Forming a new habit is no easy task, and we’re all faced with moments where we want to say “screw it” and break the habit. As 99U points out, those are the moments we need to identify the most, and when we identify them we can react to them better.
New habits are incredibly easy to break, and that means if the slightest source of friction can cause us to let that habit slip away. 99U suggests that the best thing you can do is find the exact point where things start to break down for you and formulate a plan to deal with it. 99U shares this example from author Ramit Sethi:
When I sat down to analyse why I wasn’t going to the gym, I realized: my closet was in another room. That meant I had to walk out in the cold [to] put on my clothes. It was easier to just stay in bed. Once I realised this, I folded my clothes and shoes the night before. When I woke up the next morning, I would roll over and see my gym clothes sitting on the floor. The result? My gym attendance soared by over 300%.
The point is to preempt your “ah-screw-it” attitude and come up with a solution to the problem before it happens. For example, if you’re too tired to go for a run after work, change your running time or schedule a short nap before your run. Hopefully, you’ll be able to eliminate those moments where you have excuses to give up.
5 Scientific Ways to Build Habits That Stick [99U]
Picture: brian carlson
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