Setting yourself up for success: starting a new habit
In my last blog, I offered a couple tips for developing positive habits. Here are a couple more gems I’ve used in my own journey to create positive habits (and reduce bad habits):
Friction is your friend
When starting a new habit, even the slightest friction can significantly reduce our ability to complete the task. We’ve all experienced times when we were going to do something, looked at it, and decided it was too much work. That’s friction! You can use this friction to your advantage.
Remove friction - Make it easy to get moving with the new habit. If you want to start running in the morning, sleep in your running clothes or set them in the bathroom the night before so you can change into them right after brushing your teeth. Removing any little steps in the way will help you get it done.
Want to meditate more? Put your meditation cushion on your bed so it’s an easy reminder before you climb in bed. Want to eat healthier? Buy groceries for specific meals (and nothing else), then chop, clean, and group ingredients so they’re easier to prepare when you get home from work. Bonus points if you can prepare the meals on the weekend, so you’re set for the week.
Want to start a creative habit (painting, writing, playing an instrument)? Set up a space where everything you need is laid out and ready for the time you’ve set aside for that activity.
Add friction - Create barriers for the alternatives that might get in the way of the new habit. If you want to do something creative at the end of the day but you’re habituated to watching TV, remove the batteries from the remote and separate the remote from the batteries on opposite ends of your home.
Adding friction can also be used to stop a bad habit. Make it harder to do. Place small barriers in the way and easy alternatives in their place.
Small changes to your approach can have big results. Try adjusting friction to starting or stopping the habits you’re working on. You’ll be surprised how much difference it makes.
Inspire others by letting us know what you tried and how it worked! Connect with me on social media.