How to Develop a New Habit
There is a saying that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. The only habits that should be deliberately developed are good ones that replace bad ones. The following steps will help you create new habits in your life.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Identify the bad habit you want to replace. Make it something fairly small--a sure way to fail is to try to change too much at once.
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2
Write down why you're replacing the habit on adhesive notes. Post them in places where you'll see them often, such as on your bathroom mirror or the door of the refrigerator.
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3
Mark a calendar. It takes about 3 weeks to develop a habit so give yourself 1 month to make sure to have enough time. Write on your wall calendar or make an entry on every page of a date book for 1 month to remind you to work on your new habit.
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4
Make a Top 5 List of the reasons you want to replace your habit and keep it in your purse, on your desk or other handy place. Whenever you feel your will slipping, read the list to remind yourself why the extra work is worth it.
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5
Try affirmations. Tell yourself that you can succeed at changing your habit. Try saying, "I am a person who drinks plenty of water" or "I love to exercise."
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6
Keep it going. When the month is up, start on a new habit, but don't forget the one you just changed. Make it a habit to develop new habits, and in a year you'll be a much-improved person.
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