We first make our habits, then our habits make us - John Dryden
To predict where you’ll be in a year, simply examine your current actions.
You are your habits.
It’s as simple as that.
Is your habit weighing you down? Or are they guiding you toward success?
When your current trajectory no longer inspires you, it's time to transform your habits.
Because habits are a double-edged sword; bad habits can drag you down, but good habits can lift you up.
I recently published an article on DiscoverING the Secret to True Happiness Beyond Shiny Goals.
In this article, I’m sharing the 5-step system that I’ve used to successfully build daily habits.
If you want to make a positive change in your life, the best way to do it is to build a new habit. But how do you do that? Check out these simple yet effective strategies.
Start Small and Specific
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." — Lao Tzu
Think of habit-building like planting a seed. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a massive goal, begin with a small, specific action. This allows you to focus your energy and increases the likelihood of success.
Execution Idea: If your goal is to start exercising, don’t commit to an hour-long workout immediately. Start with 5 minutes a day. Once this becomes a routine, gradually increase the time.
Real-Life Example: Stephen King, one of the most prolific authors, didn’t start by writing a novel every month. He began with a modest daily word count of just 2000 words, and this consistency built a career that spans over 60 novels.
Anchor Your New Habit to an Existing One
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier
Think of your existing habits as trees with deep roots. To help your new habit grow, tie it to one of these rooted habits. This practice is often referred to as "habit stacking."
Execution Idea: If you already brush your teeth every morning, anchor a new habit of reading for 10 minutes right after. The cue of brushing your teeth will trigger the new behavior.
Real-Life Example: Warren Buffett is known for reading several hours a day. He built this habit by attaching it to his existing morning routine. After checking his investment reports, he dedicated a specific time for reading, turning it into a powerful daily habit.
Make It Fun and Rewarding
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." — Aristotle
Associate your habit with something enjoyable. The brain craves dopamine, so pairing a habit with something that brings joy increases the chances of sticking with it.
Execution Idea: If your goal is to start running, create a playlist of your favorite songs and only listen to it while running. This way, running becomes something you look forward to because it’s linked with an enjoyable experience.
Real-Life Example: Jerry Seinfeld used a simple method called "Don’t Break the Chain" to build his habit of writing jokes every day. He would mark an "X" on a calendar each day he wrote jokes. The satisfaction of not breaking the chain became a powerful motivator.
Use Visualization and Affirmations
"The mind is everything. What you think, you become." — Buddha
Visualization and affirmations are tools that can transform your mindset and, subsequently, your actions. Imagine the positive outcomes of maintaining your habit and affirm your ability to do so.
Execution Idea: Spend 5 minutes each morning visualizing how your life will improve by building this habit. Couple this with daily affirmations like, “I am someone who follows through on my commitments.”
Real-Life Example: Muhammad Ali was known for his use of affirmations. By constantly affirming "I am the greatest," he built the confidence and mindset necessary to become one of the most legendary boxers of all time.
Track Your Progress and Reflect
"What gets measured gets managed." — Peter Drucker
Think of habit tracking as keeping a garden journal. By noting what works and what doesn’t, you can adjust and improve your approach, ensuring your new habit takes root.
Execution Idea: Use a habit tracker or a simple notebook to record your daily progress. Reflect weekly on what’s working and what needs adjustment. This will keep you accountable and motivated.
Real-Life Example: Benjamin Franklin meticulously tracked 13 personal virtues he wanted to develop. By reflecting on his progress daily, he could see his growth over time and make the necessary adjustments to his routine.
Building a new habit is not easy, but it is definitely possible. By following the 5 steps outlined in this blog, you can increase your chances of success.
It takes time to form a new habit. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep at it and you will eventually succeed.
I would also like to add that it is important to find a habit that is right for you. Don't try to force yourself to do something that you don't enjoy. If you're not enjoying your new habit, you're less likely to stick with it.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a new habit. What works for one person may not work for another.
I hope this blog has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Check out how you can Level Up by Embracing the Unknown and How Leaving Your Comfort Zone Leads to Growth
Additional Tips:
- Set realistic goals. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals.
- Find a accountability partner. Having someone to hold you accountable can help you stay on track.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward.
I hope these additional tips help you on your journey to building a new habit.
What’s the biggest challenge you face when trying to build a new habit, and how do you usually overcome it?
Don’t just wish for a great day, make it happen with your actions!
Wishing you strength, resilience, and limitless growth,
Love & Light,
Shilpi
What do you find most challenging when trying to build a new habit?
Staying motivated over time
Finding the time to do it consistently
Dealing with setbacks or missed days
Choosing the right habit to focus on
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