Four Tips To Build Habits

It’s the beginning of 2022 which means new habits to form and resolutions to achieve! Here are some habit formation tips that you can use to help you on your weight loss journey (or any New Year’s Resolution).

1. Start Small

What is one SMALL thing that you can do right now that will help you to achieve your resolution? And when I say small, I mean very small. Maybe it’s to drink a glass of water in the morning or eat one fruit every day. Once you have achieved that habit consistently, add another. FOCUS ON ONE HABIT AT A TIME! By starting small, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed, as well as build confidence in yourself to achieve larger goals (such as eating one plant-based meal a day) as you continue through your weight loss journey.

2. Pair A New Habit with an Old One

Your day has a variety of different habits that you have already created that you do without thinking (such as brushing your teeth). Pair a new habit onto one that you have already established. By pairing habits, your old habit can be a trigger to remind yourself to complete the new habit you are trying to form. For example, pair drinking the glass of water after brushing your teeth. Since you know you are going to brush your teeth daily, by training yourself to drink a glass of water afterwards you can consistently drink a glass of water daily.

3. Do The New Habit At The Same Time Everyday

I know in some situations this may not be possible, however by performing the new habit at the same time daily, you start to create a routine for yourself. Routines lead to consistency which leads to faster and stronger habit formation. If the habit is something that you currently do not enjoy, I recommend doing that habit in the morning while your self discipline is still high.

4. Track Your New Habit

Create a chart, take a picture or another accountability system to allow you to track how often you are completing your habit. At the end of each week, take time to reflect on how often you performed the habit, things that helped you to perform the habit and things that hindered you from completing the habit.

Those were four easy habit formation tips that you can incorporate into your weight loss goal or New Year’s resolution in order to create the habits you desire and build the life of your dreams. Always remember that building new habits is not easy, but with increased strategy, accountability and reflection you can achieve your weight loss goals.