In this blog, I share the most important habit building tip I ever learned.
Over the years, I tried many different ways of building a habit, going from not having a routine to waking up at 4 am to accommodate a 3-hour morning regimen.
The biggest lesson I learned was that RESISTANCE is the most critical obstacle in creating a sustainable change. When you begin creating a new routine and attempting to achieve something you deeply desire, you start resisting specific actions because you may say to yourself, “that’s not who I am.”
We tend to create this self-image that ties deeply into our identity and find whatever way we can to avoid conflicting with that image. Some examples are:
I’m terrible at sticking to my exercise routine
I am not a morning person
I’m always too busy to take care of myself
Take a moment here and identify the stories you tell yourself.
When you decide to change something, you interrupt the identity you created for yourself (perhaps for years). Every opinion you have about yourself is learned and conditioned through experience. And your routines are how you embody your identity. When you exercise regularly, you embody the identity of an active person.
The more you stick with your habit, the more you reinforce that identity.
What is the identity you want to embody?
What behaviours are associated with this identity?
When you get clear on your new identity and the behaviours associated with it, remember:
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- Your habits are a guide, not a rigid torturous device or a self-worth measuring tool.
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- You are not a robot! Even “good” habits done robotically steal away intentionality, sensitivity, and purpose from your routine.
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- Sustainable habits are built around your life, not the other way around.
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- Know your deep why behind building every habit so you can return to it when the motivation is not there to save you.
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- Give yourself permission to move your habits around, change things, tweak them often, and add and remove until they work for you.
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- Give yourself plenty of time for trial and error to see if the habits you’re building serve you and your life.
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- When you decide to build a habit, ask yourself, can I stick to it long term to see the benefit? If the answer is NO, modify! Modify more so you can.
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Enjoy habit-building! And if you need extra support in embodying your new identity, feel free to book a consultation call with me.
Be Mov〰ful,
Hedi