How to Make Habits Stick - Weight Loss - Diet

How to make habits stick

t is hard to start new habits, we all know that. I have compiled a few tips to make it easier to start a habit. Remember, once you get past the first 30 days or so it becomes much easier and you can reap the benefits of this new habit for a long time to come

1. It takes 30 days A month is about what it takes to create a habit. During that first month you will encounter most of the obstacles that normally make you revert back to your old ways. Be aware of this before hand and plan for it. Have a good support system in place. Choose people that you can talk to before hand and let them know what you need them to say to you in order to keep you on track. Remember that only you know what is going to work for you so tell your friends so that they can support you.

2. Plug away every day Espically during the first 30 days, keep it up. Don’t let any excuse get in the way of your new commitment. The first time you break your word to yourself on this issue may be hard, but it will get easier after that, so don’t let it happen.

3. K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple sweetie) If you try to change everything at once, you will likely become overwhelmed and throw the whole idea out the window. If your habit is exercise, then workout out one time a day for x amount of time and that is all, don’t do anything more. Remember moderation is the key to all things. Do the task then enjoy the rest of your day.

4. Keep your new habit in plain sight As the newness of this new habit starts to wear off, it may become easy to forget. If you can’t do it first thing in the morning, put reminders around the house or in your cell phone. Remember that you have a long history of doing things the old way and your history will do its best to keep it that way.

5. Bring along a friend Find someone who wants to establish the same habit you do. Report regularly to each other and hold each other accountable in a kind and supportive way.

6. Replace the what you are giving up If you are quitting smoking, for instance, one thing you might miss is the time you relaxed when you smoked and the deep breathing that naturally occurs. Maintaining a time that you can sit and relax and do some deep breathing exercises will increase your chances of success. If you reward yourself with food, find something else that is rewarding to replace the food with. Find out what you are giving up and make sure that you replace it.

7. Accept yourself You are going to mess up, you will make mistakes. The key is to get right back up and get going again. Beating yourself up giving up will only make it harder to start on this path again. See how you messes up, find out what was missing, fix it and move on.

8. Write it down Write down what it is that you desire to achieve. Be specific, the more specific the better. Where will you be when you reach your goal? Who will be with you? What season will it be? And so on… The more detail you go into the more likely you are to succeed. Look at your paper daily. Feel what it will feel like when you know that you have established this habit or reached this goal. Spend 30 seconds feeling the feelings. This will empower you to keep going.

9. Do it for you, only you Don’t do it for someone else or because you think you should, these habits won’t stick. Do it because you think that it will make your life better and it is something you believe in. You know you better than anyone, cherish and honor your opinion.

If you choose to put these tips into practice, you will create habits. Remember to take it slow and be kind to yourself, celebrate the successes no matter how small and enjoy the journey.


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