Firstly you may be asking… What is a cue? it isn’t a word us brits use very often actually, but implimented with positive intention it can be a game changer to forming good or new habits.
A cue is when you want to start a new habit that impacts you.
You start by creating a positive and clear plan that kick-starts the loop in the right way.
Routine is key
Routine is created from a string of clear cues strategically placed to help your brain. For example: Wanting to get up early and swim through the week is the desire. The cues would be as follows: Setting your alarm for a certain time is the 1st cue. Your body and mind are kickstarted to get up.Placing your pre-packed swim bag by the front door is the 2nd cue. This helps your memory muscle that you are reminded about going swimming and that all the hard work has been down for you..you are already packed! Cue 3 is putting into your caladner to swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The expectation has been set that you are swimming this week and in the next few weeks. From these 3 cues that you put in place, your brain latches on to this good habit and slowly starts to ignite a desire to repeat this action.
Rewards are needed
Rewards are bred from cravings. Cravings are born out fo desire… so once you have set the cue and begin to repeat it, our brains are naturally designed to seek the desire and lust after reward. i.e wanting to go for another swim because it made you feel good. You noticed you were more focused in the day, your mood was lifted, you made better decisions, your endorphins kicked in and so on.
This concept can be linked professionally as well as personally.
- Getting a promotion
- Selling something you ave designed or made
- Finishing a big project
- Passing a course
- Learning something new
- Feeling renewed confidence
- Valuing yourself
- Feeling pride in your actions
So why not think about 3 things either professionally or personally that you need a new cue to help kickstart you into action.
Maybe you want to expand you food knowledge or confidence in the kitchen? Why not set up 3 cue for this yr to help you.
- Set a time to cook from scratch that works for you… actually put an alarm on your phone for this to happen. By doing this action it creates the time and space needed, whilst creating expectation
- Agree to cook 1 new dish a week and add the ingredients needed to the shopping list in advance. ( Thats 52 new dishes this yr! imagine how much expanded your knowledge and pallet.
- Invite friends or family round once a week to cook for them. This helps the accountability of forming a new habit, but also allows you to reward yourself with others and enjoy the outcome of dinner together.
If you would like any help and support in the kitchen then please do get in contact. You can join my email list for regular newsletters and recipes of follow me on social media.