How to Make Good Habits Happen

Habits make us what we are are. Good or bad, we have them and some are better than others. From the moment we wake up to the to the time we call it a day, we hop from habit to habit and thus sail through all those waves of feeling good, less good or downright happy about the way we handle our own urges and habits.

For example: many of us know that exercising leads to feeling good, looking healthy and having more energy. We also know that not moving enough leads to weight gain, a low-functioning immune system and low self-esteem, with a dash of feeling rather unhappy with ourselves.

Yet a good percentage of people, though aiming to put physical activity on their daily “things to do” list, fall off the wagon after a few days. What gives?

Keeping up with a habit that we’re trying to develop is not easy. But once you are determined to make it happen you can. With a bit of help on the side that is. Here are a few ideas:

1. Write it down. It doesn’t have to be a chapter of “War and Peace” but a short accountability tab to yourself. For example: If you’re trying to implement going for a walk, write down the facts (walking time, distance, time of day) and also add some at least one thing that felt good. Whether you enjoyed the sunshine, the fresh air after rain, golden leaves on the ground or your satisfaction with keeping the habit going, write it down. It builds reinforcement for next time.  
2. Invite a friend along. Whether in person or on the phone (use earphones) invite a friend and chat while walking. It makes for a pleasant time especially during a day when you were almost ready to give it up. If no friend is available, bring a book. That’s right, an audio book. If your sedentary brain is trying to or argue that you have so much to do and so little time, hence attempting to ruin your walk, get the audio file ready and enjoy your walk. It’s a win-win, either way you look.
3. Make a note about three things after you’re done: how you is your mood, how your work and ability to focus benefited from the walk and how you are feeling physically.

Habits are a personal thing but there are some that we share as a fellow humans. Some can be classified under “complacency” and they can all be deconstructed or tinkered with for a higher quality of life. Some examples: staying up late, snacking on treats when you know you shouldn’t, spending extra time web surfing and probably the worst of all, finding excuses to keep them all in place.

You should not and here’s why. You are short-changed if you settle for the bad habits. They provide short-term satisfaction while healthy habits offer the long-term satisfaction. Once you get a good habit going (expect a few weeks or even months of commitment) you will have enough motivation to keep going just from the long-lasting good feeling trail it leaves behind.

As with many things we intend to change, start with one habit at a time. Master it and move on to the next. The success of the first will make the next work faster.

To your success!