Most of us already know more about swimmer’s ear kindness than we give ourselves credit for. This piece is a relaxed reminder of the basics.
Make it easier
Pair the new thing with something you already do. A pairing carries the habit more reliably than a calendar reminder.
- A version for airport terminals
- A version for the living room floor
- A version you can do in slippers
Make it shorter
Friendly progress is quieter than dramatic progress. You will not always notice it as it happens.
Make it social if you can. Habits that include people tend to stick longer than solo ones.
Make it familiar
Listen to your body and your week. Adjust without judgment when something is not working.
Give it a spot in your day, not just a slot on your calendar.
- A version at sunrise
- A version you can pair with morning coffee
- A simple version for the first try
Make it social
Some days everything goes as planned. Most days, something gets in the way. Both are normal.
Make it yours
When motivation dips, make the step smaller instead of pushing harder. A tinier step is a friendlier step.
Above all, keep it kind. The friendly version of any habit tends to last the longest.