How To Start a New Habit and Stick To It?

Imagine the excitement we all get to develop new habits on 31st December every year. Where does that vanish soon after January? Sticking to a habit is what matters the most. After all, it is our habits that define our character. As Brian Tracy says, “Successful people are simply those with successful habits.”

“We first make our habits, and then our habits make us” – John Dryden

To create a new habit, we first need to realize the significance it would hold in our lives. For example, working out is important to meet one’s fitness goals. Daily study sessions are essential to achieve grades and so on. With a strong sense of purpose, it is easier to carry on doing an act that otherwise seems hard to pursue. The key steps to be consistent in practicing a habit, are:

• Taking small steps: Whether it is a simple daily habit or a large goal, anything can be achieved with convenience if it is broken down into small doable steps. So, start with one little step at a time and add more with time. For achieving good grades, your need to develop the habit of multiple focused reading sessions with breaks for the first month which you can extend next month.

• Commitment: It is important that you commit to sticking to a habit no matter how difficult it may seem. At least three to four weeks is a must to let the brain shift that habit to an autopilot mode.

• Rewarding: Rewarding yourself even for a tiny change creates a feedback mechanism where your brain helps you to achieve more to get rewarded.

To conclude, developing a habit and persisting is an easy process when handled the right way. Starting small, keep it simple, holding to commitment, and rewarding oneself are simple tools for maintaining any habit.

“Motivation gets you started. Habit keeps you going” – Jim Rohn