It’s really hard to keep a new habit, especially if that habit is healthy or good for you in some way. Bad stuff is way more fun and easier to maintain, right?
The secret is habit linking.
Instead of trying to add in a new healthy habit while removing a bad one, link your new habit to something you already like to do.
For example, if you want to take up running on a treadmill (I can’t think of anything worse), then make that the same time that you watch your favourite TV show. You can’t watch that show any other time so it will force you to run on the treadmill. Eventually the goodwill you feel about your favourite show will also rub off on the treadmill and you’ll enjoy that too.
You can also link a reward habit after the new healthy habit – like getting a massage, or buying yourself something.
For me, I wanted to up my daily steps and walk more every day. Working from home means I don’t have a big commute and so I head out for a walk either in the morning or mid afternoon. To motivate me to go, I started listening to podcasts.
My podcast library is full and if you’re looking for a podcast to link to a new habit here are some of my current favourites:
- Straight & Curly – Just named in the top 10 podcasts of 2016 by Apple, I’m so proud of my friends Carly and Kelly for their life hacks podcast. I also love that Carly always talks about me in almost every episode. Never change Carly.
- Freakonomics Radio – An always fascinating look at the hidden side of everything. I binge listened to this over the last holidays.
- My Favorite Murder – Thanks to Carly, I’m developing a new interest in true crime and I also binge listened to this new podcast.
Stay sexy and don’t get murdered!
Also, don’t forget to link a current favourite habit to a new habit for more chance of success.