This is probably a post I should publish around the new year but I think you can start building good habits all year around. It doesn’t have to be in January and it doesn’t have to be on a Monday. It’s all about the ‘how’ and this is what I want to discuss today. I bet you all have heard of the theory that it takes 21 days to implement a new habit. Well, I think that is quite frankly.. bullshit. There is no magic number and there is no ‘one technique fits all’ kind of approach. Everyone is different and so are the habits we want to implement. Just as an example here are a few habits I have been trying to build this year:
drinking 2 litres of water each day
– meditating daily
– sleeping an average of eight hours a day
– no chocolate or sweets on at least 5 days a week
– exercising at least 4 times a week (long walks count)
Tell people
This is a controversial one. But for me, it works. I love to tell everyone who wants to hear it about my goals. Some people might feel too pressured when they do so, but I feel so much more motivated. Like I told my boyfriend I would drink two litres of water so if he checks in on me I don’t want to ‘loose’. So if you think this will motivate you, tell it everyone.. your family, your friends or simply tweet about it.
Track it
Tracking your habits is vital in the beginning. I downloaded the app ‘Strides’ in the beginning of the year and still use it. It reminds me every day to check in and tick off my habits for the day, of course only if I really stuck to them. And this is so important. Don’t lie to yourself.. don’t tick the box if you didn’t do it. It won’t help you.. and honestly, the app is only for you. So if you totally failed at something, no one will see it but you. So stay honest.
Have a reason
Without reason or purpose, your new habit will most probably fail. You have to think about why exactly you want to build this particular habit. Is it good for your physical or mental health? Is it beneficial to other people? Is it good for your bank account? Try to think about the why and write it down.. at least mentally.
Be patient
Building new habits takes patience. You will fail at least once. And this is perfectly normal. It’s all about starting new the next day. So if you had a completely lazy and unproductive day, only drinking coke and the most exercise you got was walking from the bed to the kitchen and then to the bathroom, it is fine. Tomorrow is a new day which brings a new opportunity. Just remind yourself of the ‘why’ and don’t beat yourself up.
What habits are you currently working on? Do you have any other tips?
