Did you sit in the same seat in high school or college even when there were no assigned seats (I still do it today at my kid’s meet the teacher nights)? Do you have a “favorite” place at home (either at the dinner table or while watching tv)? Do you always do certain things in the same order? Humans are creatures of habit. We do hundreds of things without thinking about them every day. We are all about routines, the sameness, and the ease of doing things without conscious thought. This is why it is so hard to change our habits even though our intentions are good.
Whether you want to break a bad habit or start a good one, it requires effort, patience, and persistence. It takes at least 21 days before a new habit will become part of your routine. This is one of the reasons so many people let go of their new year’s resolutions by the end of January.
When you have a huge goal in front of you, it is easiest to break it down into the smallest steps possible. Start with step 1 and stick with it until it becomes an automatic task. Then move on to the next step. Small changes will lead to big results over time.
You need a very strong reason to change your habits. This is why so many of us fail or give up on goals. We need something powerful to motivate us through the challenges that will come with any kind of change. Remember why you wanted this change and use this reason to make the new action become routine.
Here are some tips to help you set a new routine:
- It starts with self awareness. Reflect on your current habits and identify what needs to change.
- Begin with one specific task that you want to make part of your routine. Try not to do too many things at once. Feeling overwhelmed is a top reason for quitting. Aim for gradual change.
- Figure out a powerful reason for why you want to change your current routine. Expect setbacks and remember this reason to push through.
- The best time to start a new habit is when you are in a different environment. Your brain is primed to learn new routines when you are in a new place. If you have a vacation or weekend getaway coming up, use that time to implement a change (and then stick with it for a month).
- If you want to start a new habit, pair it with something you already do. For example, if you want to increase your water intake throughout the day, keep a water bottle at your desk, and take a sip every time you check your email or answer a call. Try making a dinner plan for the week when you are writing your weekly grocery list.
- Use reminders when implementing a new habit. Stick post-its around the house, or set alarms on your phone.
As always, I hope these tips help you. Remember, I am here if you want help with the specific habit you want to change. My coaching programs will give you the tools you need to establish one new habit after another.