncertainty, polarization, lock-downs, and challenging pressures, God is still working everything together for the good of those who love Him… because as Christ-followers, we are being “conformed to the image of his Son”. Has what He promised ever let you down?
The year ahead is full of promise, purpose, and possibility. A year in which we can experience more fully the beauty of habits as they conform us to Christ…. trusting King Jesus through the unknowns. Rest and act on that reality!
Application:
Like with “Eat how you want to feel”, start with the end in mind. As a simple exercise, here are 4 things to reflect and act on:
- Describe how I want to show up as I begin each day.
- What can I control that would help me in that?
- What would have to be true for me to realize this? (i.e. what needs to happen for me to experience this?)
- Who will I talk to to get help with this?
