- Commit to 30 days. Three to four weeks is all the time you need to make a habit automatic. If you can make it through the initial condition phase, it becomes much easier to sustain.
- Make it daily. Be consistent. That is the key to making a habit stick. Try to do an activity for more than just a couple of days a week. Try four times a week. It will better your chances of creating and making that habit stick.
- Start simple. Don’t try to completely change your life in one day. It is easy to over-motivate yourself. Start off with a simple habit like sit down and eat your food slowly. Then build from there.
- Remind yourself. Put notes around your house as reminders of the habit you are trying to create.
- Stay consistent. If you want to start exercising, try doing it at the same time and same place.
- Get a buddy. Find someone who will go along with you and keep you motivated when you feel like quitting.
- Replace lost needs. Don’t give up something … replace it with something better. If you’re giving up the morning doughnut, replace it with an apple, banana, or your favorite fruit.
- Be imperfect. It’s okay to miss some days. Don’t beat yourself up. Try your best, expect the occasional bump in the road.
- Use “but.” When you start to think negative thoughts, use the word “but” to interrupt your train of thought. “I’m no good at this, BUT if I work at it I can get better.”
- Remove temptation. Restructure your environment. Remove all junk food from your home and replace it with fruits/veggies. De-clutter your home to make space for exercising or meditation. A cluttered space can be overwhelming.
- Associate with role models. Spend more time with people who have good habits that you want to mirror.
- Write it down. Write down the good habits you want to create. It’s always good to see it in writing. It creates a sense of commitment.
- Know the benefits. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of making a change. Research the benefits of exercise and eating fruits/veggies. Knowing the benefits is just one of the many steps to living healthy.
- Know the pain. You should also be aware of the consequences of NOT making healthy changes in your life. The downsides should provide added motivation.
- Do it for yourself. Put yourself FIRST. It’s your body, your health, your decision. Like a house, in order for it to be strong and sturdy, it first needs a strong foundation. Be the foundation. Strong and healthy. Doing it for others is just an added benefit.
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