7 Ways to Create Good Habits

By Evan Page

(third blog post in a series about habits)

We are the sum of the choices we make and the habits we create. Our habits can either hinder us or help us. So kick your bad habits to the curb this year and replace them with habits that will help you move forward. These tips will help you get on the right path.

1. Start with awareness.

Figure out what you want to implement and make yourself aware of why it’s important to you and learn what does or doesn’t trigger the success of this habit.  

2. Make a plan.

Not just a generalized plan, be specific. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to complete it. Instead of saying you want to exercise more, say you will exercise three days a week. Once you do that, map out when and where you plan to exercise. You are much more likely to make something happen if it is in your calendar with specifics.

3. Put your plan into action.

Making a plan is planning, but what you really need to do to make something into a habit is practice. The more you practice, the better you get, and the better you get, the more you will want to continue those actions.

4. Pair a wanted habit with a current habit.

For example, if you want to drink more water, pair it with daily activities that you already do. Plan to drink a cup of water when you brush your teeth. Plan to drink another cup before you make your lunch, etc.

5. Make things obvious.

Place your “new habit” in an obvious location, so you can regularly see it as a reminder. And when you see it, think about it. Want to read more? Then put a book on your bedside table or your coffee table. Allow yourself more opportunities to follow through.

6. Your environment matters.

It’s important to notice your surroundings. Most of the time, our habits are encouraged by environmental cues. This is why starting with awareness is the best place for creating (or getting rid of) a habit. Your physical environment matters. Your social environment also matters. It’s hard to spend more time with your family if all of your friends are single or newlyweds and are in a different phase of life than you. It doesn’t mean you can’t be friends, but you do need to be aware of the culture you surround yourself with.

Remember, small changes over a long period of time create long-lasting habits. (Big changes over a short period of time, although they may temporarily give you the result you want, will usually fall back into old habits and old results). Small changes will also allow you to feel successful. The more you feel like you are succeeding, the more likely you will continue making those choices.

7. Make your new habit attractive.

Increase your ability to succeed at forming your new habit by finding ways to make the “right choice” easier, fun, positive and fulfilling. You can also reward yourself in some way whenever you make the right choice.

Evan Page lives in Hilton Head Island with her husband, Stephen, and their three children, Merrick, Wake and Wells. She is currently a stay-at-home mom, and most of her days are filled with trying to capture adventures with her children on camera.