How to Develop Good Habits
A habit is a routine behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. If you are not conscious of your habits, you could be steering your life in the wrong direction. According to Science Daily about 40% of daily activities are performed each day in almost the same situations. In other words, for most of the day you are relying on your subconscious to guide you through your routine. Basically, you are on auto-pilot 40% of the time.
So, bad habits – like hitting the drive thru, instead of choosing to make a meal at home filled with nutrient dense foods – can be an obstacle to success. Whereas healthy habits – like waking up a little bit earlier, to get in 30 minutes of physical activity – can act as a steppingstone to achieving your goals.
Many of us have had a bad habit or two we would like to replace. And, if you have ever wondered if bad habits can be changed, here is everything you need to know.
THREE COMPONENTS TO DEVELOPING A GOOD HABIT
Developing a good habit takes three things – intention, time, and discipline.
Keep in mind, habits are not formed overnight. Initially, you will need to deliberately make room for your new healthy habit in your existing routine. It may feel like a chore to carry out this new practice, but small steps forward each day can lead to big transformations.
For instance, if your goal is to drink more water. You may resolve to drink a full glass (or more) when you’re waiting for your morning coffee to brew. Or, you might purchase a new (large) water bottle to carry around with you throughout the day to make sure you get your ounces in.
Whatever your goal may be, you must create a plan to get there, and be disciplined. Remember, success is scheduled. So, map out your week, and try to find little pockets of time to initiate this new habit.
I loved diving into habits with Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a book you will want to read again and again!
Bad Habits Can Be Changed
The bright side is that you can change your habit once you are aware of how it works. Here is a four step process for revealing the cause of your bad habits.
One | Write down a toxic habit you would like to break.
Two | What triggers your habit, or sets your plan for reward (your bad habit) in motion?
Three | Awareness Assessment –
Where are you when your habit is triggered?
How do you feel?
What are you doing in that moment?
Four| What is your reward from carrying out that action/behaviour?
The habit hacker worksheet will walk you through the process of acknowledging your bad habits, help you discover your triggers, and show you how to develop good habits. Download your copy here.
Your habits define who you are and will ultimately change your life. When you root out your bad habits you are free to consciously create your day and solidify new healthy habits into your routine. Are you ready to take the first step?
