3 Things You Need to Stop Doing Right Now

SSome habits seem harmless, but it's always worth asking: are they really? Or are some of the things we do every day doing harm that we could prevent? Today's post, courtesy of All Pro Dad, points out three common behaviors we all need to shake right away:

I used to have a habit of picking up the phone and going straight to social media as soon as I woke up. I enjoyed doing something carefree while getting ready, and I justified it by saying it was like reading the newspaper. However, I began to notice that I was feeling restless and anxious as I started my day. It was difficult to organize my thoughts and feel focused. I decided to consciously replace picking up my phone in the morning with silence and prayer. The results were immediately visible.

Sometimes what you stop is just as important as what you start. With just five to ten minutes of silence and prayer, I felt more peaceful and balanced. My mind was calm and I could start the day focused and rested. It was a small commitment to choose not to pick up my phone. But it changed my mental and emotional states for the better. Sometimes what you stop is just as important as what you start. Here are 3 things you should stop doing right now.

1. Write SMS while driving.

I know you "never" do this. Unless you probably do. At least that's what the statistics say. Almost 1 in 4 car accidents involve texting while driving, resulting in nearly 390,000 injuries a year. We all think we can handle it. We are successful multitaskers who have been driving for years. We have. Except we don't. Stop texting while driving. Put down your phone. Better yet, set your phone to avoid disturbing you while driving. You will never regret it.

2. Watching Netflix so much.

Or Amazon Prime, Hulu or whatever. Did you know that in 2017, the average adult in America watched television for over 5 hours a day? That's about 35.5 hours a week and almost 77 days a year. What could you do with 77 more days? How many more memories could you make with your children or your spouse? How far have you progressed with this project? What new things could you learn?

in her poem The summer dayMary Oliver wrote, "Tell me what are you planning to do with your one wild and precious life?" I pray your response is more than binge watch stranger things. Turn off the TV every now and then.

3. Find excuses.

Yes, your boss is an idiot, your parents were a mess, you didn't have the same opportunities as others. Welcome to the club. Stop apologizing. you have a life to live Live it to the fullest. stand up straight Speak with conviction. Laugh from your gut. We can all point the finger at someone else who made sure we didn't achieve everything we hoped for. But that's no use. Just work on being the best version of yourself. After all, that's all you can be.

This is not meant to minimize the very real traumas that some of us have experienced or the very real challenges that some of us were born into. But it means recognizing that you are not just a product of your environment. You can choose how you deal with the circumstances that have been handed over to you.

What else could you do that would improve your life? Share in a comment.

By: 3 Things You Need to Stop Doing Right Now