Putting It All Together

12.07.2020 |

Episode #10 of the course Building routines and habits by Jenn Schilling

 

Welcome to the final lesson of Building Routines and Habits! I have really enjoyed this journey with you, and I hope you have found some useful insights from this course. In this final lesson, we will talk about how to take what you’ve learned and put it into action.

The first step in beginning a new routine or habit is to determine your intention. Why do you want to implement this new behavior? What benefit will it have for you? This is important because it will serve as a reminder of your motivation each time you complete the new behavior. As you consider the new behavior you would like to implement, remember that this is about what will work for you, think about how it connects to a long-term goal, and look for the realistic middle ground between where you are now and your ideal.

The next step is determining where your new routine or habit will fit into your schedule and how to implement it in a successful way. Try to make it as easy as possible to follow your new routine or habit by picking something you like to do, starting small, reducing the decisions you need to make to get started, and taking away barriers. Remember that this new behavior is a gift to yourself, so it’s worth it to take some time to prepare for it (such as planning out what you will do, downloading an app that might help you complete it, preparing the night before, etc.). By repeating the behavior consistently, making it part of your regular routine, and rewarding yourself when you are successful, you will be able to create a new habit that sticks. You can help yourself do this by putting your new habit on your schedule so you are prompted to complete it (write it down, block out the specific time on your calendar, set an alarm on your phone), and by tracking your success over time. Find a way to congratulate yourself each time you accomplish your desired behavior. Tell yourself, “You did it! I’m proud of you.” The way that we talk to ourselves and respond to our choices makes a big difference, so try to stay positive in your self-talk.

When you hit a rough patch, try not to judge yourself—it’s okay! Allow some flexibility and think about what will work today. Keep in mind that behavior change is difficult, and it is okay if you’re not 100% successful 100% of the time. In fact, you are going to face setbacks, so consider what alterations you can make to be more consistent. Think about how you are defining success and what other options there might be. Remember that it’s your routine, your habit, and you get to decide what it looks like and what works for you. Tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to make a choice to complete the routine or habit. Keep in mind the importance of mindset as you face challenges in building your new habits and routines.

Thank you for participating in this course. I hope you found it beneficial and that you’re able to use what you’ve learned to create wonderful new routines and habits that make you feel happier, more productive, and more successful.

 

Recommended book

The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

 

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