In March 2018 I started intermittent fasting as an experiment. Today, while tracking my fast in the app (Zero calories, free app), I realised that since then I completed 607 fasts for an average of 17 hours each.

Hey . I got so excited writing about my experience that I forgot to say hello 👋.

If you're unfamiliar with intermittent fasting, it is a way of eating that advocates for a period of time when you give your digestive system a break and don't ingest any food or drinks apart from water and unsweetened tea***.

I chose to do the 16:8 method, meaning that I had an eating window of 8 hours and a fasting window of 16 hours. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail as that is not the point of this email.

What IS the point of this email, Alisa?

I'm glad you asked 😊. Don't worry, I'm not turning into a health coach. The reason I'm sharing this with you is to point out the power of habits. What started off as an experiment turned into a way of living for me.

I made a commitment to fast for at least 16 hours in a 24-hour period and I stuck with it. Was it hard in the beginning? Sure, and it's still inconvenient sometimes. I need to plan my meals and eating window starting times in advance if I know I'm attending a social or professional commitment where food is involved.

Did I slip up? A handful of times. But those were one-offs and I made sure not to let them take me off track. This is super important.

How many times do we make a mistake and think: "Well, what's the point now? I messed up anyway, I might as well give up. Clearly, this is not working." A slip-up leads to another and the next thing we know - we're back to our old habits.

My intermittent fasting 'mistakes' were intentional. I was either on long-haul flights, attending weddings or conferences, and decided that logistically it would make more sense to eat when food is being served.

The next day however, I would go back to fasting for 16 hours, no matter how hard or inconvenient I found it. Why? Because I made a commitment and because I did not want my brain to think the one-off is becoming the norm. James Clear talks more about this in his book, Atomic Habits.

The benefits I am seeing from intermittent fasting are many: from more clarity and energy in the morning to less cravings and a stronger immune system. I have not had a serious cold since I started, but before fasting I would get at least two per year.

However, these benefits are the compound interest of continuing to fast every day with (almost) no exception. It's the same in other areas of life and business, .

It isn't the immediate results that should motivate us to form and keep a good habit, but rather the outcomes we can expect in the future if we commit to it no matter what.

As James Clear says, our choices determine the difference between who we are now and who we could be.

What choices are you constantly making with regards to your money and your business? They are the indication of where you'll likely to be in 5 years' time if you continue like this.

If you know it's time to make better money and business choices, but you're not even sure where to start, please get in touch. I am here for you.

Until next time, stay safe and keep well.

Alisa

*** Disclaimer: please consult your doctor if you're looking to do intermittent fasting (IF). I am not a medical professional, nor am I advocating that you should take up IF without consulting a medical specialist beforehand.