Keeping up with good habits

On a journey of personal growth and self-improvement, the first step is to establish good habits. However, the real challenge lies not in starting these habits but in consistently practising them over time. Whether it's committing to a daily exercise routine, maintaining a healthy diet, or dedicating time to learning a new skill, consistency is the key to success.

So how do you stay consistent with your good habits? Here’s what you can do.

1. Set clear goals
List out specific goals for each of the habits you want to start practising. If it seems far reached or hard to achieve, you could break down those large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress more achievable. For instance, if you’re a sweet tooth who wants to cut your sugar intake, it might be hard to stop completely. Instead, you can reduce it by adjusting your eating habit slowly, and only have sweet desserts on special occasions.

2. Establish a routine
We know that in order to implement a new habit, you need to start a routine. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time to practise your new habit. Consistency thrives in routine, so aim to perform your habits at the same time and place each day. Identify triggers or cues that signal the start of your habit, making it easier to stick to your routine.

3. Start small and build momentum
Starting new habits can be a challenge, so don’t overwhelm yourself by tackling too much at once. Instead, start with tiny, sustainable changes. Focus on consistency rather than intensity. It’s better to practise little by little consistently than a lot sporadically. Remember to celebrate your small victories along the way so you’ll be more motivated to keep on going! For instance, if your goal is to work out more often, you can treat yourself with good food after every gym or pilates session because you deserve it. So the next time you don’t feel like working out, remember you have treats waiting for you if you do.

4. Cultivate self-discipline
You can list down your goals, have your routine set… but maintaining good habits requires more than that. Consistency needs discipline and commitment, even on days when you don't feel motivated. This is when it gets difficult! Practise self-control by resisting the temptation to deviate from your established habits. Stay accountable by tracking your progress, whether through journaling, apps, or have someone to regularly check in on you.

5. Accept and learn from setbacks
Of course, you can’t expect to master something overnight especially when it’s something that’s new to you. Setbacks are a natural part of the process, so don’t be too hard on yourself when they happen. Instead of dwelling on failures and thinking you’ll never be able to do it, use them as learning opportunities to refine your approach and strengthen your resolve. Self-improvement is a journey that takes time, so take it easy!

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