Forming Habits

​A habit is a response that our mind has our body do almost on autopilot. Habits typically require less mental capacity than non-habits. This is one factor that makes them so challenging to change. However, there are a few tips that can help initiate new behaviors. First, ensure your motivations are tied to your values. If motivations for change are unclear or tied to a superficial desire, the likelihood of achieving your outcome becomes significantly less. Next, focus on what individual behaviors may result in helping you achieve your goal. Oftentimes, thinking about an overarching goal seems incredibly overwhelming. Thus, narrowing your attention to smaller tasks help provide quick and positive results that encourage repetitive behaviors. Finally, consider what barriers may be preventing you from completing or acting on your new tasks. Removing these obstacles may be the final straw that tips your unachievable desire into a new habit. Tips and Resources That Help You Build Better Habits by Syed Balkhi offers a good synopsis of change with bullet point resources for those looking to learn more. 

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REsources

1. Clear, James. (2018). "Atomic Habits:  An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones"