Elizabeth Wood

Dear Friends,

Looking at the calendar, I’m surprised we’re not even halfway through Lent.

It seems like a long time since the feasting of Shrove Tuesday and the solemnity of Ash Wednesday. A long time since we made commitments to behave differently during Lent—to give things up or start something new.

The smallest changes are hard—even for those of us who think we can “go with the flow.”

Next time you are getting dressed, instead of putting your socks on, then your shoes, try to go sock-shoe-sock-shoe. That small change feels completely unnatural.

Another challenge?

If you still wear a watch, take it off and put it on the other wrist for a day. It will feel strange, and disorienting; I was relieved to put it back on the “correct” wrist.

We are so used to the small actions we do repetitively that changing them even slightly feels odd.

James Clear’s recent bestseller Atomic Habits* suggests four ways to create and sustain a habit:

Make it obvious
I lay my workout clothes out the night before I want to get up and go to the gym.

Make it attractive
Combine a new habit with something already enjoyed. For example, listen to some favorite music or a podcast while beginning a walking plan.

Make it easy
Create a system that works on the worst day—not when everything is perfect. The routine should be easy to start and easy to finish. Create a regular time and consistent duration.

Make it satisfying
Establish a reward or make sure the habit leaves you feeling good.

I have long struggled to find a consistent practice of daily devotions. There are so many options, and I often don’t know where to start. And my days are full and there is so much else to do.

But this Lent I have been trying to apply Clear’s principles.

I leave the prayer book out on my desk. I enjoy some soft background music while I read. I do it at the same time every day, for the same length of time.

And the reward? I begin the day with a focused intention and direction.

Clear writes “the key to success is in your daily routine. Every action is a chance to cast a vote for the person you want to be.”

As someone who wants to be a better Christian, I hope that better habits can help me.  

—Elizabeth

*highly recommended