Travel is not great… for habits

Do you remember the challenges of teaching your kids new routines when they were babies?

It could be as simple as getting them into a sleep schedule. With three kids of my own, I know how hard we worked to establish these routines, putting in effort for days, sometimes even weeks, until they finally settled into the new pattern.

But then, just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, they fall sick, and everything seems to go out the window. It’s like starting from scratch again! 

You know what’s funny? I’ve noticed that the same thing happens with us adults and our personal routines too. Life can be a rollercoaster, and maintaining our habits can be quite a challenge, especially under different circumstances. 

Bonjour, in this video, I want to discuss something we can all relate to – the importance of our keystone habits and how we can maintain them even when things change. 

Before everything else, let me share a glimpse of my current adventure. I find myself in the picturesque country of Vanuatu, surrounded by 80 beautiful islands and breathtaking seas. Spearfishing with my friend Nathan has been an exhilarating experience, but that’s not the focus of our conversation today. As TK would say, don’t get Cyril talking about spearfishing.

What struck me during this getaway is the challenge of maintaining my personal habits, especially the ones I consider my Keystone Energy Habits. You might relate to the struggle when your usual routine faces disruptions due to travel, change in surroundings, or simply taking time off.

I believe that identifying your Keystone Habits and not overwhelming yourself with too many is the first step towards preserving your energy and well-being. For me, these five habits hold the key: 

1. Reading: I set aside time to read and absorb new knowledge, even if it’s just 10-15 pages a day.
2. Exercise: Engaging in 45 minutes of exercise daily keeps me invigorated.
3. Sugar: I make a conscious effort to avoid excess sugar intake.
4. 88: I resist the temptation of checking my phone or engaging in digital distractions before 8 AM and after 8 PM.

5. Sleep: Prioritizing a bedtime around 9:30 PM ensures adequate rest. 

Now, how do I maintain these habits, even when my environment is different? Here are my tried-and-tested approaches: 

1. Don’t have too many habits: For me, I have my 5 keystone habits. Know your keystone habits as this is important for your energy.
2. Preparing for Change: Before leaving for a trip, I plan how to adapt my habits to fit the new setting. For instance, selecting an enjoyable book to read during downtime or determining the best time and type of exercise that suits the schedule.
3. Measure and Manage: I love the quote, “What gets measured, gets managed.” Each evening, I record my progress on a small piece of paper or a notepad, using ticks for completed habits and bars for any unmet ones. This practice keeps me focused and accountable. 

By adhering to my Keystone Habits, I find my energy levels soaring even amidst the adventures of spearfishing. These habits keep me balanced, avoiding late nights and overindulgence, and ensuring consistent exercise. 

Now, my question for you is, what are your Keystone Habits? What are your three, four, or five practices that are vital for sustaining your energy and well-being each day? And how do you ensure you stay on track, even during vacations or trips? 

This week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip revolves around nurturing your Keystone Habits and finding ways to preserve them. As Nathan and I dive into another day of adventure, I wish you a delightful and energizing day ahead. 

A bientôt,
Cyril