How to Establish a New Habit

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?