Secrets of Developing Habits

Welcome back to my series, 31 Days Of Purpose! If you are just joining in, you can find all of previous challenges here!

How many times have you thought to yourself, “If I could only change ____, my life would be better” ?

Whether is it is getting up earlier, exercising regularly, or menu planning to save money instead of eating out, a few small changes in your daily routine would get you on your way to living a better life.

Many people want to change their habits but lack the discipline to actually make the changes they want.

Here are secrets of developing habits and making them last:

Tackle 1 Habit At A Time. If you want to crash and burn, start with 10 habits! When you choose a bunch of habits because you are excited about making change in your life, it’s easy to burn out and give up on all the habits you are working on. (Trust me, I’ve been guilty of this many, many times!)
Consistency is the key! Set your goal to work on your new habit every day, at the same time, and same place. When I started exercising again I made it my goal to exercise 4 days a week. On weeks that we have to go to Nora’s therapy, I exercise Tuesday-Friday. I never plan on the weekends because it’s hard for me to get it in when the kids are home. On weeks that we don’t have therapy, I exercise Monday-Thursday. I always exercise right after the kids get on the bus. By having a schedule not only for which days I’m exercising but also for the time, I’ve adjusted my daily schedule to include the new habit.
Commit To Your New Habit For The Long Haul. I’ve read many times that 21 days is all you need to form a new habit. Even after 4 weeks of working on the habit, you will still have to work it into your schedule! Commitment is essential for long-term success.
Have an accountability partner. I’m a huge advocate of accountability partners because they work! When you know you have to check in with your partner, you are motivated to get your habit done. No one wants to fail and by having that person to check in with, it keeps you accountable! Your partner will also help keep you motivated when you want to give up.
Set Your Alarm! It’s hard to incorporate a new habit into your routine. The first week is alright because you are so excited about your new habit. After that, the work begins and the excitement begins to fade. By setting your alarm on your smart phone or a timer in your home, you will be reminded that it’s time to work on that habit. (Sticky notes also are great reminders for keeping you on track.)
Make A Plan. Write down your plan including your goals, the specifics of your habit such as when you are going to do it, why you are working on this habit, and who is uplifting to you that will keep you accountable.
It’s Not Always Going To Be Perfect. Life happens. If you miss a day, get over it and keep going. Always have a back-up plan and keep working!
Know Your Weaknesses. Write down where you could potentially fall off the bandwagon of your habit. If your habit is to no longer chew your fingernails, chances are you’ve tried it before. Write down what has thrown you off and what you will do as a coping method this time.
Believe In Yourself. You want this change! Encourage yourself by visualizing yourself succeeding at your habit. Use positive self-talk instead of negative talk.
Spend Your Time With People Who Already Have The Mastered Habit You Are Working On. These people can be motivating! Let them inspire you with what worked and didn’t work for them.
Track Your Progress. If you are as visual as I am, having something to mark off, put a sticker on, or color in a graph. As you track your progress reward yourself with things that encourage your new habit.

Your Challenge: What is one habit you would like to work on? Schedule a date to begin working on your new habit and follow the steps above. I know you can do it!

Have you enjoyed what you read here today? Do you have friends or other women you know that could benefit from this resource? If so, please do me a favor! I have included the links below to share with other intentional women! They’ll be glad you did!

If you are looking for more information on habits., here are a few books that might help you.

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