How to form new habits have been simplified in this post such that in 4 easy to do steps you will be on your way with new habits that support your dream life.
Habits are what make us who we are today. The things you do repeatedly are your habits and the results you are getting are a result of the things you do repeatedly every day.
Sometimes this takes place at unguarded moments while some we are not. Sometimes too, we are ashamed of these habits and we get to be frustrated because we feel we cannot control them and that we are helpless to them.
Habits don’t die as long as they have been formed. Your brain does not delete them. What you can do is form new habits to replace the old ones. This way you form new reasoning patterns for your brain.
Here are 4 easy steps you can practically apply on how to form new habits:
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Set a specific goal
It does matter how you define the goal you hope to turn into a habit. A study found that goals like “meditate regularly” are too abstract. It’s best to be more precise about what you intend to do and how often.
Rather than saying, “I’ll meditate regularly,” say, “I’ll meditate 15 minutes a day. “When you set small goals, it’s easier to get started and see your progress.
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Develop an action plan based on cues
Following the establishment of a specific goal, consider what will motivate you to follow through. According to researchers, you will be more successful in reaching your goal if you determine not only what you will accomplish, but when you will do it. As well as where and how you will accomplish it.
Having a plan like “I’ll study Spanish for 30 minutes each day for five days a week” is fine. It is much more likely to stick when you design a detailed schedule such as “Every day after I finish the last meeting I will study Spanish for 30 minutes in my office.”
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Create a repeatable experience
Focus instead on finding ways to make goal pursuit fun and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Consider only watching your favorite show while at the gym or listening to a beloved podcast while cooking healthy meals. I have found that temptation bundling enhances follow-through; it turns goal pursuit into a source of pleasure, not pain.
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Ensure flexibility
In order to build habits, you must repeat a behaviour frequently, and if your routine becomes too broken, you will be less likely to follow through.
The flexibility of the habit means you can still accomplish what you need to even when something interferes with your best-laid plans, such as the traffic jam on the way to drop the kids off at school that interferes with your morning meditation.
The easiest way to be flexible is by keeping a few “emergency reserves. Emergency reserves are cards that you can use when you can’t squeeze in your 10-minute meditation, regular jog, or Spanish class. I and others have found, however, that finding people to socialize with and emulating others who have already achieved what you want to succeed can make a big difference in your success.
Additionally, when you pursue your goals along with people you like, you’ll have more fun!
