Tiny Change/Big Change

    Every now and then some information comes along that lets us look at a habit in a new way–and maybe choose to change a pattern for the better. My residence’s staff recently asked us (200 residents) to help out with our exorbitant utility bills by reducing our water and electricity use. To me, it was a welcome opportunity to rethink my use of utilities. Since we don’t pay for (or even see) the bill every month, it’s easy to go on autopilot about these expenses. 

    Thinking things through in a new way is a great stimulus for creative thinking, and changing a habit is a stamina exercise for our brains. To change a habit, we have to remember to do it the new way over and over until the new neural pathways become the strongest (and therefore easiest) way for us to behave.

    On an additional note, I’ve also been enjoying the idea/challenge to change my attitudes and behaviors from being a Consumer to being a Citizen. Becoming more of a Citizen appeals to me because it makes me consider the whole planet rather than just myself. That’s certainly something our world needs!

All these thoughts wove together when I realized that I often leave the bathroom light on even when I’m not in there. Choosing not to do that anymore–turning off the light as I leave–lets me help my building’s electric bill, build my brain by strengthening new neural pathways with a new habit, and remind myself of the feel-good of becoming a Citizen of Planet Earth. And if you’re the payer of your utility bill, you may also have the pleasurable reward of a smaller bill. Please join me! (P.S. On the first day I committed to this, I had to go back to my bathroom to turn off the light seven times. Yikes! What a good challenge.)

Suggestion from Mariah Kaye, Senior Fitness Specialist, offering more fitness choices through MoveAnyWayFitness.com.