How To Create Long Lasting Habits
Following on from my post yesterday regarding habits, I wanted to share 5 proven ways to build a long lasting habit
Make it so easy you can’t say no
When creating a new habit you should NOT have to rely on motivation or willpower to execute it
Motivation WILL tail off and this is exactly why people often ‘fail’
Rather than trying to drink 3+ litres of water a day, start with one glass of water with each meal
Make it better by 1% each day
Rather than trying to nail something 100% from the beginning, start small and gradually make it better
Going from 0 to 100% will not work
As you build up, break them down into chunks
As you add 1% to your habit each day, you still want it to be achievable
Try splitting your habit into segments
Rather than trying to do a big walk each day, break it down into 20 minute chunks.. one in the morning, one in the evening
Identify what may prevent that habit from happening
If you can identify what things are likely to get in the way of your habit, you can easily formulate a plan of action or irradiate that barrier completely
If there are hidden barriers then you will continue to fail
Do not rush your habit
The smaller your habit.. the easier it will be to achieve so take your time when trying to build it up or perfect it
And remember, focus on one habit at a time!