New Year, New Habit: 2 Simple Hacks to Make and Keep New Habits

Whether you’re looking to make new habits or break old ones, many people use the new year to reflect on where they are and where they hope to improve. 

If you take an informal poll of who is making a New Year’s resolution, statics are low. Many decide to skip resolutions because, let’s be honest, they never last past week 4. Others think January 1 is an arbitrary day to start something new because “I can change any day” but, turns out, often forget to pick their later start date. If you’re debating a resolution and want a tip to help, here are 2 simple hacks to help you make and keep new habits (any time of year). 

1. Figure out why you are making this resolution 

Pledging to drink more water, work out more, or call your mom with improved frequency is lovely at first glance, but the key is to know why you want to do these things. Play every child’s favorite game of “but why” until you find a good answer to the deeper meaning of the habit. For example:

I want to keep that place I always drop my bags and mail clean this year. But why? There is a better place to put it, eventually I have to move it anyways, and when that area is clean it makes the whole home seem more organized. But why? Because when that area is full, it makes the room feel chaotic and can be visually distressing. But why? Seeing the clean surface helps me feel more in control and less overwhelmed which ultimately will help with happiness and productivity.

So, cleaning a counter isn’t just to “make it pretty” but to visually give my brain a slice of heaven vs a sense of being overloaded. Now that I can get behind.

2. Piggyback on an existing habit

Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, use something that is already working for you! Want to start walking in the morning? Immediately put on sneakers (new habit) after finishing your morning coffee (existing habit). Already walking, but want to stay connected to family and friends more this year? Call your people (new habit) during your walk or immediately upon your return (existing habit). Want to journal or keep a log of 3 good things each day? Think of the things while brushing your teeth at night (existing habit) and then it’s a cinch to write down (new habit) once your night routine is complete.

Making it an extension of a preexisting habit may help it stick better than as an untethered habit.

Habit making and breaking is tricky for many. These 2 simple hacks are a great starting point, but there are plenty of ways to tailor tactics to better fit your specific needs. Want reinforcements for accountability or improved success compared to before? Life coaching can provide both and more. Connect to get your improvements started.