One small step now that can reap great rewards in 2022, is establishing a new habit during the 4th quarter.

During the month of October we will take a deep dive into habits. For today we will focus on how to follow through on a new habit until it sticks.

First, can we acknowledge that creating a new habit is hard? I know I just heard an “Amen” out there somewhere. 

We recognize the need for a new habit. We’re excited! We make it through a few weeks, and then... we have a hiccup.

We begin to run out of steam when something throws us off course.

This is a key reason most New Year’s Resolutions don’t last through the end of February.

One key to your future habit success -

you need to get very clear on why you need it in your life. 

These 3 steps will help you stay connected to your why and create habits that last.

1-Identify how the new habit creates meaningful change in your life.

A new fitness goal might actually be more about establishing resilience and empowerment for both your body and mind than it is about actual strength.

Walking for exercise is a habit of mine. I enjoy being outside and understand the physical benefits. But, honestly I love spending that time listening to a podcast, sermon or audiobook.

Yes, I receive physical benefits from walking but the emotional benefit of being outside and the intellectual benefit of an audiobook or podcast motivate me to head out the door when I just don’t want to.

2-Write down the reasons for your habit and review them every day.

This will remind you why it’s important and get you motivated again each day.

We’ve admitted that establishing a new habit is hard. When you get into the “messy middle” having a written reminder, not only of your habit goal but also of your motivation, reminds you why you are doing this.

It keeps you going when it gets hard and you just don’t want to.

3-Take time to notice your progress and celebrate it.

The desire for transformation may get us going but noticing that transformation will keep you going.

I have to admit, this one is a struggle for me. I know that I should do “X” so I don’t celebrate the fact that I achieved it 5 days out of 6. I can, however, focus on the 1 day that I missed.

I also tend to accomplish a goal, check it off in my calendar and then move on to the next goal.

Do either of these sound familiar to you too?  🤔

If happiness occurs in our journey - as we grow, develop and make rich and meaningful progress - then we need to take the time to celebrate our journey.

A final thought for the week - establishing a new habit is like climbing a mountain. Most trails don’t take us straight up the side of the mountain to the summit. We weave back and forth in sustained uphill periods but also occasionally descending.

The overall trajectory is to the peak but every step isn’t in the same direction.

Are you making progress toward the summit?

Y'all have a great week!

     Renee'