Build Habits That Stick With These 5 Tips!

It's happened to all of us, we start off so motivated to create a habit that we think will finally change our lives for good. We start off strong, but the habit quickly becomes inconsistent until we just give it up all together. Sounds familiar, right? Habits are known to be the key to success, so how do people create habits and make them stick?

I've been through the loop of trying to create a habit and failing too many times. Lucky for you, I've researched and tested the science of habits, so you don't have to!

The tips I'm sharing have been proved by science, and tested by me. By following these 5 tips, you can finally create habits that will actually stick!

Create a Vision for What You Want!

The first thing you need to do is figure out your "why". Why do you want to create this specific habit? If you're visiting this blog, chances are your why is to take care of yourself so that you feel happier and healthier.

Most of our "why's" are going to be about growth and improvement within ourselves. It's important to know that putting effort into improving yourself is worth the comitment! "Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement" -James Clear

Knowing your "why" and reminding yourself of the end result of your goal throughout the process will help you stay motivated and on track. Remind yourself that your "why" is important and worth it!

Learn the Benefits to the Habit!

Knowing the benefits to the habits you're trying to create helps you stay on track. Most habits aren't going to show quick results, they take time. That's why they must become habits! But knowing the benefits that you will receive from whatever habit you are forming helps you to keep motivated to continue doing it!

This goes along with remembering your "why". Your "why" is about the reason you started, the benefits are about what you will receive by implementing this habit into your life.

So do your research! Or, if you keep up to date on The Wellness Pursuit blog, I make sure to share the benefits of all the habits I feel strongly about!

Start Small and Be Realistic!

Most people want to make big changes through habits as quick as possible. But if you try to make a big change too quickly, it probably won't last. Backed up by behavioral science, to make something a true habit, you need to start small and realistic.

If you want to start meditating, you probably won't be able to go from zero to thirty minutes a day. Instead, start small with five minutes each day and build from there! (If this is one of your goals, click here for a 5 minute mediation guide!)

If you start with a goal that is too big, you'll likely get frustrated and give up quickly. So start small and gradually increase your habit to where you want it!

Create a Detailed Plan & Be Specific!

Being specific will always beat being vague when it comes to creating habits and routines. Vague plans are easy to break and find ways around. When you create a specific and detailed plan, you are much more likely to follow through with that plan.

Start by planning when, where, and how you are going to implement your new habit. Say you want to start journaling every day. Instead of just saying "I'm going to journal for a few minutes every day", make a detailed plan. For example; I will set aside 10 minutes every day at the dining table right after I eat breakfast.

If you don't have a detailed plan, like when and where you are going to make your habit happen, it's easy to tell yourself you will do it later, and end up not making time to make it happen. The more detailed you are, the better you know where you are headed. So get that notebook out and get to planning!

Reward Yourself & Celebrate Small Wins!

It's important to reward yourself when creating new habits! When you achieve a goal or hit a new milestone, reward yourself! Rewarding yourself can help you stay motivated and positive when you recognize your achievements.

Celebrate the small wins that are apart of the process. You don't have to achieve the whole big goal for you to be proud of yourself. Those small wins deserve recognition too! Even if that starts off with you doing your new habit for a week straight, you deserve to reward your dedication to your goal.

Remind yourself of how far you've come from, and be proud that you're really doing it! Habits can be hard, so any type of commitment to bettering yourself through habits is something to celebrate. You got this!

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Habits won't always be easy to create, but they will always be worth it! And if you apply these 5 tips when trying to form your next new habit, they will definitely stick and become apart of your routine. So next time you want to make a change in your life, think on these tips and know that you can do it!

Now that you know how to create a habit, if you need inspiration or guidance on what habits to create to feel happier and healthier, stay in touch with my blog! I will be giving all the information you need on which habits will actually make the difference- and of course the benefits of the habits I believe in. Stay tuned!