Why Your Habits Aren't Sticking

One part of my work focuses on how we can use habits to live a life of ease and joy; but in order to do that, we need to create some new habits while breaking others. If you’re struggling in the habit department, I have some ideas why things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like, plus some tips on how to shift things in your favor. ​

Reasons Your Habits Aren't Sticking

Habits are complex things, and there are so many personal variables to consider when you are creating new ones. That said, I do see some common reasons why people struggle to stick with a new habit. 

1. You are focused on time. Depending on who you talk to, habits can take between three weeks and three months (or longer) to settle in. But (surprise!) habits can’t tell time, so how long you do something doesn’t guarantee success. 
   
2. You are unique. Just because your sister started getting up earlier to meditate in the morning doesn’t mean that it will work for you, a night owl.
   

You don’t believe in the habit (or yourself). You can’t trick yourself into doing something you don’t want to do, no matter how sneaky you are about it. And if you don’t feel aligned with your goal, why would you put in effort to keep up with the habit?

Change Your Perspective

When we change our thoughts, we can change our story. That’s why mindset is an essential part of changing or creating habits. Here are some ways you can shift how you think about habits, and set yourself up for better success with them. 

1. Rather than thinking about how long it will take to create a habit, try asking yourself how often you have to do something to create a habit. This takes you out of a passive mindset (waiting for time to pass), and puts you in charge of actively doing something. Read more about that here.
2. Know that creating a new habit will look different for everyone, depending on their age, health, personality, the habit itself, your starting point, and the environment you are trying to create the habit in. When you look at things from an individual perspective, you can design goals that fit your special circumstances, and set yourself up for success. 
3. Stop focusing on just the habit you want to create, and start visualizing WHY you are creating it, and how it will FEEL when you succeed. When your habits fulfil a desire, it becomes easier to keep going. 

Habits are extremely powerful, and can help you reach your goals while creating a life that feels amazing. 
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If you need help goal setting and goal getting, let me help. Together, we can Create a Life That is Extraordinary, one science-backed habit at a time.

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