How to stick to your new habits

1. Start Small

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to establish new habits is trying to change too much at once. Instead, focus on one or two small changes that you want to make. For example, if you’re trying to exercise more, start with a 10-minute walk each day. By starting small, you’ll be more likely to stick with your new habit and build momentum over time. Do not try to change too many things at once. If you have a lot of things you want to change and/or improve, Pick one or two things and stick to these new habits for at least a week, and then change something else. Be patient. Rome isn’t built in one day.

2. Make a Plan

To stick to your new habit, you need to have a clear plan in place. Write down your goal and the specific steps you need to take to achieve it. For example, if you’re trying to eat healthier, your plan might include meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking at home more often. Having a plan in place will help you stay focused and motivated. I created a schedule for the whole day, so I know what to do and when. This helps me to stay focused on the things I want to achieve. 

3. Set Reminders

It’s easy to forget about your new habit when you’re busy with other things. To help you stay on track, set reminders for yourself. You can use a habit-tracking app, set an alarm on your phone, or put a sticky note on your fridge to remind you to take action. It will get easier one day and eventually, you don’t even have to think about it anymore. 

4. Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is essential for staying motivated and sticking to your new habit. Keep a journal or use a habit-tracking app to record your progress. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from any setbacks or mistakes. Seeing your progress over time can be a powerful motivator to keep going. Personally, I use a journal. I write everything down. In the morning, I write down the things I want to focus on. And at the end of the day, I write down how my day went. I try to be specific. I write down how I was feeling during the day. I write down the things I was struggling with. But if your new habit is to lose weight, take photos of yourself. This way you can see the difference. Weighing yourself is not something I would always recommend. Muscles weigh more than fat. You can actually gain weight if you gain more muscles. Look at how you are feeling and how you look instead.

5. Find an Accountability Partner

Having someone to hold you accountable can be a game-changer when it comes to sticking to new habits. Share your goals with a friend, family member, or coach who will support you and hold you accountable. Knowing that someone else is counting on you can help you stay committed to your new habit. Or maybe you can create an account on TikTok or Instagram to share your story. Start a blog about your journey. This way you can also inspire other people.

6. Stay Positive

Staying positive and focusing on the benefits of your new habit can help you stay motivated. Instead of beating yourself up for any setbacks or mistakes, focus on the progress you’ve made and the positive changes you’re experiencing. Keep a positive mindset and believe in yourself. Staying positive will make everything easier. If you are struggling with this, try to work on your mindset. Replace your negative thoughts with better ones.

7. Be Flexible

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. If you encounter an obstacle or your plan isn’t working, be willing to adjust your approach. Experiment with different strategies and be open to trying new things. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and they don’t mean you’ve failed. A lot of people don’t like when things change, some even fear change. If something unexpected happens, try to see it from a positive perspective and adjust instead of becoming angry.

8. Stick with It

Finally, to stick to your new habit, you need to be patient and persistent. It takes time to establish a new habit, and there will be days when it’s hard to stay motivated. However, if you stick with it and keep taking small steps forward, your new habit will eventually become a part of your daily routine. There is no certain amount of days before your new habit has been established. Everyone is different. For some people, it takes 2 months, for others maybe longer or shorter. Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t put a date on it.

Sticking to new habits requires patience, persistence, and a positive mindset. By starting small, making a plan, setting reminders, tracking your progress, finding an accountability partner, staying positive, being flexible, and sticking with it, you can successfully adopt new habits and make lasting changes in your life. And the most important thing is to have fun. If you are not enjoying the journey, ask yourself if this is what you really want.

Photo by Julia Caesar on Unsplash