How to Create Healthy, Habit Forming Routines
We all have habits. Ones we’re proud of, like waking up in the morning and going for a run, and ones holding us back from being the best version of ourselves, like stress eating or even procrastination. Habits are at the foundation of our daily routines and are so powerful. The good ones can set us up for success, but are not formed easily and can be tricky to maintain. Creating a new, healthy routine takes commitment and discipline, but over time these routines will feel natural and help you achieve your goals.
Here’s a step by step guide on how to create a routine that will positively impact your life:
1. Set an Intention
Start off with a purpose. Why are you creating a routine? What goals do you want to accomplish from your new routine? Get clear on why you’re forming a routine and find the motivation behind it. Your reason doesn’t have to be complex, but the outcome should make some sort of positive impact, big or small, to your daily life.
2. Structure Your Day
Scheduling and keeping track of what you’re doing each day is imperative for building habits. Make lists and write down everything you plan to do at home and at work and get specific on the timing. No task is too small. If doing this everyday doesn’t thrill you, plan ahead and do it on a weekly basis.
After you have a clear picture of your tasks, you can then figure out what works best for you and when you’re most productive. Are you an early bird or a night owl? Rework your day around when you accomplish things the most. Make time for flexibility and don’t stress if your routine doesn’t go exactly according to plan. Life happens and sometimes you just have to go with the flow, but a good plan will help you stay focused and get you right back on track.
3. Swap Out Bad Habits
Have a clear understanding of your habits. Internalize your bad habits and focus on swapping them out for good ones. Using the 80/20 rule, prioritize 20% of the habits that will help produce 80% of your goals. Don’t try to change everything at once. Your new habits will eventually replace ones that are holding you back from sticking to a positive, life-changing routine.
4. Stay Consistent
This is probably the most important aspect for building a routine. Change takes time and consistency is key. Start slow and do something for a specific time frame. It could simply be waking up an hour earlier for a few weeks or attending a workout class once a week for a month. Setting small milestones and successfully completing them will help you confidently form habits.
5. Set Reminders
Slip ups are bound to happen, but if you constantly remind yourself of why you’re creating a new routine it becomes easier to keep up with. When you sense yourself falling out of a routine that was once having a positive impact on your life, write down some reminders about how that routine made you feel. Changing your mindset and honing in on how it’s benefiting your life will help you along the journey and accomplish your goals.
Good routines are hard to stick to, especially when our not so good habits come into play. But by using these tips you’ll be able to set yourself up for success. One last reminder, focus on a routine that works best for you and only you. Don’t compare your routine to others. What may work for someone else may not work for you and your life. Stay in your lane and you’ll be on the road to forming a healthy routine in no time!