Gorav Sir Teaches ... Gurukool and DYS: 2019

Building Your Sadhna System: One Step, One Day at a Time

Hey everyone,

Ever feel like you're constantly chasing your tail, wanting to build better habits but somehow always falling short? You're not alone. We've all been there, that place where good intentions meet the messy reality of daily life.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how we actually make lasting change. It's not about grand, sweeping gestures, is it? It's the small, consistent steps. That's why I wanted to share something I've been working on, a way to approach habit building that feels less like a chore and more like a personal journey. I call it the Sadhna System.

Now, "Sadhna" in Sanskrit refers to a spiritual discipline or practice. I chose this name because building good habits, in its own way, is a discipline – a gentle, persistent effort to cultivate positive change within ourselves.

At the heart of the Sadhna System is the simple act of tracking. It might sound basic, but trust me, there's power in it. When you consciously note whether you've taken that walk, spent 15 minutes reading, or avoided that extra sugary drink, you're bringing awareness to your actions.

You might have heard about the 21-day rule, the idea that it takes around three weeks to form a new habit. While the science is a bit more nuanced (some habits take longer, some shorter), there's something undeniably motivating about that initial push. Think of those first 21 days as laying the foundation of your Sadhna. It's about showing up, consistently, even when you don't feel like it. You're proving to yourself that this new habit matters, and this will form it a habit.

Then comes the longer game: the 90-day mark. This is where things often solidify. If you've consistently tracked and practiced a habit for three months, it's far more likely to become an ingrained part of your routine. The 90-day window allows the habit to move beyond conscious effort and start feeling more natural. It's where the "want to" often begins to outweigh the "have to," and if you continue to do it, this will become part of your "second nature."

So, how do you build your own Sadhna System? It’s simpler than you might think:

* Choose one or two habits to start with. Don't try to overhaul everything at once. Small, focused efforts are more sustainable.

* Find a way to track. This could be a simple notebook, a spreadsheet, or one of the many habit-tracking apps available. The method doesn't matter as much as the consistency of doing it.

* Commit to the 21-day mark. See it as a mini-challenge. Celebrate those small victories along the way.

* Look towards the 90-day horizon. Understand that true integration takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don't get discouraged by occasional slips. They happen! The key is to get back on track.

Building a better version of ourselves isn't a race; it's a gentle, ongoing journey. The Sadhna System is simply a framework to guide you on that path, one tracked day at a time.

What habits are you thinking of cultivating? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!

Warmly,

Your fellow traveler on the path of growth.