It’s really easy to SAY you want to establish a new habit – we say it all the time:
- I’m going to start exercising!
- I’m going to get up early!
- I’m going to take a shower!
- I’m going to take my supplements!
- I’m going to wear clothes today!
And we do okay…for like 3 days. Then we totally bomb it in The Marcels Blue Moon style.
Why is it so difficult?
Why do we say that we want to do new things, but we don’t follow through? Is it because we don’t have any willpower?
Possibly, but I think it comes down to self-discipline. Which really isn’t the fun answer, is it? I’m known for giving the Not Fun Answer. Sorry.
So, I want to share with you guys something that has made it easier for me to develop a new habit once I decide it is a priority for me.
We’re creatures of habit.
By nature, we are creatures of HABIT. So when attempting to establish a new HABIT, we should look to the things we already do. We already, by nature, do the same things every.single.day.
Here’s an example for me. I always (in no particular order):
- Drink coffee
- Do my Bible time
- Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wake up
- Drink coffee
- Go to bed
- Brush my teeth
- Drink coffee
If you can ATTACH a new habit to an EXISTING habit, I think you’ll find a higher success rate. It has worked that way for myself and for lots of ladies that have reached out to me.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
–Jim Rohn
Establish a New Habit by attaching it to an existing one.
Want to start exercising? Attach it to a habit. Put your exercise shoes on the toilet seat (lid down, of course). Okay, there are my shoes! It’s time to exercise (after I pee, of course).
Want to remember to take your supplements? Establish a new habit by putting the supplements beside the coffee pot instead of inside the cabinet.
Want to remember to call your best friend every day? Develop a new habit by putting a sticky note on your Bible to call her when you’re done.
Can it be that easy? Maybe. Why not give it a shot.
What are some new habits you want to establish and what can you attach them to?
Good idea! I’m going to try this “attach” method. It’s definitely worth a try because new habits and myself don’t do very well. And on another note,.. Loving the pic of you reading the book! It’s a great pic of you. Like your own person glamour shot LOL.
HAHA!!! I was trying to be expressive. It’s a favorite pic of mine. The glasses are totally fake. LOL
Yep, Habit Stacking is definitely a powerful tool!
Says the awesome blogging colleague! 🙂 Thanks for the reinforcement!!!
I have never heard anyone else talk about it, so thanks for the term to give it!!!
Fantastic! I never thought of attaching habits before. I need to think about this for a day.
I hope you find that it makes new habits easier for you!!!