HOW TO DEVELOP GOOD HABITS AND MAKE THEM STICK

It is hard to develop a good habit but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done.

Research suggests that it takes 21 days to form a habit but that is one such as drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning. Anything harder is likely to take longer to become a really, strong habit and in the case of some activities, much longer.

New behaviours can become automatic through the process of habit formation. Old habits are hard to break and new habits are hard to form because of the behavioural patterns which humans repeat become imprinted in neural pathways, but it is possible to form new habits through repetition.

I myself wanted to have a really, healthy protein breakfast, that filled me up, every morning and started with making protein smoothies. Now, I make them automatically every Monday to Friday and even know all of the ingredients in some of them, without looking at the recipe. Not bad for first thing in the morning.

To develop good habits and make them stick, you need to do the following:

1.Start ridiculously small. Most people want to create big changes as quickly as possible. Don’t.

2.Get hooked on your habit.

3.Have clear intentions.

4.Celebrate your small wins.

5.Design your environment.

6.Surround yourself with supporters.

7.Pre-commit to your habit.

My next habit that I am going to form, is deleting old emails from my email account daily. With thousands of them from years ago, if I haven’t read them again or needed them, then what is the point of keeping them? After that, I plan to start to walk for 20 – 30 minutes several times a week and then build on that to 5 times a week. It will take time, I know. I am also trying to consciously eat more vegetables by adding them to smoothies, soups, lunches and dinners.

If you are getting married in 2020 or 2021, and want to look your absolute best for your wedding photos, then what are the new habits that you would like to form and start today? Getting fit, losing weight, drinking more water, give up smoking, walking more? Although, you don’t need a huge occasion like getting married to begin a new habit today. Give it a go. Good luck. I am with you.