How To Build a Habit

Creating positive habits is one of the most powerful ways to shape the life you want to live. Whether it’s boosting your physical health, enhancing your mental well-being, or achieving your personal goals, the habits you cultivate play a crucial role in your journey. But not all habits are created equal. Some propel you forward, while others can hold you back.

Let's explore what habits are, how they differ from routines, and provide practical tips for building good habits that stick.

What Is a Habit?

Habits are consistent, repeated behaviours that can significantly impact your life. Good habits contribute to your personal growth, helping you achieve goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, bad habits can harm your physical, emotional, and mental health, hinder your personal development, and strain your relationships.

Habits aren’t always formed consciously - they often develop when you’re on autopilot. For instance, you might initially reach for a glass of wine after a particularly stressful day. At first, it’s just those tough days that prompt you to pour a drink, but over time, you find yourself having a glass of wine every evening, even on good days. Without realising it, you’ve developed a new habit.

Routines vs. Habits

The key difference between a routine and a habit is intention. Habits occur automatically, without much thought, while routines are carried out with deliberate practice. For example, your morning routine might include waking up to an alarm, brushing your teeth, washing your face, combing your hair, and having a cup of coffee before heading to work. These actions might eventually become habits, but they start as intentional steps. Habit formation, in contrast, often happens without conscious effort. For instance, hitting the snooze button on your alarm every morning can become a habit without you even realising it.

Examples of Good Habits

Good habits, or healthy habits, are repeated behaviours that support your personal development and well-being. These are implicit actions that improve your physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some examples of good habits:

• Flossing your teeth at least once a day.

• Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night.

• Doing ten to fifteen push-ups daily.

• Expressing appreciation to your loved ones.

• Eating fruits and vegetables every day.

• Staying on top of grooming and personal hygiene.

• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

• Practising meditation or breathing exercises.

How to Build a Habit

Learning to form new habits and break bad ones can help you gain control over your impulses and build a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you build good habits:

1. Write Down Your Goals: Start by listing the negative habits you want to eliminate and the positive habits you wish to establish. To reinforce these goals, place reminders where you’re trying to form new habits, such as on your bathroom mirror, fridge, or desk.

2. Avoid Triggers: One of the most effective ways to stop bad habits is to avoid the activities, people, or places that trigger them. For example, if you tend to overspend at a particular shop, try shopping somewhere less tempting.

3. Identify the Root Cause: Habits often stem from how you respond to cravings, which are triggered by your brain’s desire for rewards. Understanding what reward you’re seeking can help you make better decisions and curb bad habits. For instance, if you crave fried food after a stressful day, recognising this might help you choose a healthier option that could make you feel better in the long run.

4. Focus on Small Changes: Changing a habit or starting a new one can feel daunting. To make big changes, start with small, manageable steps. For example, if you want to exercise more, begin with a five-minute walk each day.

5. Establish a Daily Routine: Consistency is crucial when changing your behaviour. Once you’ve identified the healthy habits you want to incorporate into your life, choose a specific time each day to practise them and stick to it.

6. Measure Your Progress: Tracking your progress is essential when developing new habits. You can do this by keeping a journal or using a habit-tracking app. Monitoring your progress allows you to celebrate small victories and stay motivated.

7. Find an Accountability Partner: Having a support network can significantly increase your chances of making lasting changes. Ask a friend, family member, coach, or mentor to help keep you accountable for the behaviour changes you’re working on.

Building good habits and breaking bad ones is a gradual process, but with intentional actions and consistent effort, you can create a healthier, more fulfilling life.