Regular readers may have noticed recently that I have become fascinated by habits.
So much so that when looking back, I have labelled my 2017 “The Year of the Habit” because I started and stuck to so many new habits of health.
Starting them is the easy bit, it’s the sticking to them that’s hard!
Here are three strategies I use when starting a new habit:
Before you start something new, grab a pen and paper (that’s important) and write down as many reasons why you want to do it as you can.
Don’t just think about yourself, but also how it will affect those around you.
On the same piece of paper, write down all the things you can think of that may get in your way of sticking to the habit and, crucially, what you are going to do about it if that happens.
Things like going on holiday, work getting busy, a birthday or even the weather, may make it more difficult to stick to something, but there is always a way around it, I promise 🙂
After a set period of time, what are you going to do to celebrate if you stick to the habit?
The celebration should take you deeper into the habit, not go against it. For example, if the habit is to eat clean, your celebration shouldn’t be a massive cake!
How about a nice Japanese chef’s knife instead to help with all the nice food you’re cooking?
So, whether you need to stretch more, get back to the gym or clean up the diet, grab a pen and paper and start writing.
You’ll be living the healthy life (and sticking to it) in no time!
Have a great week,
Chris and the Forté Team
