Setting new habits can be hard—you might start out full of enthusiasm and willpower, but then life gets in the way, or you just lose interest, and before you know it, another month has gone by without your new healthy habit sticking. If this sounds like you, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Changing habits is difficult at best, but there are some simple things you can do to make it easier on yourself that will have you developing good habits and sticking to them. Here are 10 tips to help you develop the new healthy habit you can actually stick to!
1) Define your goals
In order to have a new healthy habit that lasts, it is important that you define your goals. For example, if you want to lose weight and be healthier, then you need an end goal in mind. You can’t just say I want to be healthier because there are so many different ways of being healthier. Defining your goal will help you figure out what habits are actually achievable and will ensure that your new habit sticks.
2) Set realistic expectations
Setting realistic expectations is key in developing a new habit that will last. After all, if you’re expecting your healthy habits to be sustainable for the rest of your life, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, think about what you can realistically commit to doing on a day-to-day basis and gradually increase from there.
3) Find a support group
The best way to develop and maintain a new healthy habit is by joining or starting an accountability group. This could be in the form of an online forum, weekly meeting, or even a community group with like-minded people. These types of groups provide support and motivation for those who are trying their best to change their lives.
4) Create a plan
- Write down your new habit
- Set a specific time of day that you will do the new habit
- Take it one day at a time and try not to think about how many days or weeks are left until you reach your goal
- Focus on what you’re doing right now and make that the most important thing in the world, so that there is no room for any doubts or worries
5) Remove the temptation
- Remove temptation. If you’re trying to eat better, remove the unhealthy options from your house and workplace. If you’re trying to drink less, take the bottles of alcohol out of your fridge.
- Plan for temptations. For example, if you want to watch less TV, make sure that your DVR is set up so that shows automatically record when it’s on (and then delete them after they air).
- Create habits that don’t need an external motivator.
6) Set reminders
Setting reminders for healthy habits is one of the best ways to ensure you stick with them. You can set notifications on your phone or computer and make it as simple as possible. If you don’t want to be constantly reminded, try setting time intervals for when your habit should happen: every hour, every day, etc.
7) Get an accountability partner
Getting an accountability partner is the easiest way to stay on track with your new healthy habit. Set up weekly or biweekly meetings where you can check in and support each other in your goals. Having someone else there will help keep you accountable and make it more likely that you’ll stick with your new habit.
8) Celebrate your success
Developing a new healthy habit is hard, but it’s also very rewarding. You might be wondering what the best way to develop a new healthy habit is. There are so many articles and blog posts on this topic.
- When you feel like quitting your new habit, remember all the benefits of sticking with it: feeling better about yourself; looking better in your clothes; sleeping better at night; having more energy during the day; being healthier for your family members, friends and pets.
9) Persevere
- Look for inspiration from social media, blogs, and magazines.
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound).
- Ask for help and support from friends/family/professional advisers.
- Understand your triggers that lead to bad habits (when you feel stressed or tired).
10) Seek professional help
Seek professional help if you are struggling with developing a new healthy habit. Sometimes it can be easier to have someone else help you, in order to make the process more manageable and effective.
If you are having trouble with developing a new healthy habit, then seek professional help. Sometimes it can be easier to have someone else help you in order to make the process more manageable and effective.