FAQ

1. What is the difference between a task and a habit?

A task is a specific activity that you aim to complete within a set time frame, often associated with a particular goal or deadline. Once the task is accomplished, it typically doesn't require ongoing repetition unless similar demands arise in the future.

For instance, completing and submitting a project report by a specified deadline is considered a task. On the other hand, a habit refers to a behaviour or action that you integrate into your daily routine consistently and indefinitely. It involves regular practice without a predetermined endpoint. For example, reading every day is a habit that you cultivate to foster personal growth, expand your knowledge, or simply for leisure.

2. Is it possible to cultivate multiple habits simultaneously, or could I focus on one at a time?

I suggest beginning by consistently ticking your Tracking Sheet for a few days, establishing a strong foundation for other habits. Linking this new habit to an existing one is a critical step, as highlighted throughout this book's habit-forming journey. You can gradually introduce a few more habits to track alongside it. This gradual approach allows you to concentrate on developing a few habits at a time without overwhelming yourself with too many changes all at once.

As I integrated various new habits into my routine, such as exploring astrology, practicing Surya Namaskar, listening to the teachings of Radhanath Swami, incorporating affirmations, and adding an extra round of chanting, the key to success lay in embracing simplicity in each endeavour.

Simplifying astrology involved observing a basic chart with twelve houses (Connect stage 'C'). Starting Surya Namaskar was as easy as finding a comfortable spot on the yoga mat (Connect stage 'C'). Listening to Radhanath Swami's classes became a simple task of opening his YouTube videos (Connect stage 'C'). Affirmations were streamlined by reciting a single line (Action stage 'E'). Incorporating the extra round of chanting was linked to the first round, making the 17th round the initial one and continuing from there (Action stage 'E').

Embracing the concept of Simplicity enabled the smooth integration of these habits into my routine. Each habit had an uncomplicated and achievable starting point, ensuring consistency and facilitating focused dedication to my personal growth journey.

3. Can I develop a habit of waking up early, let's say at 5 AM?

Absolutely! Developing the habit of waking up early, especially at 5 AM, is not only possible but can also positively impact your daily routine. However, directly linking the act of waking up early to an old habit might be challenging, as it occurs after a period of sleep when we are not actively engaged in other habits.
Simplicity (Sutra 2): To initiate this new habit, utilize the Mind, Connect, and Action (MCA) stages.
Mind stage ‘M’ stage for Waking up at 5 AM: Start at the Mind stage ‘M’ by using affirmations like “I choose to wake up at 5 AM,” “I have a strong desire to wake up at 5 AM,” and “I love waking up at 5 AM.” Consistently practicing these affirmations reinforces your commitment to waking up early.
Intention Sheet (Sutra 3) Write an intent on your Intention Sheet, such as “Preparing to wake up at 5 AM,” to formalize your commitment.
Linking Sheet (Sutra 4): In the Linking Sheet, create a new row for “Preparing to wake up at 5 AM” under New Habits. Use the Simplified column to link the Mind stage ‘M’ stage to an existing habit, ideally right before bedtime. Repeat the affirmations mentally, aloud, or in writing for a couple of weeks, ensuring consistency.
Tracking Sheet (Sutra 5): Create a column on your Tracking Sheet labelled “Preparing to wake up at 5 AM.” Tick the Sheet after completing your affirmations each night (Mind stage ‘M’).
Connect stage ‘C’ for Waking up at 5 AM: After a couple of weeks of consistently practicing the Mind stage ‘M’ of waking up at 5 AM and successfully ticking your Tracking Sheet during this period, it's time to progress to the Connect stage ‘C’.
Edit the Simplicity column of the Linking Sheet to “Connect stage ‘C’ stage of Waking up.” Start by developing the habit of setting a morning alarm for the specific time you desire. Avoid using the automatic option; instead, manually set the alarm each day. Link the activity of setting the alarm every day to an old habit, ensuring consistency in this new practice.
When the alarm rings in the morning, the initial step is to create a habit of switching off the alarm. In the Connect stage ‘C’ of waking up at 5 AM, you might find yourself initially switching off the alarm and going back to sleep. After a few days, introduce the habit of sitting up on your bed after switching off the alarm, before eventually returning to sleep.
As you progress in the Connect stage ‘C’, add another layer to the routine by developing a habit of walking to the bathroom to wash your face after sitting up on the bed. These activities collectively constitute the Connect stage ‘C’ of waking up early at 5 AM. Ensure to update your linking Sheet to reflect these incremental changes in your morning routine.
Action Stage 'A' for Waking up at 5 AM: From the Connect stage ‘C’, it's time to move on to the Action stage ‘A’ of waking up at 5 AM. Following the routine of switching off the alarm, sitting up, and washing your face, fully wake up and engage in your daily activities.
During this stage, consider additional habits to enhance your morning routine. It's recommended to take an early bath to stay fresh and alert. Continue with the affirmations from the Mind stage ‘M’ and the manual alarm setting from the Connect stage ‘C’. Remember to tick your Tracking Sheet under the column “Preparing to Wake up at 5 AM.”
On days when you might have slept late, it is appropriate to adjust your waking up time to ensure you get a healthy amount of sleep. Additionally, consider the timing and quantity of your last meal. You can also establish another habit of limiting the number of items you eat after 7:30 PM. With consistent early waking for a few weeks, you will naturally find yourself going to bed early, completing the transformation of your waking habits.
Remember to consistently follow the affirmations, manual alarm setting, and tracking to ensure the success of this transformative habit.

4. How can I develop the habit of cooking?

Cooking every day isn't necessary to build the habit. Take a break and explore different ways to connect with the joy of cooking! You can watch cooking videos, imagine yourself as a chef, or even try making a simple salad. Experimenting with turning on the gas and then switching it off without cooking can also be a playful way to engage with the cooking process (Connect stage ‘C’).
Additionally, enrich your culinary skills by dedicating time to read recipes (Connect stage ‘C’). This can provide inspiration, foster creativity, and expose you to various cuisines. Exploring cookbooks and online platforms can contribute to the cultivation of this habit. Sharing recipes and experimenting with different dishes can further enhance your culinary journey, promoting continuous learning and creativity. Embrace the culinary energy and enjoy the process in your own unique style.

5. How can I cultivate the habit of learning accounts and managing my finances effectively?

Accounts and finance can seem daunting, especially if you're not naturally inclined toward numbers. However, it all begins with your intent. You can start by affirming your interest in numbers and finance for a few days, repeating phrases like “I love numbers,” “I love finance,” and “I am willing to learn accounts” (Mind stage ‘M”).
To solidify this habit, create a dedicated section for “Accounts” in your Intention, Linking, and Tracking Sheets. You can engage with the concept of accounts in a simple manner, either by affirming your interest (Mind stage 'M') or by performing simple calculations in your mind or on paper to stay connected with the energy of accounts (Connect stage ‘C’).
In your daily routine, consider activities such as tracking your expenses, reviewing accounting software like Tally, creating and managing an investment Sheet, monitoring bills, drafting a budget, checking bank accounts, and assessing your liabilities and assets. Regularly browsing through Google or Excel Sheets related to your finances can also help reinforce your engagement with the field. Remember, the key to success lies in maintaining Consistency and embracing Simplicity.
Moreover, there are numerous video courses available that cover the basics of accounts and finance. Allocating a few minutes each day to watch these courses can significantly contribute to your learning. If you prefer reading, “Romancing with the Balance Sheet” by Anil Lamba is an excellent book to begin understanding balance Sheets. By adhering to these practices consistently, you will gradually develop a strong grasp of accounts and financial management.

6. Is it possible to pause a habit that I've already started for a few weeks?

Absolutely, you can choose to pause a habit for a certain period after initiating it. You have the freedom to take a break and then restart the habit at a later time. During the pause, you can opt to either retain the habit on your Tracking Sheet or temporarily remove it. When you're ready to recommence the habit, you can simply add it back to your Tracking Sheet.
To facilitate this, pause effectively, I recommend adjusting the Simplicity column in your Linking Sheet (Sutra 4) to Mind stage ‘M’. This involves engaging with the habit mentally, which typically takes less than a minute, such as repeating affirmations associated with that particular habit. This approach will help you stay connected to the habit even during your break period.

7. Can I work on talking gently and improving the tone of my voice?

Absolutely, improving the tone of your voice during conversations with any one is indeed achievable. You can start by creating a new habit titled “Tone of Voice” on your Intention, Linking, and Tracking Sheets. Make sure to link this habit directly to the context of speaking to anyone.
On your Tracking Sheet, you can use a simple system where you place a tick mark at the end of each day if you were able to maintain a controlled tone with anyone throughout the day. In instances where you may have lost control, mark it with a cross.
Additionally, when marking instances with a cross, you can reinforce your commitment to maintaining control by reciting affirmations such as “I am in control of my voice” or “I communicate with kindness and respect.” These positive affirmations serve to strengthen the habit and motivate you to continuously work on improving your tone of voice during interactions.
This method has proven effective in my own life, reducing conflicts with my spouse that often stemmed from raised voices during disagreements. By consistently tracking my behaviour, I noticed a visible improvement, with days marked with crosses acting as reminders to communicate more respectfully the following day.
Similarly, in one instance, a company manager successfully implemented this approach to improve his tone during meetings with his juniors. Using the Tracking Sheet, he diligently worked on maintaining a controlled tone, leading to a more mindful and respectful communication style over time.

8. Can I develop the habit of taking medications consistently?

Certainly, developing the habit of taking medications consistently is vital, especially for individuals with long-term health conditions. Doctors typically provide instructions regarding the timing of medication intake, often linked to meals such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In this context, you can effectively use the Linking and Tracking Sheets to establish and reinforce the habit of taking medications as prescribed.
Incorporating medication intake into the Linking Sheet involves connecting a specific mealtime with the corresponding medication. For instance, you can link the intake of a particular medication with either breakfast or dinner, creating a visual reminder for consistent adherence. The Tracking Sheet serves as a helpful tool in monitoring your compliance, enabling you to mark whether you have taken the prescribed medication as scheduled on a daily basis.
By consistently using the Linking and Tracking Sheets, you can effectively turn the act of taking medications into a regular and organized habit. This approach significantly contributes to maintaining the prescribed treatment regimen, ensuring better health management and improved overall well-being.

9. I want to remove some unfavourable habits. Will following the 5 Sutras help?

When it comes to eliminating unfavourable habits, the 5 Sutras primarily concentrate on fostering positive behaviours rather than directly targeting the removal of negative ones. Their focus lies in setting intentions, establishing linkages, tracking progress, regular review, and celebrating success to aid in the development of constructive habits aligned with personal goals. However, by actively engaging in the formation of new habits, individuals often find that undesirable habits naturally diminish or get replaced over time. By channelling their energy into cultivating positive behaviours, they gradually shift their focus away from negative patterns, fostering personal growth and self-improvement. While the 5 Sutras may not directly address the elimination of unfavourable habits, they serve as a foundation for fostering self awareness and facilitating positive change.
Combining these principles with specific strategies, such as behaviour modification techniques or seeking professional guidance, can contribute to the process of letting go of undesired behaviours. In essence, while the 5 Sutras are primarily geared towards the adoption of new habits, their implementation can indirectly support the reduction of unfavourable behaviours through the cultivation of positive habits and heightened self-awareness.

10. When starting a new habit to jog, why write 'Preparing to Jog' instead of 'Jogging' in the Intention Sheet, and how does it impact the simplicity of the habit?

The choice of wording in the Intention Sheet plays a crucial role in the ease of habit formation. Instead of directly stating 'Jogging,' consider framing it as 'Preparing to Jog.' In the Linking Sheet, the Simplicity principle is maintained by linking this to the Connect stage ‘C’, represented by the action of 'Wearing the shoes and sitting on a sofa.' This is the preparatory step before the actual action.
The key lies in understanding the nuances of the mind. If the mind encounters a significant gap between the intention and the action, it might resist, causing internal turmoil. By introducing the term 'Preparing to Jog,' the mind more readily accepts the action of wearing shoes and sitting on a sofa as it aligns with the stated intention. The troubled thoughts that often arise during the initial stages of habit formation are thus minimized.
On the Tracking Sheet, the change is reflected by replacing the 'Jogging' column with 'Preparing to Jog.' This subtle shift in language and focus can make a substantial difference. Even if you only manage the preparatory steps or take a few initial steps of jogging, it's considered progress. The habit formation system is designed to work in harmony with the mind, aiming to reduce resistance and enhance the overall ease of habit adoption. Tracking progress under 'Preparing to Jog' ensures a smoother mental acceptance and a more comfortable journey toward the desired habit of jogging. Remember, the essence of habit formation lies in effectively managing the mind and its inherent tendencies throughout the process.

11. I used to chant some rounds before, but now I don't. Is there any simple way to start again? I want to chant a greater number of rounds; how can I get into a habit of chanting more rounds than what I am doing currently?

Certainly! Restarting or enhancing your chanting habit can be achieved using the 5 Sutras system. Whether you are starting afresh or aiming to increase the number of rounds, the same systematic approach can be applied.
Consistency (Sutra 1): Consistency is key, so follow the process explained every day. The second Sutra of Simplicity will assist you in maintaining this daily commitment.
Simplicity (Sutra 2): Embrace the Mind, Connect, and Action (MCA) stages when starting your chanting. Mind stage ‘M’ stage for Chanting: Initiate the habit of chanting at the Mind stage ‘M’. Engage different functions of the mind with these affirmations: • Thinking Affirmation “I choose to chant, and I have a strong desire to chant.” • Feeling Affirmation Express, “I love chanting.” • Willing Affirmation Affirm, “I am willing to chant.”
For those aiming to increase rounds, integrate the specific count into these affirmations such as “I choose to do my 17th round of chanting.” OR “I choose to enhance my rounds of chanting” Consistently practicing these affirmations reinforces your commitment to the chanting habit.
Intention Sheet (Sutra 3): Create a new row in the Intention Sheet labelled “Chanting” for those starting and as “Extra Round” for those increasing their rounds.
Linking Sheet (Sutra 4): In the Linking Sheet, create a row with “chanting” under the New Habits column. In the Simplified column, write “Mind stage ‘M’ of Chanting.” Link the M stage to an existing old habit, ideally right after waking up. Repeat affirmations in your mind daily for a couple of weeks.
Tracking Sheet (Sutra 5): Create a column labelled “Chanting” or “Extra Round.” Tick your Tracking Sheet under the chanting column after completing your affirmations of chanting (Mind stage ‘M’).
Revisit Sutra 2 – Simplicity: Embrace the Mind, Connect, and Action (MCA) stages when starting your chanting.
Connect stage ‘C’ for Chanting: After consistent Mind stage ‘M’ practice, edit the Simplicity column of the Linking Sheet to “Connect stage 'C' of Chanting.” Begin the Connect stage ‘C’ by placing your fingers in the bead bag or hold a counter for about a minute to stay connected to the energy of chanting.
Action stage 'A' for Chanting: Transition to the Action stage ‘A’ after a couple of weeks in the Connect stage ‘C’. Start with chanting 5 Mahamantras and then gradually increase the count from 5 to 108 Mahamantras. Shift between chanting on a counter and using beads based on your preference. If challenges arise, revert to the Mind stage ‘M’ or Connect stage ‘C’ to minimize interruptions and maintain a daily chanting habit.

12. If I really don't have time and just connect with the energy of exercise, will I ever be able to do proper exercise?

Absolutely! Even with a busy schedule, it's possible to transition from simply connecting with the energy of exercise to incorporating proper workouts. During a seminar, a participant faced a similar challenge of long working hours and sought guidance on moving beyond the simplicity of just rolling out the exercise mat.
In response, a suggestion was made to initiate the journey by staying connected with the energy of the exercise mat. The participant could integrate short, 2-minute breaks throughout the day to perform simple stretching exercises for the neck and back, even while sitting on a chair. These exercises aid in relieving muscle tension and enhancing flexibility. Additionally, bending exercises and opting for stairs over the lift add an extra layer of physical activity.
To address the constraints of a hectic schedule, the participant could incorporate eye-rolling exercises and breathing exercises during work breaks. These practices contribute to relaxation and rejuvenation without significantly disrupting work commitments.
The key to unlocking long-term benefits lies in consistent practice. By maintaining a connection to the energy of exercise through these brief sessions, the participant gradually improves fitness, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall well-being.
Consistency is paramount for sustainable results. While each individual workout may seem modest, the cumulative effect over time is significant, contributing to improved physical health and mental well-being. These small yet consistent exercise sessions effectively counteract the sedentary nature of long working hours.
In conclusion, by starting with simple exercises, staying connected to the energy of exercise, and progressively building on these practices, even individuals with tight schedules can experience lasting benefits. The journey involves embracing Simplicity, maintaining Consistency, and attuning to one's body.

13. Can I skip the Intention Sheet (Sutra 3) and Linking Sheet (Sutra 4) and solely focus on the Tracking Sheet (Sutra 5)?

While it might be tempting to take a short cut, it is advisable not to skip any of the steps outlined in the 5 Sutras to achieve the desired result. Each of these Sutras holds its unique significance in the journey of habit formation.
The Intention Sheet (Sutra 3) serves as the foundation for a particular habit and needs to be filled only once. It encapsulates the initial commitment and sets the stage for the habit-forming process.
As the number of new habits to be formed increases, the Linking Sheet (Sutra 4) becomes invaluable. It aids in editing the Simplicity column by navigating through the three stages of Mind, Connect, and Action. The starting date column in the Linking Sheet provides a historical record, helping track when a specific habit was initiated.
In essence, the Intention and Linking Sheets complement the Tracking Sheet (Sutra 5), forming a holistic system that addresses different aspects of habit formation. Skipping any of these steps might compromise the effectiveness of the overall process. Therefore, embracing all 5 Sutras ensures a comprehensive and structured approach to successfully cultivating and tracking new habits.

14. Can new habits be linked to sleeping?

When linking habits to the act of sleeping, it may not be the most effective approach as sleeping is a passive activity that does not require any conscious effort. You might not know exactly the moment when you will become asleep, and there is also a very strong possibility that you might miss linking the new habit. However, you can link new habits to the act of preparing for sleep, such as lying in bed or if you have a habit of switching off the lights before sleeping or switching on the AC before sleeping.

15. Is it possible to link certain new habits with specific time periods?

While some individuals may find it helpful, I don't recommend linking new habits directly to specific times. It's generally more effective to link new habits with existing ones, leveraging habits already ingrained in our subconscious mind. The Principle of Linking (Sutra 4) emphasizes connecting the new habit with an established old one. Instead of associating a habit with a specific time, consider linking it to an existing old habit performed at that time. This approach fosters consistency and a more natural integration of the new habit into your routine.

16. Do I always have to perform my new habit in conjunction with an existing old habit, or if I have missed the link, could I do it at another time of the day?

Initially, it's preferable to link your new habit to an existing one as a reminder. However, if you miss the link, try to complete the habit at another time, even in a simplified way as mentioned in the Linking Sheet (Sutra 4). The crucial aspect is to perform the activity and mark it as completed in the Tracking Sheet (Sutra 5). Linking acts as support initially until the subconscious mind takes over. The primary goal is to consistently track your progress and maintain a record of habit execution. For instance, I developed a habit of checking accounts linked to lunchtime by simply opening the Tally software. Before incorporating this habit, there were days or even weeks without checking accounts. Since then, not a day has passed without either opening Tally software or reviewing other accounts. Initially, I checked accounts after lunch; with consistent practice, I started checking at any time during the day. The Tracking Sheet serves as a reminder, ensuring no day is missed. If accounts aren't checked by the end of the day, I make sure to complete it. This habit immensely benefits in staying updated with annual returns and maintaining control over work, staying organized and proactive in managing financial responsibilities.

17. All days are not the same, so how do we link our habits on those days?

Our schedules can vary greatly from day to day, with some days being easier and others being extremely hectic. In such situations, it becomes important to adapt and find ways to link our new habits to our existing old habits. The key is not to focus on doing the new habits at the exact same time every day, but rather to establish a connection between the new habit and an existing old habit. For example, if the existing old habit is to brush teeth in the morning, we can link a new habit like meditation or reading a few pages of a book to that activity. This way, even if the timing of our morning routine varies, we can still incorporate the new habit within it. As time goes on, the Tracking Sheet becomes a helpful tool in completing and staying consistent with our habits. It serves as a visual reminder and motivator, helping us to prioritize and track our progress. Even if the timing of our old habits and new habits varies from day to day, the Tracking Sheet assists us in maintaining our overall habit formation process. It's important to recognize that even your old habits may vary in terms of timing on different days. For example, you may have a different schedule for breakfast or exercise depending on the day. Similarly, the timing of the new habits may also vary based on the demands of each day. The key is to be flexible and find opportunities throughout the day to engage in the new habits, linking them to existing activities whenever possible. On extremely hectic days when it may seem challenging to maintain Consistency (Sutra 1), we can turn to the principle of Simplicity (Sutra 2) for assistance which will help us stay connected with the energy of our new habits, even during busy times.

18. Can I incorporate Bhagavad Gita Shlokas into my daily life through the process of linking?

Yes, Bhagavad Gita Shlokas can be seamlessly integrated into daily life through the linking process. For instance, starting the day with Verse 18.57 (In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me), emphasizing dependence on the Supreme, sets the tone. Linking specific Shlokas to daily activities, like reciting Verse 15.12 (The splendour of the sun, which dissipates the darkness of this whole world, comes from Me. And the splendour of the moon and the splendour of fire are also from Me) while witnessing the sunrise or Verse 2.22 (As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones) while dressing up, helps internalize these teachings. Using Verse 7.8 (O son of Kuntī, I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the syllable oṁ in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in ether and ability in man) during water intake; Verse 9.17 (I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support and the grandsire. I am the object 171 5 Sutras To Form New Habits of knowledge, the purifier and the syllable oṁ. I am also the Ṛg, the Sāma and the Yajur Vedas) during Pranayama; and chanting OM creates a meaningful daily practice. Tracking these verses on a Sheet ensures consistency and provides a structured way to incorporate spiritual teachings into daily routines.

19. Can we link three potential new habits with one old habit?

My old habit is changing into night clothes, and the new habits are updating the Tracking Sheet, setting an alarm, and brushing teeth. Certainly, recommending the concept of linking one old habit to multiple new habits is advisable only if the concepts of the 5 Sutras have been practiced for a few months. Yes, three new potential habits can indeed be linked with one old habit. This approach has been personally implemented with success. For example, the habits of studying Fundamental Analysis and Technical Analysis were linked with my post-lunch routine. The habit of studying Technical Analysis involves reading books such as John Murphy's “Technical Analysis" and Steve Nison's "Candlestick Patterns”. Each day, a commitment is made to cover at least one page of the book or revise notes on the same topic in OneNote software. Furthermore, the habit of studying Fundamental Analysis involves switching between watching the study course “SOIC” for intelligent investing, studying balance Sheets on screener.in, or reviewing personal notes on the topic. Each day, time is dedicated to exploring one of these resources to deepen the understanding of Fundamental Analysis. The primary objective is to maintain a strong connection with the principles and essence of both fundamental and technical analysis.

20. Do I need to have a correlation between my existing habit and a new habit when linking them?

Should they be the same or similar in type? The linking of existing old habits to new ones doesn't necessitate a correlation or similarity in type. There's flexibility to link habits that are entirely different based on personal preferences and convenience. The primary goal of linking is to establish a connection that aids in remembering and seamlessly integrating the new habit into your routine. For instance, if your existing old habit is having breakfast in the morning, you can link it to the new habit of reading. After finishing breakfast, this established routine serves as a reminder to engage in the new habit of grabbing a book or your smartphone for reading. Likewise, if you're introducing the new habit of exercising, you can link it to the habit of taking a bath. This creates a natural sequence where exercising becomes a precursor to your bathing routine. In essence, linking unrelated habits provides a framework for incorporating new behaviours into your daily activities. The linking choice can be based on convenience or any factor that aligns with your specific context.

21. Can I edit my Linking Sheet?

The Linking Sheet's column of Simplicity is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your personal preferences and comfort levels. It allows you to customize and adjust the simplicity factor based on what works best for you. You could begin your activity on the Mind stage ‘M’ and after some time edit it to the Connect stage ‘C’ and then to the Action stage ‘A’. And in some cases, it can be reedited from the Action stage ‘A’ back to Connect stage ‘C’ or Mind stage ‘M’. For instance, when starting to read Srimad Bhagvatam, the Simplicity column on my Linking Sheet was to open the Vedabase app. As the habit of reading became more natural, the Simplicity column was changed from opening the app to reading five verses every day.

22. When I complete my habit, I either tick it or write “Yes.” In the case that I haven't been able to do it, should I leave it blank or write “No”?

Different individuals have had diverse experiences when it comes to indicating non-completion of a habit on their Tracking Sheet. Some find solace in leaving it blank. Others choose to mark a cross, signifying a missed day and perhaps feeling a tinge of disappointment or a drive to improve. Alternatively, a few individuals opt to write “No” or use a red colour, emphasizing the non-completion and igniting a sense of accountability or determination to do better next time. These methods can evoke emotions of self reflection and motivation. Ultimately, the decision on how to indicate non completion on your Tracking Sheet is subjective. Explore the options and select the approach that resonates with you emotionally. Remember, the purpose of tracking is not just to monitor progress, but also to foster positive emotions and inspire you to continue progressing on your habit-building journey. Personally, I have found solace in leaving it blank.

23. Will I need to track lifelong, or is there a specific time period?

The habit of tracking is ideally a lifelong practice, supporting ongoing growth and development in various life aspects. As we progress, we may continuously discover new dimensions to explore, skills to develop, or qualities to cultivate. Tracking serves as a valuable tool for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability. While not all habits need perpetual tracking, those deeply ingrained and effortlessly integrated into your routine may no longer require conscious monitoring. As habits become second nature, they can be considered for removal from the Tracking Sheet. It's crucial to follow the principles of the 5 Sutras, especially Consistency and Simplicity, in incorporating the habit of tracking. The process need not be time-consuming, usually taking only 2 to 3 minutes daily to tick off habits. Maintaining a balance between a comprehensive tracking system and avoiding overwhelm is the key. In case of an interruption restarting the habit of tracking requires a strong intention, clear reasons, and linking the habit to an existing routine. In case of lapses, engaging in an inner dialogue and revisiting the linking principle can reignite the habit effectively. Consistency and Simplicity must be prioritized. Reporting to someone and seeking accountability can be a potent strategy for habit sustainability. It instils a sense of responsibility, motivation, focus, and ensures staying on the right path in your habit building journey.

24. What if I forget to tick the Tracking Sheet for a few days or am travelling and may not have access to the Tracking Sheet?

In a situation where you've forgotten to tick the Tracking Sheet for a few days, restart ticking from the current date without guilt. Avoid trying to recollect data for previous days, as this can be an obstacle to resuming. Identify which of the 5 Sutras may not have been applied and, if needed, find a habit partner for support and accountability.
When traveling and lacking access to the Tracking Sheet, resume ticking once you return. For frequent travellers, consider shifting to a digital format on your phone to ensure consistent tracking. Learning how to maintain a digital Tracking Sheet can eliminate the challenge of not having access during travel.

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