5 Simple Tips That Helped Me Build Long Hasting Habits

Building new habits can be a challenging task for many.

You start with enthusiasm, only to find yourself struggling to maintain it over time.

This can be frustrating, and the vast majority have struggled with this in the past.

But, there are several strategies you can use to make your new habits stick.

Here are 5 simple tips that helped me build long lasting habits.

Start Small

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to build new habits is trying to do too much at once.

It’s important to start small and work your way up.

When making changes, the hardest thing to do is start.

It’s where most people fail as certain things can be uncomfortable or daunting.

So… make the hardest thing, as easy as possible.

For example, say your goal is to start exercising.

Start with 10 minutes of exercise per day, and increase the duration over time, as you get better.

By starting small, you’re more likely to stick with the habit and avoid burnout.

But, if you try to exercise 1 hour each day, you’ll be exhausted, mentally & physically, after the first week.

Start small, and build on this as you become more comfortable with your new habit.

Don’t prioritise intensity. Prioritise sustainability.

Make It A Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to building new habits.

One of the best ways to ensure consistency is to make your new habit a part of your routine.

Again, prioritising sustainability is the key here.

The more you act, the greater the chances that this new habit of yours will end up becoming subconscious.

If you want to start reading personal finance books, set aside a specific time each day for reading.

If you want to start going for a walk every day, make it a non-negotiable in your head.

This will help you build momentum and make the habit feel more automatic and natural.

If you keep it up, you will end up at a point where this is naturally ingrained into your routine.

Use Triggers

Many habits are subconscious. We do them without even thinking.

But the one thing that isn’t always subconscious, is a trigger.

This is what you can target, to either start a new habit, or break an old one.

Triggers are cues that remind you to do your new habit.

A prior action which acts as a cue for another action to take place.

Some examples:

• The cue for going to the gym? Taking your gym gear to work with you.

• The cue for reading every night? Put your book on top of your pillow so you don’t forget.

You get the idea.

People can have different cues for everything.

Take some time to identify a cue, or “trigger” that can help you to start your habit.

Say you want to start jogging after work.

What’s a cue that will help you do this?

• Leaving your running shoes by the door?

• Setting an alarm?

• Having exercise clothes out ready to change into?

The cue isn’t the same for everyone, but find something that works for you.

Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress can be a powerful motivator when building new habits.

Keep track of your progress using a habit tracker or a simple spreadsheet.

Seeing your progress can help you stay motivated and make it easier to stick with your habit over the long term.

A big reason why people give up is because they fail to see progress.

This doesn’t mean that you’re not making progress, it means you can’t see it.

You have to track your progress… from day 1.

I have the perfect example for you.

Let’s say you’re trying to lose weight, or change your body in any way (gain muscle etc.)

We see our bodies in the mirror every day.

Because of this, between days, there’s very little difference from what you see.

But, because you can’t see a change, this doesn’t mean that significant change hasn’t happened over a month etc.

It takes time to see the reward of your work.

The best thing to do in this scenario, would be to track your weight… from day 1.

This is so you know how far you’ve come, and how much progress you’ve made.

Celebrate Your Wins

Celebrating your successes can help make your new habit more enjoyable.

Hit a new milestone? Celebrate it.

Reward yourself.

Give yourself an incentive to continue moving forward.

If you’re dieting, and you’ve eaten clean for a week, or two, have a cheat day.

There’s no harm in it, and it’ll give you added incentive to get right back to the diet.

You know that there’s a reward (which you’ve given yourself) at the end of the week if you succeed.

There’s no point in reaching the summit if you’re not going to stop to admire the view.

We’re all looking for growth & improvement, and we’re all told to go out of our comfort zones & seek discomfort.

Whilst this is true, don’t overlook your achievements, however small it may be.

Final Thoughts

Building habits that stick requires patience, consistency, and above all else, effort.

I’ve moulded several new habits around these 5 steps.

When I say they work, I mean it.

Even something as small as going for a walk at noon every day, has had serious benefits to my life.

Each of the 5 tips have played a part in me continuing these habits with ease.

Remember, the key is to focus on progress, not perfection.

Every small step you take towards your new habit is a step in the right direction.

The concept of compound interest can apply to our lives too.

Aim for 1% better every day, and you’ll be a different person in a few months time.

I mean that in a good way, of course.

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