Do you struggle with new years resolutions? Worse still, do you avoid them due to a fear of not achieving them? If so, allow me to share with you one of my favourite hacks.
January and February are traditionally full of new intentions. Dreams of meal planning, exercising, or meditating daily are common. However, new year’s resolutions are easier said than done. Creating a new routine requires commitment and time – 66 days on average by some estimates. Habit-forming is more difficult for some than it is for others, and that’s ok.
Habit stacking is one of my favorite strategies to share with clients in my Gold Coast psychology practice. It involves combining an existing daily habit (think simple things like driving home, eating dinner or brushing your teeth) with your new, desired behavior. When you “add on” to your current routine, you are already half-way towards the new behaviour, and it feels more like an adjustment or tweak than a whole new routine.
How to Habit Stack
This week, choose a routine that you already and attach your new habit to it. Want to hit the gym? try going on the way to or from work. Want to start stretching daily? Consider doing it while you watch TV in the evening. Want to drink more water? Have a full glass before each meal.
And remember – don’t be hard on yourself if you skip a day here or there. Just keep getting back on that horse.
What is your favourite habit stack? Let us know in the comments.
-Richard