There are some goals I’ve been setting around here. That’s nothing new. I’m the queen of having a goal. I always feel the need to have something to work toward. One of my goals is working on staying committed to my fitness. I have fallen off in a big way since having kids. Getting back on track has been slow going – but it’s going!

I was talking to my girlfriends recently and we all agree that we could be doing more. Whether it’s the things we eat or working out – more could be getting done. As for me, I’ve carved out some time in my day to work out at least 4 times a week. I want to get back up to 5 days. It’s been a while since I’ve been that girl though so I am pacing myself. The goal here isn’t for me to hit a certain weight or size. That was never my goal with working out. I did it because it is good for me. I like how it makes me feel. I like how it makes me look.  Working out in the morning sets the tone for my day too. Once I’ve sweat it all out, it’s a little tough for me to justify a glazed donut. I feel like I worked too hard to give in to that and try to opt a healthier choice instead. It doesn’t always work (no one is perfect) but the thing is, working out keeps my goal of a healthier lifestyle at the forefront of my thoughts. That’s a great thing.

Your life does not get better by CHANCEWhile exercising used to be as much a part of my day as eating breakfast, it’s been touch and go for a while now. Essentially this means I’m trying to form a new habit. They say it takes at least 21 days for a new habit to stick. I’ve got just over a week to go! Whenever we start something new and attempt to make it a part of our new normal it takes work. We all have busy lives and trying to change things up often means trying to squeeze something else in to an already full schedule. One thing that’s been working for me is leaving my workout clothes out at night so they are the first things I see in the morning. I also leave my workout DVD cued up so all I have to do is press play!

No matter what new habits we start, we can all use a little support to stick to them. Here are a few ideas to keep the ball rolling once you get started.

Whatever it is you plan to tackle, start with your least favorite part of it first. Getting the least pleasant part of it out of the way, makes the rest of it easier.

Break things down into manageable chunks. No need to tackle the whole enchilada. If you’re looking to get fit, just move. Don’t set a number goal. You’ll only feel like you’re not making progress if you don’t see that number when you think you should.

Get a buddy! Let someone know you’re trying to start something new. They’ll check in with you and hopefully motivate you and keep you accountable.

Give yourself grace! If you fall off here and there, don’t beat yourself up. Just re-commit and move forward.

Use your words for good. Don’t say what you can’t do. Don’t allow yourself to talk yourself out of what you’ve started. You can do it!

Are you starting anything new? Tell me about it. Or let me know how you stick to a new habit.

 

58 Comments on 5 Ways to Make those Habits STICK

  5. I agree slip ups happen and that shouldn’t disqualify someone. Get back on the wagon and try it again. Make this time count. I believe in making small lists of goals to achieve that finally end up getting the end goal. Love your list.

  6. Absolutely great post. I always break large job, projects or long term goals into pieces. It’s must easier to complete several small goals than one huge goal.

  7. I am in the process of starting a new blog. I have discovered that I really like posting easy recipes and entertaining ideas, but that’s not the direction my current blog is taking. So I am working on making a separate blog that I can do what I want with.

  8. This is a good list. It is important to re-commit and move forward if you slip up. Way better to do that than to quit, and it makes reaching the finish line even sweeter.

  11. I’m such a creature of habit – that every now and then I force myself to try new things. I usually do better if I have someone trying with me or encouraging me!

  18. Good tips – I think it’s all about habit for me. I know if I fall off the bandwagon, I have to simply schedule my workout time in, and don’t cancel it.

  21. Breaking things down is really helpful for me. I find I am more likely to make a habit of something if I work my way in rather than jumping in headfirst.

  22. As a psychotherapist, I’m always teaching my patients these same techniques and I also practice what I preach! I’m all about the positive self talk and when I decided to make sure I get in a workout every day, it had to be at 5am, I got a buddy to help motivate me.

  31. This is such a great and timely post! I am currently getting back into some of the habits I dropped during the summer, and I know myself well enough to know what I have to do to get there, it’s just about determination for me, and when I’m actually ready. Which thankfully I am!

  37. Those are all great tips. Breaking things down in manageable chunks is something I need to work on.

  40. I just started a new diet and i have actually am using some of the thing that u called out here! the biggest one is getting a buddy and executing grace!

  42. Awesome tips! I’ve been giving myself alone time in the morning and waking up at 4 a.m. I exercise and meditate for a while. It’s been very beneficial and I have been sleeping better at night.

  45. Breaking things down into smaller chunks is a fantastic approach. Sometimes the bigger issue can be daunting when trying to tackle it whole.

  48. I have been trying to get back to my running every day at lunch at work but too lazy and so many excuses but that quote is helping my resolve, need to pin it somewhere

  49. These are such good tips! I am so bad at habits! I don’t even really have bad habits. There are several habits I’ve been trying to set for years, but I am going to have renewed motivation!

  50. This is great and while I work to curb some habits I have, I will certainly remember this list to keep me on track! What a wonderful list.

  51. A recent habit I’m putting into place is acting as if my dreams have already come true. Sounds a little weird, I know, but on the occasions when I truly feel the excitement of living my dreams, I have amazing things happen to me.

    • I love that. I think that’s a great practice! It seems to be great reminder to gratefully live each moment.

  53. Great tips. It is definitely hard to make habits stick, but when it finally sticks it is hard to break!

  54. Ah such great reminders. Thanks for the great post. My fav is ‘Give yourself grace’ – such an important aspect of making change happen! Love xo

  55. I’m trying to find motivation right now to get started on my own set of goals! I love the starting with your least favorite part tip…it’s hard!

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