How to Make New Habits Stick

Deciding to form a new habit is easy. The first few days of a new habit are usually pretty easy too. But beyond that, sticking with a new habit can be difficult at times. Here are a few tips to help to a new habit into a normal part of life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consistency, consistency, consistency. There is no better way to make a habit stick than to actually do it consistently every day.

2. Keep it simple. Start with a small aspect of a bigger project and make that a habit for 30 days straight before moving up to the next level. Aim to high, and your chances of failure increase.

3. Put it on paper. Write down what you want your new habit to be, reasons why you're implementing it in your life, and any tricks you've found to make it easier to stick with it. Refer to that paper as often as needed for encouragement. And keep it in a place where you are bound to see it often.

4. Remind yourself with triggers. If your new habit is to sit with all of your children for at least 30 minutes a day and engage in an activity everyone can enjoy together, choose a specific time each day to practice that new habit. Then set a few timers, say one 10 minutes before, one 5 minutes before, and one for 1 minute before. Then make sure you follow through with your triggers. Or leave notes all over as reminders. Find an appropriate trigger for your new habit and then follow-through when you are triggered.

5. Don't go it alone. If possible, team up with a buddy who is working on the same new habit. Use your buddy for encouragement, understanding and commiseration. If you don't have a buddy who is working on a similar task, find someone (a spouse, child, friend, family member, etc.) who will keep you accountable and be your cheerleader.

Resources

• Visit the home of the 3 Moms for even more tips!