This is the best way to improve your habits

We’re all in the game of improving our habits. No matter what our goals are, they generally require us to do so. Some want to be healthier whereas others want to save more. But have you noticed how we all struggle to adopt a new lifestyle? Why is that? I think it’s because we fail to understand how new habits are formed and don’t follow the best strategies (some are even supported by solid scientific studies).

Over the last few months, I’ve embarked on a journey to adopt healthier habits and help others do the same. Here’s what I’ve found that could help you:

1) Start by finding how you’ll benefit from the new habit. Do your research until you’re fully aware of what you’ll gain by changing. This will keep you motivated throughout the process.

2) Commit publicly to changing. Tell your family, friends and co-workers that you’re adopting a new habit. This will make it harder to give up.

3) Understand that new habits take time to form — on average 10–12 weeks. But your new actions become automatic after this period. Be persistent!

4) You should do it everyday. It’s repetition that leads to habit formation!

5) Focus on one habit and start small — for example a 5 min walk or a piece of fruit per day.

6) Choose a trigger that will remind you to do the new habit. It’s better if you choose something you already do everyday, like waking up or having lunch. This way you’ll take your 5 min walk right after waking up or eat your piece of fruit at lunch.

7) Reward yourself after doing the new habit. Sometimes the good feeling you get from accomplishing your goal of exercising or eating fruit is enough. Otherwise, give yourself a treat.

8) Make it fun and social. Changing your habits is easier if you make the experience more enjoyable. A great way is inviting someone you care about to join you for a walk or a lunch that ends with a piece of fruit.

From personal experience, changing habits is never easy. But it’s the only way to get better and achieve your goals in life. Using the right strategy makes it much easier. Good luck improving yourself!