
In the pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilled life, we often find ourselves grappling with the challenge of making good habits stick. Whether it’s committing to a regular workout routine, practising mindfulness, or eating a balanced diet, the key to sustainable progress lies in the cultivation of healthy habits.
The Power of Habits
Habits, essentially, are behaviours we perform almost reflexively. They can either propel us towards desirable outcomes or lead us astray. By harnessing the power of positive habits, we can hardwire our goals into our daily lives, bypassing the usual fizzling out of motivation that characterises most well-intentioned resolutions.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle.
Understanding Motivation and Discipline
When embarking on a new habit, it’s common to rely heavily on motivation. However, as neuroscience expert Nicole Vignola points out, motivation tends to wane over time. This is when discipline must step in. By acknowledging this reality from the onset, we can prepare ourselves to push through those times when motivation runs low.
Find Your ‘Why’
Having a strong ‘why’ behind your new habit can serve as a powerful motivator when the going gets tough. This ‘why’ should be grounded in something more enduring and meaningful than superficial goals, like wanting to look good in a pair of jeans. It could be a desire to lead a healthier, longer life or to have the energy to play with your kids without getting winded.
Making Habits Stick: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we understand the importance of habits and the role of motivation and discipline let’s dive into the practical steps to making healthy habits stick.
- Start Small: Instead of trying to overhaul your entire routine at once, focus on incorporating one new habit at a time. This method makes the process less overwhelming and increases the chances of success.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation. Whether it’s a daily yoga session or a weekly meal prep routine, make sure to stick to your habit consistently until it becomes second nature.
- Leverage Your Support Network: Sharing your habit-forming journey with friends, family, or a dedicated accountability partner can provide added motivation and support. Plus, it can deepen your relationships as you work towards common goals.
- Reduce Barriers: The simpler the habit, the more likely it is to stick. If you want to eat healthier, place fresh fruits at the front of your fridge. If you want to read more, place your favourite books in a visible location.
- Keep Your Goals Front and Center: Constant reminders of your goals can help maintain consistency. This could be in the form of a vision board, a daily journal, or even a sticky note on your bathroom mirror.
- Learn from Setbacks: Don’t get disheartened by occasional slip-ups. Instead, view them as learning opportunities and strive to do better next time.
- Celebrate Wins: Remember to reward yourself for your progress, no matter how small. This can serve as an additional motivation to stick to your habit.
- Consider Your Daily Routine: Introducing a new habit at a time when you’re less likely to be interrupted can increase your chances of success. It could be early in the morning or late in the evening when you can truly focus on your action.
- Make Room for New Habits: Dedicate specific times in your day for your new habits. This could mean turning off notifications during your workout time or setting aside 20 minutes in the morning for meditation.
- Prioritise Sleep: Adequate sleep is critical for habit formation. It not only improves focus and productivity but also ensures that you’re physically and mentally prepared to stick to your habits.
In Conclusion
Forming healthy habits is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding what works for you and adapting along the way. So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you falter. Just remember to pick yourself up, learn from your missteps, and keep moving forward.
Now that you’re equipped with the tools to make healthy habits stick, it’s time to start your journey towards a healthier, happier 2024!