How To Form a New Habit

Apparently, today is Blue Monday, the most depressing Monday of the year, but I am not going to let that get me down. However, it is a fact that those 95% of those who set a New Year’s Resolution will have now failed. This is because trying to change your lifestyle is hard and it requires willpower and as Tony Robbins said “Willpower never lasts”.

What a scary thought. If willpower doesn’t last, then how on earth can you change your life? The answer to that is HABITS.

Habits are performed subconsciously and don’t rely on willpower. Think about it, how much effort does it take for you to brush your teeth every morning and night. You do it automatically because it is a habit that has been drilled into you from a child. We all perform numerous habits everyday some are good for us and some are not. As you work towards achieving a happy and successful life, it is time to consciously be aware of your current habits and to form new habits to support you achieving the life you dream of.

So how do you form a new habit? Here are my top 3 tips:

1. STICK WITH IT

Research varies, but it seems that for a habit to form it takes around 21 to 30 days, so to be sure commit to performing the new action for a whole month. When it comes to forming a new habit the phrase “it will get better” is true. You have to use the willpower you have to last the month, but after that it should become a natural, and easy, part of your life.

2. CONSISTENT DAILY ACTION

Habits are formed by repeated action. When you think of the most automatic actions you perform, it will be those you do daily, such as brushing your teeth. So if it is possible perform your new habit everyday then do and if you can do it multiple times a day even better!

 

3. FOCUS ON ONE THING

Now I know you think you are Wonderwoman and can do everything, but when you are trying to form a new habit, just focus on one thing. If there are lots of things you want to change, just choose 1 for this month and then next month you go onto something else. It is better to do 1 thing well and for a lifelong habit, then do everything half-heartedly.

That’s it! My top tips forming a new habit. Do leave your comments below on your experience of forming a new habit or getting rid of a naughty one?

 

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