Have you ever set out to establish a new habit, only to fall back into old patterns time and time again? It's a frustrating cycle that many of us can relate to. But what if I told you that there's an unconventional approach to habit-forming that actually works? In this episode, we'll explore the power of starting with why, the effectiveness of micro-actions, and the importance of accountability when it comes to creating habits that finally stick. Let’s get growing!
Related Episode: Why Growers Need to Develop Habits In Your Purposeful Journey
Main Points
The Problem with Traditional Habit-Forming Techniques
The Unconventional Approach: Starting with Why
Tips and Tricks
The Power of Micro-Actions
Why This Method Works
Growing with God- Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Putting it into Practice
Resources Mentioned:
The Unconventional Way to Create Habits that Will Finally Stick
Have you ever set out to establish a new habit, only to fall back into old patterns time and time again? It's a frustrating cycle that many of us can relate to. But what if I told you that there's an unconventional approach to habit-forming that actually works? In this article, we'll explore the power of starting with why, the effectiveness of micro-actions, and the importance of accountability when it comes to creating habits that finally stick. Say goodbye to the traditional habit-forming techniques that leave you feeling defeated and hello to a new way of achieving the results you've been looking for.
The Problem with Traditional Habit-Forming Techniques
Traditional habit-forming techniques have been around for decades, but they don't always work. For instance, many traditional techniques focus on setting goals and using rewards to motivate oneself to stick to a new habit. However, these techniques often miss the critical component needed for long-term success: the why. My unconventional approach that we are going to discuss today starts with understanding why we want to form a new habit.
The Unconventional Approach: Starting with Why
To truly create habits that stick, it's not enough to simply set a goal and offer a reward. The missing piece in this traditional approach is understanding the why behind our desired habit. Starting with why allows us to create a deep sense of purpose and motivation that will sustain our efforts over the long term.
When we understand why we want to form a new habit, we are more likely to stay committed even when it feels difficult or inconvenient. If our why is rooted in our personal values or a larger mission, we have a stronger internal drive to keep going.
And not only do you need to understand your reason for building this new habit but we also need to write down how this new habit will help us everyday. Habits are built for everyday not once in a while. So by seeing how this will help you everyday you will be more likely to action everyday but also continue going forward.
In a worksheet I developed to help you build habits called, Growing with Habits, I help determine your why and how your new habit will help you everyday plus more tips on making your new habit stick. You can find more info below!
We will explore the power of micro-actions in further detail in a few moments but now it is time for the tips and Tricks segment of this episode.
Listen to the episode above to learn more about the seasonal tips and tricks that I use here at Red Ridge Farmstead. They help me so I am sure they will help you too!
Let’s get back to learning more about making habits stick.
The Power of Micro-Actions
By starting with a strong sense of purpose and breaking down our larger goals into smaller, more achievable actions, we can begin to build momentum towards lasting change. This is where the power of micro-actions comes into play. Rather than trying to overhaul our entire life in one fell swoop, we can focus on making small, incremental changes that eventually add up to big results.
Micro-actions serve as a way to build consistency and create a sense of accomplishment, which make them perfect for habit building. They are simple, easy tasks that we can perform every day without much effort or thought. By committing to these small actions, we begin to build a new habit and create a sense of routine. Over time, these small actions become second nature and we begin to see the larger changes we were aiming for.
So when you want to make habits stick you need to start small with just one habit at a time and also with something that is only a part of a larger goal. When we try to add a string of habits it is hard to prioritize accomplishing each of those habits each day. You and I are very busy people and sometimes it is our business that holds us back from changing our ways. We think if I add three new habits this month instead of one I will get more done and be further along. But the truth is that philosophy doesn’t work when it comes to building habits that will stick. You need to see that if that habit you chose will indeed help you everyday it must be acted on every day. Which can be done when you only add one habit at a time.
So why does this method work? By focusing on small, achievable actions, we are able to build momentum and create a sense of progress. This progress fuels our motivation and helps us stay committed to our goals even when things get tough. By breaking down our goals into achievable steps, we can avoid becoming overwhelmed and feeling like we're not making progress. This can be especially helpful when working towards larger, more long-term goals.
Why This Method Works
By focusing on small, achievable actions, we are able to build momentum and create a sense of progress. This progress fuels our motivation and helps us stay committed to our goals even when things get tough. By breaking down our goals into achievable steps, we can avoid becoming overwhelmed and feeling like we're not making progress. This can be especially helpful when working towards larger, more long-term goals.
Breaking our habits down into smaller actions is so effective because it allows us to see progress and celebrate small wins along the way. It also helps us establish a routine and create a sense of consistency, which can be critical for habit formation. Additionally, it helps us build confidence and self-efficacy, which are essential for making lasting changes in our lives.
We will explore how to put this method into practice and start creating habits that will finally stick in just a moment but now it is time for the Growing God Segment of this episode.
Listen to the episode above to join me as we meditate on Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and learn more about our Lord and Savior!
Let’s get back to creating an action plan for making habits stick!
Putting it into Practice
Breaking down our habits into smaller, actionable steps can be daunting, especially if we're looking to make significant changes. But don't let that discourage you. We often get stuck in the planning phase and never take action. But, one of the best ways to implement these changes is by starting small and working your way up. This means being realistic with your habits.
If you're looking to start a new exercise routine, for example, don't jump right into a rigorous program. Instead, start with something simple like doing a 10-minute morning stretch routine, and then gradually build from there. Celebrate your progress along the way. You need to decide before you even start how you are going to reward yourself. And no, just accomplishing the habit every day is not the only reward. You need to find something more. Like I am going to treat myself with a new book to listen to when I accomplish my new habit for a week straight and so on. I think you get the picture.
To put this into practice, you are going to have to consider creating a habit tracker or using an app that helps you keep track of your progress. This can make the process more tangible and help you stay accountable. Additionally, try to incorporate your new habit into your existing routine, as this can make it feel less overwhelming. One sure fire way you can do this is to tie this new habit to an old habit that you are already doing.
For example if you want to add washing down your bathroom sink as a new habit try doing it right after you brush your teeth. Or if you want to add doing a load of laundry to your todo list every day. Gather the laundry when you are getting dressed right next to the hamper or waking up your child each morning. Then tie putting your laundry in the dry when you are making lunch each day. Then tie grabbing the laundry from the dry to when you sit down to watch tv each night so you can fold as you watch.
Another crucial element of habit formation is consistency. Make sure you're setting realistic goals that you can maintain over time. If you're trying to wake up earlier, for example, aim to wake up 15 minutes earlier each day, rather than trying to wake up an hour earlier immediately.
Also make an action plan for when you are going to fail. We are all human and failure is part of growing. So make a plan for the steps you are going to take to get back on track.
Remember, forming a new habit takes time and patience. But by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps, celebrating your progress, and staying consistent, you can create habits that will finally stick. Also I have made the Growing with Habits worksheet to help you with every step of making habits and taking action so that they will stick.
In conclusion, breaking out of old patterns and creating meaningful habits can be challenging, but not impossible. By using an unconventional approach, starting with your why, and breaking down goals into micro-actions, you can achieve the results you've been looking for. Remember to find an accountability partner or community to support you along the way. As you make these small shifts, you'll start to see big results. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey towards meaningful change today and see just how far you can go. As Lao Tzu said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
And don’t forget to dive into the Just Grow stage of the Purposeful Growing Journey where you will find more tips and resources for developing habits and creating a purpose in your growing journey!
Don’t let the world hold you back,
Pray, Just Plant
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