Five Steps to Simplify Adopting a New Habit
Creating a new habit can be challenging, especially when you're a busy parent with limited time.
However, if you want to achieve your big goals, it's essential to develop positive habits that support your ambitions.
Here are five simple steps to help you create a new habit:
- Start gradually: When creating a new habit, it's important to start small and gradually increase your efforts. For example, if you want to start exercising regularly, begin with just 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. Seriously! it feels a lot less daunting to find 10 minutes in your day than it does to get the "recommended 30 minutes per day." This approach will help you avoid burnout and make it easier to stick to your new habit. Once you've solidified the habit of showing up, you can start increasing time as you feel all the benefits.
- Identify your strengths: Consider your strengths and how they can support your new habit. For instance, if you're a morning person, try to schedule your new habit in the morning so that you're more likely to stick with it. Alternatively, if you're someone who enjoys socializing, consider finding a buddy to help keep you accountable. If you thrive on a deadline or on to-do lists, add this item to your list, and schedule it into your day! Do you need clear direction? Consider joining the Accountability Program and get weekly support to help identify your strengths and how to use them to your advantage!
- Discover something new: Don't be afraid to try new things. Experiment with different approaches and techniques until you find what works best for you. For example, if you're trying to eat healthier, try new recipes and experiment with different ingredients until you find meals that you enjoy. Rather than being afraid of trying something new, think of the possibility of discovering something that might become a new favorite! Tell yourself "I think I'm going to like this," to solidify the positive connection.
- Plan ahead: Do what you can to plan ahead and make it easier to stick to your new habit. Set specific goals and deadlines for yourself, andmake a plan for how you'll achieve them. For example, if you're trying to read more, set a goal to read for just 15 minutes each day and schedule time in your calendar to make it happen. Additionally, prepare for potential obstacles by having a backup plan in case things don't go as planned. Working with an expert to help create the plan and identify possible pitfalls.
- Be patient: Finally, it's important to remember that creating a new habit takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Instead, focus on the progress you're making and keep pushing forward. With time, your new habit will become a natural part of your routine. It took you time to get into the routine that isn’t serving you anymore, and you’ll need time to create and get used to a new routine too!
Bonus Tip Number 6:
Enlist the support of an accountability partner, and celebrate your successes together. Did you know that people are 85% more likely to meet and maintain a new habit when they have an accountability partner?
ProActive Wellness Coaching offers Accountability Coaching packages that ensure you are staying on track even when your motivation starts to wane. We create a plan that gets you to your goals in a way that feels attainable and sustainable without feeling deprived! Stop trying to filter through all the conflicting advice and get expert guidance to find balance and vitality, with the support to answer questions when they inevitably arise, and cheer you on as you achieve your incremental wins! Want more info? Send me a note!
Following these simple steps can help you create a new habit that supports your goals, even if you're short on time. Remember to start gradually, identify your strengths, be patient, discover new things, and plan ahead. With time and effort, you'll be able to develop positive habits that help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.
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