How to Stick to New Habits
If you want to incorporate new habits into your routine, the beginning is often easy, but being consistent is where it becomes challenging. Here are some helpful tips for actually sticking to your new habits.
Start with Manageable Goals
One of the most effective ways to stick to new habits is to start small. It’s tempting to dive in headfirst with big, ambitious goals, but this can quickly become overwhelming. If you want to start running, for example, you might begin by walking and slowly adding short bursts of running. The idea is to make your new habit so easy that you can’t say no.
Consistency Over Intensity
It’s easy to let enthusiasm lead to intensity, but it’s consistency that truly forms habits. Whether it’s exercise, healthy eating, or learning a new skill, it’s better to do a little every day than to go hard one day and burn out the next. Consistency helps ingrain the habit into your daily routine.
Use Reminders and Triggers
Reminders can be a great tool to help establish new habits. This could be a sticky note on your bathroom mirror, an alert on your phone, or even an existing habit. For example, if you’re trying to drink more water, you might place a glass of water next to your coffee maker as a reminder to drink a glass of water when you make your morning coffee.
Set Clear, Measurable Goals
When creating new habits, it’s important to have clear, measurable goals. Instead of saying “I want to read more”, say “I want to read for 20 minutes each night before bed”. This clarity allows you to track your progress, which can be incredibly motivating.
Make it Enjoyable
If you enjoy something, you’re more likely to do it. Find ways to make your new habit fun. This could be listening to your favorite podcast while you exercise, cooking a new recipe as part of your healthy eating plan, or rewarding yourself with a relaxing bath after a productive day.
Be Patient
Habits take time to form. It’s normal to experience setbacks and obstacles along the way. The key is to be patient with yourself and keep going. If you miss a day, don’t dwell on it. Instead, focus on getting back on track the next day.
Find a Support System
Having a support system can help you stick to your new habits. This could be a friend with similar goals, a family member, or an online community. They can provide encouragement, share tips, and celebrate your successes with you.
Sticking to new habits can be challenging, but with these strategies, it’s entirely achievable. The key is to start small, be consistent, and make the process enjoyable. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but progress. Every step you take towards your new habit, no matter how small, is a victory.