Forming new habits can be intimidating at times, but they really don’t have to be. We all have moments where we yearn to change certain aspects of our lives for the better. This could be in the way of eating healthier, drinking more water, meditating, saving money, making more friends, getting out more, the list can go on and on. The fact is, there are so many areas in our lives that can be improved and made a whole lot simpler if only we created new habits.
Getting into the habit, however, is often easier said than done. It seems that we acquire bad habits without any effort, but establishing “good” or “healthy” habits can, at times, be more of a challenge.
Well, what we’ve listed here are 3 simple tips that will help make a new habit stick.
Make The New Habit Stick By Being Specific About How You’re Going To Make The Change
Tip #1: Once you’ve decided to, let’s say, “lose weight” break down this goal into specific actions. For example, write down that you will go for a walk, or ride your bike at a specific time of the day (morning at 7 a.m., or evening at 7 p.m.).
Also, write down a meal plan and keep it simple like fruit and oatmeal for breakfast, and baked chicken and veggies for dinner. Designate times for your water intake: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and so on. Being as specific as possible and staying committed to the actions is half the battle to deciding on a new habit and making a new habit stick.
Keep Reminding Yourself Of Your Goal
Tip #2: As you’re settling into your new-found habit, the momentum begins to build because of your motivation and excitement. But like always, busyness gets in the way, and before you know it you’re right back into that old, wretched habit.
Before letting this happen, write little reminders on sticky notes and place them strategically around your house, in your lunch box, on your car dash, and wherever you know you will see them. Setting an alert on your phone is also a great way to remind yourself of your goal and make it easier for you to be a success at making a new habit stick.
Change Up Your Routine To Implement Your New Habit
Tip #3: For most of us, it usually takes some time before a new habit sticks. So, to make your new behavior become a true habit, implementing it in your everyday routine will definitely work to your best advantage. Doing so will ultimately help the new behavior fall into place without you having to put much willpower into it, or rely on many daily reminders.
By doing this, make that daily walk or bike ride a part of your after-dinner routine instead of turning on the television. When visiting the vending machine for a snack at 10:00 in the morning, pack a healthier snack, and eat that instead. You’ll be surprised how much easier staying committed to making your new habit stick when you’ve pre-set your changes for implementation into your already established daily routines.
Congratulations! You’re on your way to making your new habit stick! By deciding to create the new habit and establishing a routine until it’s second nature, you’ll be well on your way to breaking all of those other tired, old habits to paving your way to a brand new you.
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