Source: Venture Out
You’ve probably read plenty of articles about healthy habits, but we will try to keep it simple with the facts and what works.
First, let’s agree on the below, courtesy of the New Yorker:
Breaking bad habits lies not in resolve but in restructuring our environment in ways that sustain good behaviors.
If we can make bad habits more inconvenient, then inertia can carry us in the direction of virtue, without ever requiring us to be strong.
The key lies not in breaking a habit through will power but in replacing one habit with another.
Ok, now for the techniques that work, courtesy of Fresh Starts, Guilty Pleasures And Other Pro Tips For Sticking To Good Habits by L. Carol Ritchie:
“Temptation bundling” or pairing — Combining the healthy habit you dread with something you love. Example is only allow yourself to watch your favorite show while exercising, like while on the treadmill.
Fresh start effect — When you have a major routine change, like a new job or new living situation, incorporate in a good habit. Because you’re learning a whole new routine, it’ll be easier to fold in a new habit at the same time.
Allow yourself reserves – You know you’re going to fail sometimes, such as missing the gym or snoozing one too many time. Think of it like your reserves and an allowance to mess up a few times. Don’t be hard on yourself and just get back to it next time.
Friction – Make it incredible hard to do the bad habit, and super easy to do the good habit. For example, don’t have any cookies or chips in the house at all. Also, pack your gym bag and leave it in the car – always. That way you don’t have an excuse.
Now tell yourself you will do one of the above. Which one do you like the most?
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