We all know that creating healthy habits is important but it can be difficult at times. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. We all have good intentions of starting tomorrow or next week, but how do we make sure those days come? Despite what most people will tell you, it’s not necessarily about motivation or even discipline. You just need to know the right process for you. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Reflect and decide on what habits you want to start. Take a look at your life. Think of this as an audit. Start visualizing the life you want to live. What does that look like? What is your dream day-to-day? What kind of person do you want to be? – Decide clearly on the habits that serve that life and that person. From there, choose one or two (don’t overdo it!) that you would like to start to build into your life NOW.
** You can listen to Potential Podcast Episode 52, for a discussion on Practical Tips For Creating Your Dream Life or check out How To Develop Your Ideal Day for a step-by-step guide on how to walk through the process.
- Simplify your habits and clear the barrier. After your reflection time and deciding on the habits you want to start, consider what might be an impediment to achieving or carrying out your habits. If you stick to this habit, what are the potential consequences or rewards? Make a list. Now, what will happen if you don’t stick to this habit? Make a list.
- Review your day as it currently is and look for patterns. What are the existing patterns in your day? This is significant to consider because one of the most effective ways to begin a new habit is to simply tie it to an existing pattern.
- Give yourself triggers or reminders. Once you’ve pinpointed patterns in your life, you can start to tie new healthy habits to routines you already have in place. For example: If you know you brush your teeth every morning (and I hope you do!) what habit can you tie to that? Can you hit a few air squats while you brush? Can you use that as a trigger to remind you to spend a few minutes journaling after you brush? Don’t feel bad if you need a little reminder to start. As you begin to develop a new habit, consider setting reminders for yourself for the first few weeks. You can do it with your phone, post-its, or with an accountability partner.
- Start small and build momentum. Stop thinking about going all out and instead start with small habits that you grow and develop. Do not overwhelm yourself by starting too big or aiming for perfection. This can lead to self-sabotage and failing to achieve anything at all. Check out our Potential Podcast Episode 44 to learn more on Building Momentum.
- Be Consistent. Things that seem little can have a huge impact as long as you do them consistently.
- Celebrate the milestones. Celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made, and get excited!
By developing full-potential habits for yourself, you begin to make changes. Play with your habits to create the kind of life you want to live, the kind of person you want to be, the kind of family you want to have, and the kind of community you want to live in and be a part of.
If you want a supportive and encouraging community to help you create and maintain your healthy habits, sign up for a FREE chat with us today!
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK’S POTENTIAL PODCAST EPISODE TO HEAR SARAH TALK ABOUT THESE IDEAS!
