As a life and business coach, it’s always important to work towards your goals and positive habits with a specific, clear structure. Building habits requires consistency, patience, and a strategic approach. Here are 10 step-by-step suggestions on how to develop and maintain new habits:
- Start Small
- Begin with small, manageable changes: If your goal is to exercise daily, start with 5-10 minutes a day instead of an hour. This reduces the initial burden and increases your likelihood of sticking with it.
- Be Specific
- Define the habit clearly: Instead of saying, “I want to read more,” say, “I’ll read 10 pages every night before bed.” Clear goals make the habit easier to track and stick to.
- Set Triggers
- Identify a cue or trigger: Attach the habit to something you already do. For example, if you want to meditate, do it right after brushing your teeth in the morning. The existing routine acts as a reminder.
- Be Consistent
- Do it daily or at the same time: Consistency is crucial. Aim to perform the habit at the same time or under the same circumstances each day to reinforce the behavior.
- Track Your Progress
- Use a habit tracker: Marking off each day that you successfully perform the habit can be motivating. Apps or simple charts work well.
- Reward Yourself
- Attach rewards to the habit: Positive reinforcement helps. For example, after completing your workout, reward yourself with something small, like watching a favorite show or relaxing.
- Use the “2-Minute Rule”
- Start with a 2-minute version of the habit: When motivation is low, commit to just 2 minutes. For example, if you want to write, just write for 2 minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and this helps overcome procrastination.
- Make It Easy
- Reduce friction: Set up your environment to make the habit easier. If you want to eat healthy, have pre-prepared snacks at hand. If you want to work out, set out your workout clothes the night before.
- Commit to 30 Days
- Focus on one habit at a time: It typically takes 21 to 30 days to form a habit. Commit to doing it every day for that period to solidify the behavior.
- Overcome Obstacles
- Anticipate and plan for challenges: There will be days when sticking to the habit is hard. Have a plan for those moments—whether it’s reducing the scale of the task or using motivational tools like accountability partners.
Read these other related articles:
How to Stay Committed to Achieving Your Goals
How to Get Rid of Self-Limiting Thoughts
My team wants me to change a habit, but it’s been hard to make.