How To Change A Habit
All habits have a function however some can be a poor use of your time and energy which is why it's beneficial to change a habit rather than try and completely eliminate it. Being in the mindset that you are creating a good habit rather than thinking you have a bad habit will set you up for success as you move through the below tools to change a habit!
Identify Your Habit:
The first step to changing a habit is identifying it and what function it currently plays in your life. Most habits are a result of stress or boredom, or perhaps it’s something that has become a default part of your daily routine that you would like to change.
Find A Replacement:
As mentioned our habits serve a function to us, eventually you might give up your replacement all together but for now it will be a positive tool. Once you’ve identified your habit and why you are leaning towards it, brainstorm some accessible and achievable replacements, and if you can, make the existing habit harder to access. If you find you procrastinate at work, do you need to pop your headphones in and listen to a motivating playlist. If you constantly scroll through social media before bed, charge your phone in another room & use an alarm clock or put on a meditation on your phone instead. Work through this in your notebook & start identifying changes.
Get Support:
Having something that keeps you accountable for your goal to change a habit is a great tool to guide you to success. Using a journal to document what helped, how you are feeling with your progress, what caused struggle and ultimately what triggers to avoid. A habit tracker is a great visual tool to track your progress too and keep you accountable. If it’s a habit that you can change with someone, find yourself a buddy, whether it’s a loved one, a colleague or housemate.
Manifest:
Visualise yourself succeeding. We are big believers in the power of positive thought to keep you motivated and on track to succeed in any goal, small or big - including changing our habits! Changing a habit will take time and you will have some slip ups, but remember to be kind to yourself and keep looking forward.