Are you feeling stuck? Chances are you have already tried to form a new habit, but like New Year Resolutions, they quickly fall to the wayside. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. With these five easy tips, you’ll be able to make any new habit stick for good.

Tip #1 – Stacking


Stacking is when you connect a new habit with an existing one. Linking a new habit to one that is already well established into your daily routine makes it much easier for you to stick to that desired behavior. Identify patterns in your day and how you can link those current habits to the desired habit.

For example, if your new desired habit is to drink more water and your existing habit is drinking coffee every morning. Then, while your coffee is brewing, drink a glass of water. How easy is that?

Tip #2 – Take Action


For a habit to form, you must take action. Therefore, having a positive intention to start a habit is not enough; you need the follow-through. That’s why stacking can be so effective in creating a new habit because you have a pre-existing cue. You can also set reminders on your phone or use habit tracking apps to ensure you act.

Tip #3 – Start Simple, then Build


Simplify the new habit into smaller habits; you want to make it so easy that you can’t say no. Once you master the small habits, build on them by setting larger, more complex habits. Before you know it, your desired behavior will be part of your routine.

For example, say your desired habit is to exercise more. To keep it simple, start with low intensity for a short amount of time, like walking 10 minutes a day. Then after a set amount of time, say four weeks, increase the amount of time you walk. Continue until you can increase the intensity and eventually incorporate other exercises into your routine.

Tip #4 Repetition


To form a habit, you must do it every day. Simple, repetitive actions are essential to developing long-lasting habits. Stacking with a current habit you do every day will help with consistency. If you create a new “cue” that signals you to perform the newly desired habit, make sure that cue is effective.

Tip #5 Set Milestones and Celebrate


Keep track of your progress and reward yourself. You can easily overlook small incremental improvements, but it’s essential to track and celebrate the small wins. The act of the reward reinforces the desired behavior. How will you reward yourself?

Now that you know the five tips to ensure any new habit will stick, it’s time to put them into practice.

Habits are an integral part of your daily routine. They allow your brain to go into autopilot so you can focus on critical decisions at hand. That’s why forming sustainable, positive habits are so crucial in your life.

Are you looking to make a positive change in your life? E3LIFECOACH offers a life coaching-mental fitness program SABOTEUR TO SAGE, centered around forming positive habits. It’s a life-changing program that will rewire how you handle challenges and difficult situations. Learn more or contact me for a free consultation.