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Building Better Habits and Cultivating Consistency: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all trying to be more productive, healthier, and more successful in various aspects of life. Wouldn’t you agree? I mean, I know I am always striving in all areas of my life!

Throughout the years, I realized one of the keys to achieving these goals lies in the habits we cultivate. However, building better habits and maintaining consistency can be challenging. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight, but rather about implementing small, sustainable steps that lead to lasting success. At One Shot, we’ve had our One Shot Wellness Experience, Build Better Habits and we’re always harping on the power of consistency.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build better habits and work on consistency in your life.

1. Start Small and Focus on One Habit at a Time
When it comes to habit formation, less is more. It’s easy to get excited about the idea of changing multiple things at once, but attempting to overhaul your entire life overnight is a recipe for burnout. Do not go with the #ALLORNOTHING attitude. That will lead burnout and failure.

Instead, focus on one habit at a time. Whether it’s drinking more water, exercising daily, or improving your sleep routine, choose one habit that aligns with your goals. Starting small gives you a greater chance of success and reduces the risk of feeling overwhelmed.

2. Set Clear and Achievable Goals
If your goal is to “exercise more,” it’s likely you’ll struggle with consistency because the objective is vague. Instead, make your goals specific, measurable, and time-bound.

For example, instead of “exercise more,” aim for something like “work out for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.” This gives you a clear target to aim for and allows you to track your progress. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones so you can see the incremental improvements over time. (Heyyyyyyyy! Part of the reason why we started to implement our DOZEN COMMITTED CLUB. Commit to 3x/week in a month’s time. Make this non-negotiable in your schedule!)

3. Anchor Your New Habit to an Existing Routine (We call this habit stacking!)
One of the most effective ways to build a new habit is by attaching it to something you already do. This strategy, known as habit stacking, helps you integrate your new habit into your daily life with ease.

For instance, if you already have a morning coffee routine, use that time to also stretch for five minutes or review your to-do list for the day. By linking your new habit to an existing one, you create a mental trigger that reminds you to do it regularly.

4. Make It Easy and Enjoyable
If a habit feels like a chore, it’s easy to abandon it. Making your new habit as easy and enjoyable as possible increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with it. (I always like to say… make it sexy! Or “romanticize your bedtime routine” of reading, drinking tea, etc.)

For example, if your goal is to read more, start with just five minutes a day. Choose a book or genre that excites you. Or, if you’re trying to exercise, pick an activity that you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, swimming, or walking in nature. The easier and more fun the habit, the more likely you are to continue.

5. Track Your Progress
Tracking progress is a powerful way to stay motivated. Keeping a record of your successes, no matter how small, can boost your morale and encourage you to keep going.

You can track your progress using a habit tracker app, a physical calendar, or a journal. Celebrate milestones (even small ones) and acknowledge how far you’ve come. Positive reinforcement makes the habit-building process more rewarding and helps create momentum.

6. Be Patient and Embrace the Process
Building habits doesn’t happen overnight. On average, it takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, depending on its complexity. So, be patient with yourself.

If you slip up or miss a day, don’t get discouraged. It’s natural to face setbacks, and they don’t mean failure. Instead of giving up, focus on getting back on track. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection; it means showing up again and again, even when things don’t go as planned.

Embracing the process is really important. Start to ENJOY what you’re setting your mind to, the idea of it and the outcome that could come if you are patient.

7. Create a Support System
Sometimes, it’s easier to stay consistent when you have someone to hold you accountable. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a community online, having support can make all the difference. Share your goals with others and check in regularly to stay motivated.

Another great option is to join a group with similar interests or goals. Whether it’s a fitness class, a book club, or a productivity group, having a community around you helps reinforce the habit. (This is where One Shot Wellness comes in clutch!)

8. Reevaluate and Adjust as Needed
As you work on building a habit, be open to reassessing it periodically. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. Maybe you need to adjust your goal to make it more realistic, or perhaps you need to change the time of day when you perform your habit.

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes external factors will get in the way of your plans. Flexibility is key to long-term consistency. Don’t be afraid to modify your strategy to better fit your evolving lifestyle.

9. Celebrate Wins and Reflect on Progress
Celebrating small victories is essential to staying motivated. Every time you stick to your new habit or achieve a milestone, take a moment to acknowledge it. Celebrate the wins, whether it’s with a treat, a day off, or simply taking pride in how far you’ve come.

It’s also helpful to reflect on your progress regularly. Review what’s working well and what might need improvement. Reflection not only helps you stay on track but also allows you to appreciate how far you’ve come.

10. Understand That Consistency Is Key, Not Perfection
Remember, consistency is more important than perfection. In fact, perfectionism can be one of the biggest barriers to success. If you aim for flawless execution, you might get discouraged when you inevitably fall short.

Instead of trying to be perfect, focus on being consistent. Even if you can’t do your habit perfectly every day, the fact that you’re showing up regularly is what matters most. Consistency compounds over time and leads to long-term results.

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