3 Steps to Creating New Habits That Stick!
Have you ever set out to create a new routine and your efforts completely flopped?
You might have really wanted to get back into working out, going to bed earlier, or drink less wine during the week. But something always comes up, a new binge-worthy Netflix series, drama with a friend #stress, and working out in your living room is just NOT as motivating as the gym was…I get it!
Back in the day, when I was on the strugglebus (you know the scene… waking up hungover, unfulfilled, and only living for the weekends) I would try out my new “thing” for about 2 weeks before giving up. I didn’t know at the time that it takes 40 days to form a new habit in the brain!
I lacked a plan, resiliency, and clear intentions behind the thing I wanted to change. And typically the thing we want to change or modify in our life we really like (like a lot…).
Trust me, we are living in a crazy world and it feels AMAZING to be able to pour a cocktail and make everything melt away. And that little kid in all of us loves the feeling of being rebellious and staying up past our bedtime.
The failure to execute the well intention plan looms large in the back of your head and think “I did it again, I failed.” Bummer.
Let’s choose today to not go there again? What do you say?
It took me 7 years to find a path that was healthy and supportive of the life I wanted to lead. I’m determined to help you do the same.
Here are 3 steps to creating one new habit AND making sure it sticks!
#1 BE CLEAR.
Ask yourself: what is the desired outcome? And WHY do are choosing this goal? Dig deep by repeatedly asking yourself “why”.
I’ll use the goal of drinking less wine during the week as an example.
>I choose to drink 2 glasses of wine or less during the weekdays.
>Why? By doing this I will save money. And hopefully my jeans will fit better over time.
>Ask why again…I know if I drink less during the week, I won’t have a headache when I get up in the morning.
>Ask why again…If I don’t have a headache in the morning, I will feel less irritable and won’t snap at my partner/roommate
>Ask why one more time…I’m tired of not feeling my best in the morning. I love my partner/roommate/MYSELF and I being irritable in the morning isn’t who I really want to be day after day.
^^See what we got to there…!^^
“Being irritable in the morning isn’t who I really want to be every day”
Feels very different than
“I want to drink less because it saves me money and my jeans will fit”.
#2 BE INTENTIONAL.
What practical steps do you want to take to make your goal happen?
Let’s continue to use the wine example…
>To ensure that I drink less during the week I will:
>Plan outdoor/healthy activities for me/partner/roommate to take advantage of INSTEAD of mindless sitting in front of the TV or scrolling our phones. I know me, if I’m bored I will start to focus on all of the stressors in life.
>Buy only one bottle of wine at the grocery store for the week (instead of my usual 4). I know me, the temptation in the first couple of weeks will be hard - I can’t drink it if it’s not there!
#3 EXAMINE YOUR MINDSET.
Ask yourself: Do you believe the plan above will work for you over the long-term?
>If yes, ask why?
Continue to get clear and identify a specific plan and intentions.
NEXT UP: You have your goal (yay!) and you have the plan (success!).
Now - share your journey on IG, ask your friends to hold you accountable (maybe even invite them along), and tag me @lyndsaypaige_ayurveda so I can follow along with you!
I would love to share in your success AND be there for any bumps along the way.
>If you found yourself saying no, I don’t feel like I have a good plan.
Ask why? It is important to GET CLEAR on this one.
If you feel doubt/stories/disbelief surrounding your ability to stick with it and do the damn thing…ask why?
Is your mind filled with stories that sound like: I can’t do this because…
I’m never able to stick with the goals I set for myself
I always give in
My roommate always sabotages my efforts
I feel alone when I choose “healthy” habits to pursue
Things are too stressful and unpredictable to focus on anything else right now
During this process, it is VERY important to get clear on the stories/ideas that you believe stand in your way of success. Naming the story allows you to create a plan to avoid the bumps in the road.
Take it from me - the journey over the last 7 years has not been easy, but SO worth it! Creating new habits requires resiliency and focus. I would NOT want to go back to life as it was… {Read more about my journey here}
You are responsible for the change you want to see. And I believe in you. Say it with me “It is my job to take care of me.”
Change is possible. And things will get easier. Promise.
If you find yourself needing some extra help and guidance - I created a guide just for you! Click here to download the first self-care guide you will ACTUALLY USE!
The journey won’t be perfect, but it does require that we show up and keep going when it gets hard.
Also...I have exciting news to share with you!
I’m in the process of creating something SUPER SPECIAL that is designed to help you create a life you love, manage through stress, and learn about the mind/body connection.
Are you in to create lasting change?
Comment below and sign up to be added to the waitlist so you can be the first to know about my new offering receive a special discount! (But only if you are on the list☺️)