Creating a new habit can seem like a daunting task. It is not a lack of motivation that sabotages the creation. It is a lack of clarity. Two of my favorite people who talk about habit making and creating are James Clear and Adam Martin. Through their books and podcasts, I have created a “Creating Habits” guide to assist with building goals and habits.
True behavior change is identity change. You must shift the belief behind the behavior. Are your creating a new habit deliberately or by default? Remember, there are no good habits or bad habits only effective habits and not effective habits.
Creating Habits
Step 1–Break a goal down into a two minute habit. Be clear and be specific. For example, I want to become the type of person who meditates daily. So, my first two minute goal might be to sit for 5 minutes each morning in my chosen meditation area.
Step 2–Stack the new habit with a routine already being done. Use implementation with intention. Consider where it’s likely to be successful. Create an environment where doing the habit is as easy as possible.
Step 3–Repetition is more effective than a specific amount of time. Each time you do the habit, you are making a vote for the type of person you want to become. Make sure you are casting votes for the new identity. This reinforces the identity you want to build. If you skip one new habit (e.g. workout/meditation session/early bedtime), never skip two in a row.
Step 4–Establish the habit first then improve on it. Standardization comes before optimization.
See next weeks blog for tips to improve and optimize the habit once it’s established.