Let’s discuss forming new habits. We all have times in our lives where we intentionally want to change our behaviour for the better. This could be getting in the habit of doing more exercise or getting better sleeping for example. This means starting new habits. If we can create new habits, there are lots of areas in our lives that we can improve.
“I can predict the long term outcome of your success if you show me your daily habits.”
John Maxwell
However, getting into the habit of doing something is often easier said than done. It seems that we pick up bad habits easily, but getting into a “good” habit can be a little more challenging.
Try out these 3 steps which breaks down the process to makes it easier to establish the new behaviour until we’ve internalized it and made it a true habit. We want it to be something we do automatically without having to think about, like brushing our teeth.
1. Decide and Be Specific
The first step, what it this new habit going to be? Be as specific as possible. Don’t just tell yourself you want to get fit. Instead say something like “I will go for a 30 minute walk every single day”. Deciding what your new habit will be and committing to when and how you’re going to do it, is half the battle.
2. Remind Yourself To Get It Done
Those first few days – you’re motivated and excited to get started and get that great result you’re after. Sticking to your new habit isn’t an issue. But perhaps a week later, you’ll notice that maybe you;re starting to slip back into old habits.
Maybe the weather’s awful and you don’t really want to go out and walk. Or maybe you’ve just had a busy day. This is when it’s important to have a daily reminder. Set an alert on your phone. Remember how you will feel when you’ve completed the goal and any other benefits you’ll have.
3. Make It Part Of Your Routine Until It Becomes A Habit
So the last step. It takes some time before a new behaviour becomes a true habit. Until then, having a routine will work to your best advantage.
Do you notice that it gets harder to make decisions toward the end of the day? You’re too tired to figure out what to have for dinner or what to watch on TV. That’s because we all have a finite amount of decisions that we can make in any given day.
A routine (which is basically pre-planning) helps you get it done without having to spend a lot of willpower or time thinking about it, until you’ve done it so many times it just become automatic. (Check out my earlier blog all about the power of a routine)
A routine encourage the development of good habits, helps get rid of bad ones, helps you to get things done and makes you more efficient and productive. With all those great benefits why wouldn’t you have a routine?
So make that daily walk part of your after dinner routine, if you already do the school runs could you just add on an extra 15 walk minutes each way, incorporate it into something you already do.
Need some ideas. Here are some success habits you might want to incorporate into your routine:
Start your day with calming music
Have a morning workout routine
Eat a healthy breakfast
Meditate
Remove distractions
Keep a daily journal
Practice gratitude
Plan your day / week beforehand
Prioritize your goals for the day
Consume motivational content
Diary in time for self care
Check in with supportive like minded people
Keep your space organised and clean
Get enough sleep
Meal prep/ planning
Have a digital detox at certain times in the day
So there it is! First, decide to create the new habit. Next, pick the new habit and then practice the routine until it’s second nature. You'll be well on your way to forming a new success habit.
Helping ladies move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed in their lives to designing & achieving their goals, dreams and ambitions. For more information on bringing positive change into your life – www.kaymalcolmcoaching.com (life coaching for women)