A Guide to Forming Good Habits in 2024
Can you believe it’s already another trip around the sun? If you’re like me, you’ve probably made a resolution or two in the past, only to watch them fizzle out by February. This year is going to be different. This year, we’re going to focus on building good habits that stick.
- Start Small, Win Big
Sure, becoming a fitness guru or a meditation master overnight sounds great, but the reality is that big changes often lead to big burnouts. Instead, start small. Is your goal to exercise more? Begin with a 10-minute walk every day. Interested in reading? Commit to a chapter a day. Small wins lead to big victories, and you’ll find yourself more motivated to level up over time.
- Make it a Routine, Not a Task
Habits become habits because they’re part of our routine. If you want to succeed in forming good habits, integrate them into your daily life. Find a specific time each day to focus on your habit. Whether it’s a morning walk, an afternoon gratitude journaling session, or an evening stretch, consistency is key. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself doing these activities without a second thought.
- Don’t Go Cold Turkey
Gradually introduce your new habit into your routine. If you’re trying to cut down on caffeine, for example, start with baby steps. If you normally drink more than two cups of coffee a day, try only having one regular and one decaf. Eventually, work your way to only drinking decaf and then slowly transitioning to matcha or herbal tea. Your brain will thank you for the gentle transition.
- Accountability is Key
Convince a friend or family member to join you on your habit-forming adventure. Whether it’s hitting the gym, learning a new skill, or swapping healthier dessert recipes, having a buddy to keep you motivated and accountable can make the journey less lonely.
- Celebrate the Tiny Wins
Big wins are cool, but let’s not overlook the little victories. Successfully resisted the urge to snooze your alarm for the 100th time? Treat yourself to a mini celebration. Acknowledging small achievements boosts your confidence and keeps you motivated to tackle the bigger challenges.
- Learn from Setbacks
You might slip up. And that’s okay! Instead of throwing in the towel because you devoured a whole pizza, learn from the experience. Adjust, adapt, and get back on track. The road to forming habits is not linear.
- Embrace the Rest Days
There will be days when you just want to binge-watch your favorite series or nap for eternity. Embrace it! Taking a day off doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human. Just don’t let a lazy day turn into a lazy week, and you’ll be golden.
Remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. Instead of calling these habits “New Year Resolutions,” call them “New Year Practices.” When we create resolutions and fail, we are more likely to give up. However, when you view your goals and habits as practices, you know you have the whole year to practice and improve overtime! You’re not going to be perfect, but when you practice something and fail, you try again. Happy habit forming!
