Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ~Hebrews 12:1
Instituting a non-negotiable is an invaluable practice in changing a habit because it eliminates a specific choice. Simply put, a non-negotiable is a well-defined boundary. A hard stop. A detour you must navigate around.
Once implemented, an effective non-negotiable sets you up for success by positioning itself as a point of no return in order to keep you from making the choice you don’t want to make.
For the sake of clarity, we will look at some obvious boundaries you can set to ensure the change you want to make be it a habit, a pattern, or a reaction to someone or something.
For instance, you could drive a different route, delete an app, set a timer, silence certain notifications, or cut a credit card. Change one part of your routine in some way that challenges you to think about what you’re doing and why.
We have good intentions, that’s not our problem. We even know what to do and how to do it. But without a commitment to follow-through, our best plans will fail.
Going all-in and setting a non-negotiable often feels impossible to carry out. You will want to bargain your way back to what feels familiar.
To counteract the impulse to retreat, a pre-commitment to your non-negotiable is in order. This decision activates your resolve regardless of how you feel.
Make no mistake, this decision will cost you something. It might feel like it costs more than you have to give. But when it comes to changing hardwired behaviors, honoring non-negotiables will be the catalyst to your success.
Be bold. Be brave. Be free.
Tell Me More:
- Pick one non-negotiable that eliminates a specific choice and alters your routine, habit, or reaction you want to change.
- Don’t make this too difficult, go for the obvious choice. One decision. One move. One change.
- How can you implement this non-negotiable quickly and when you need it most?