We’re all creatures of habit and inherently find it difficult to make change, especially to our daily habits. However, there is a key to building better habits.
I’m guessing that you’ve often convinced yourself that changing or creating better habits just isn’t your thing.
You’ve probably tried. Maybe more than once.
You’ve set intentions, made lists, even bought new active wear or downloaded a fancy app. And, then…….. hello procrastination and excuses.
What I’m about to suggest might sound completely counterintuitive, especially if you’re used to the usual habit-building advice. But stick with me, because there’s science behind this (and it actually works).
Here’s the big question:
What do you hate doing the most?
Because chances are, the thing you’re trying to build a habit around feels really hard. It’s unfamiliar, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and often pushes all your buttons.
And when something feels hard or uncomfortable, your brain steps in with its well-stocked procrastination toolbox.
- “Do it later.”
- “Just one more scroll.”
- “Not today. Tomorrow will be better.”
- “Too tired right now”
Sound familiar?
Then you put it off.
And that’s when the spiral starts – guilt, frustration, self-blame. You feel like you’ve failed, again. And so the cycle repeats.
For instance, how many times have you said you’d get up early to exercise, only to hit snooze? Or planned to write something meaningful or creative, only to find yourself elbow-deep in admin tasks, putting on the kettle or stuck on social media?
Here’s the answer!
Do the thing you’re avoiding first.
Get it out of the way, before your brain comes up with the excuses, before the task gets pushed onto the backburner, festering as guilt all day. Imagine how you’ll feel after your done that thing! You’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more accomplished. And over time, you might even start to like the thing you used to dread.
There’s a science-y reason behind this too. In his book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg explains that all habits follow the same loop:
When you do something you’ve been avoiding, the trick is to focus on the reward. Not the task (routine) itself. Not how hard it feels. But what you’ll get from it – your reward. For example – better health, energy, freedom, confidence, momentum. It’s called visualisation and it’s easy once you start practicing.
You can apply this to anything.
- Want to start exercising in the morning? Picture how energised and clear-headed you’ll feel afterwards. Maybe even a little bit smug.
- Trying to eat healthier? Spend 30 minutes on Sunday prepping your lunches, and imagine how stress free your weeknights become when dinner practically makes itself.
Here’s what I’m doing:
- For me, creative writing often ends up at the bottom of my to-do list. But, I’m blocking out 20 minutes each morning, before emails, before admin, just to write. I’m doing it now and I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s session. And, even if tomorrow I only manage to carve out 10 minutes, I am making forward momentum because I know what those small, consistent blocks of time will build over weeks and months.
So, what’s your thing?
What’s the habit that you know will change you for the better, that will give you what you want for yourself, that keeps getting put on the backburner?
What’s that thing you’ve been avoiding for ages?
Try it tomorrow morning. Then again the next day. Keep it simple. Keep it short. But keep doing it.
Small consistent steps. That’s where the magic is.
If you want support with building better habits, here’s how I can help:
- Head over to my booking page and schedule an appointment. I’ll hold you accountable, give you suggestions and help set you up for success – Click here
With building healthy habits in mind,
Catherine x
For more information on habit building, you might like to read:
