How To Stick To New Habits? | Tried And Tested Ways

"Our habits decide our future."

They say, "It takes 21 days to form a habit." When setting up new habits there's always a struggle to keep up with them. Many a times we tend to go off track after a few days of getting ourselves onto a newly set habit. No matter how hard we may try to keep up with our newly formed habits, something or the other comes in our way. The struggle is real. Until we know what's exactly holding us back. Here's a list of reasons I've compiled that can potentially hold one back from sticking to the newly set habits. Thereafter we'll also look at some sure shot solutions that have worked for me to stick to my newly formed habits. 

There are plenty of reasons that may become a barrier - 

a. Unrealsitic goals

b. Procrastination

c. Lack of patience

d. Lack of motivation

e. Lack of consistency

f. Lack of energy

Here's what works - 

1. SET MINI HABITS - 

Mini habits are like the smaller version of your habits. So if you planned to exercise for 30 minutes a day, you can do a  mini version of it and exercise for at least 2 minutes a day. Gradually increase the time as per your preference. What's great about setting mini habits is that even on the days when you're running short of time or energy you can easily spare five minutes to do it and  manage to stay consistent. 

 2. STAY CONSISTENT - 

Consistency is the key to achieving result that you desire to achieve. You must always try to stay as consistent as you can. As and when you have the thoughts of giving up on your newly set habit for a day, remind yourself of why you want to do it. Your 'why' should be strong enough to motivate you. 

3. DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF -

There will be days when it might get hard for you to keep up with your habits somehow. Know that it's okay to miss a day or two when trying to get into new habits. You can always get back on the track even after you've missed a day or two in a row. Don't feel demotivated or off track. You can surely get it done the next day. 

4. HAVE PATIENCE - 

Patience is the key. Remember, it is a process and it might take some time for you to finally start staying consistent with your habits. Once you become consistent, it will become a habit and habits are hard to break. Now this is when your habits become your lifestyle and that's what we want here.  

5. REWARD YOURSELF -

Each time you keep up with a habit, do go ahead and reward yourself for it. Do what makes you happy and what makes you feel more encouraged.

 Keeping up with your habits will make you feel even more accomplished at the end of the day. Think about the benefits you’ll begin to reap once you get yourself into those healthy habits. The feeling of getting things done is just priceless and can’t be traded for any other feeling in the world. So, go ahead, start small but stay consistent! That's all you need to do. I hope it helps! :)