It can initially seem daunting as you stare down the habits you’d like to break or new ones you’d like to make, but it’s not impossible, and it won’t take forever. Many have attempted to study how long it takes to create new habits. However, there are so many variables that there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Think about chunking it down, bit by bit, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, and before you know it, new habits are forming. Here are three things you can do starting right now to build a new habit or break an old one.
The 5-Second Rule
Mel Robbin’s 5-Second Rule is a genius way to get unstuck from whatever you’re trying to start or stop doing. Her book shares many examples of how to apply the theory to take positive action. I’m going to boil it down here. This rule states that if you are having trouble getting started on something you desperately want to do, count backward from 5 and then do it. Don’t pause, don’t think, don’t overanalyze. Just do it. Want to get out of bed? 5-4-3-2-1 go! Need to exercise? 5-4-3-2-1 lift! Stuck on the couch watching Netflix instead of going to bed? 5-4-3-2-1 move! Get the idea? Good!
Mini Habits Make Major Moves
If you want to start working out, don’t join a gym. Instead, do one pushup when you wake up in the morning. One will likely turn into 3, 5, or 10! But all you need to do is one. Instead of drinking 8 glasses of water daily, commit to one glass. Once you’re doing that consistently, increase it to two, and so on. Little actions add up; because they are manageable, you can celebrate success and continue feeling good about your progress.
Habit-Stacking
When trying to add a new habit to your routine, it can help if you align it with something you already consistently do. For example, you probably brush your teeth every morning. If you want to drink more water, commit to having a glass after you brush your teeth. Keep the glass in your bathroom to make it simple to remember.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind, these techniques are not foolproof. You might have trouble sticking to a new habit or avoiding an old one. And that’s ok! Just remember the two-day rule. If you miss a day of your new habit, don’t let it become two days in a row. Tell yourself you will do better tomorrow. Never let more than 2 days go by without doing the habit.
Don’t wait for a new week, month, or year to start a new habit. You can make a fresh start anytime! A Thursday is just as good as a Monday. Just start.
Hourglass Mom Coaching Program
My approach uses all these techniques to help women get and stay healthy. Each week focuses on a new habit. We don’t add another one until each one is consistent for at least a week. This mini, habit-stacking approach has helped dozens of women take back their lives and feel confident again. Want to learn more? Click the button below to schedule a free, 30-minute consultation today!