Creating lasting habits
The definition of a good habit …
‘A behaviour that is beneficial to one’s physical or mental healthy, often linked to a high level of discipline and self-control. Eg regular exercise, moderate consumption of alcohol, balanced diet, good sleep etc’
I thought this was a good topic to discuss as we start our new year and begin our new 21 Day Challenge!
We all have the same amount of hours in a day to achieve our goals. The key to achieving our goals is practising good habits. We all have good and bad habits that influence how we operate in our daily lives.
I must admit I find it difficult to stick to new habits.
The ones I find easy are exercise, eating well and not drinking much alcohol. The ones I find more challenging are daily mediation and sleeping early. I dabble in and out of routine with these.
What are the ones you are good at and the ones you need to work at?
Let me know in the comments below.
Here are some tips to help achieve sticking to a new habit;
1. Start only one new habit at a time
One way to help start a new habit is to only focus on one new habit at a time, not multiple.
This will help you channel your energy and ensure your supply of will power is not spread out.
2. Choose something you can commit to easily
The important thing is to identify a habit you can do all the time, something that will fit into your life and that can be completed on a daily basis, even when you don’t feel like it.
3. Give yourself time to really embed the habit
Some people say it takes 21 days to build a habit, while others claim it takes up to 66 days. The truth is that the length of time really varies on the individual and also the habit. Some habits are easy to build and some require more effort. Try starting a new habit for at least 21 – 30 days and see how you go.
4. Take baby steps
Baby steps are essential, and if we want to something every day it’s best to start with small increments of time.
Eg; if we want to create a habit of exercise, even 10 mins a day is good, and we can always build upon this.
5. Find ways that help you stick to the habit
We need to make it easy to achieve. Do things to help yourself stick to the habit. Like get up earlier every day to make time, or if we are planning to exercise, keep our mat rolled out in a particular spot so we are more likely to get on the mat if we see it out.
6. Make a plan for obstacles
Often we don’t stick to new habits because there are plenty of obstacles in the way. They might be time, weather, pain, cost, self-consciousness, space etc. If you can anticipate your own obstacles, this will help you stick to your habits.
Eg – if you know you can’t get to physical class, be sure to have an online option to do. Or if you plan to go for a walk, and the weather is bad, choose or have the option to go to a gym inserted.
7. Create Accountability
Making your new plans and habits known to others usually means you’ll be more likely to follow through with your commitment.
It could be that you tell your friends what you are doing so they can check in with you on your progress, or if you want to create a habit of exercise and you want to stick to it, it could be that you ask a friend to meet up with you to do a workout.
Never underestimate the power of social approval. Simply knowing you will be held accountable for our habit keeps you focused and consistent.
I hope these tips help.
Let me know what your goals are for 2019 in the comments below. Lets help each other stay accountable.
You can also post them in the Facebook group for extra accountability.
Lots of love
Em xo
‘You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.’ – John. C. Maxwell
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