Tips on Creating Good Habits

Tips on Creating Good HabitsHabits have a natural cycle. They can also be good or bad.

You are reminded of something. You want something. You respond. You are rewarded.

You are stressed. You want to a cigarette. You go out for a smoke. You are rewarded by the feeling of being relaxed and socializing with others who are smoking.  

You are stress. You want to go for a walk. You go for a walk. You are rewarded by being outside, getting exercise and having time to think.

We want to create good new habits. Even though, there seems to be a simple logical solution starting a new habit can be hard.

Here are some tips for starting a new habit:

  • Have a reason why it is important and say it when you are doing the new habit
  • Do the new habit next to a formed habit.
  • Reward yourself – it is fine to have external rewards.
  • Hang out with people who already for the habit you want. We are influenced by other people’s behavior.
  • Don’t wait for a special start date like New Years or your birthday; just drive right in.
  • Remind yourself with a sticky note, a text to yourself, a timer or anything else you can think of that will work for you.
  • Talk someone about your new habit and have them check in with you about how it is going.
  • Don’t allow exceptions
  • Make one or two changes at a time. Changing everything at once can be hard.

Good Luck!

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