Hello Reader,

I found this picture of me, and wanted to share it with you:

I'm learning how to build a new stretching habit while testing my poor physiotherapist's patience. (This gif above is me. HA! NOPE. If I attempted that move, I think I would break.)

My physiotherapist is so good at consistently encouraging me to do the stretches that will help me fight the chronic back pain that I've been dealing with for the past four years. Believe it or not, it's been tough for me to be consistent.

Even though I know those stretches help.

Even though I know I need to be doing them.

I still struggle to make time to do each one daily.

But my physiotherapist is smart. He didn't give up. He praised me for the ones I've been able to do, and gently challenges me to try adding just one more. Not all of them. Just one more. Not for 30 minutes, but how about if you aim for just 10.

And this week, he directed me to their special app.

Confession time: I think he introduced me to the app a few months ago, but I didn't pay attention to it. Until last week, that is!

It has been a game changer. When I launched the app, it asked me if I wanted to set an exercise reminder.

Um. Yes!! Yes I do!

And so I did. Now, daily (at or near 7pm) you'll find me on the floor, twisting myself into shapes that look weird, but sure have been helping. (Similar to the gif above. Hehe. Again...nope.)

All it took was an alarm + a simple task + a way to track it.

I started this last Saturday, and haven't missed a day yet which is massive progress for me.

Here's what this matters for you!

Struggling to make time to practice for the CELPIP? Try this:

1. Set a repeating reminder on your phone. "Every day at X o'clock, I will record one speaking task response." Or, "Every day at X o'clock, I will read one news article on CBC and take notes."
2. Decide how long your practice session will be. Start small, even 2 minutes counts to help you get started. You can slowly start to build your way up as you establish your CELPIP practice habit.
3. Track it. Try putting a check mark on your calendar for each day you do your practice session. See if you can get 5 days in a row, then take the weekend off.

Will you try it? Reply to this email and let me know what skill you'll go after this week! I'll cheer you on!

After you graduate from practicing consistently for 2 minutes each day, what if you aimed to for just 18 minutes .

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Have a great weekend!

Aaron