New Year, New Habits: A Guide to Lasting Change
Why Habits Matter
We've all heard the saying, "old habits die hard." But what if we could harness the power of habits to create positive change in our lives? Habits are the building blocks of our daily routines, and by forming good habits, we can improve our productivity, health, and overall well-being. So why are they so hard to form?
We have brilliant intentions, come new years eve, we can talk the talk about joining the gym, attending that course, cutting down on the vino, so why is it so so hard to keep up those habits? Two things going on here, some behavioural habits mashed up with some neuroscience.
The Science of Habit Formation
Our Behavours
Understanding the science behind habit formation can help us create lasting change. A habit loop consists of four key elements:
Cue: A trigger that initiates the behaviour.
Routine: The behaviour itself.
Reward: The benefit or pleasure associated with the behaviour.
Belief: The belief that the behaviour will lead to the desired outcome.
By identifying the cue, routine, and reward of our current habits, we can modify them to form new, positive habits.
Our Brains
Our brains put simply have a load of neural pathways that develop when we create habits. The longer the habit is formed, the stronger the pathway, like the trunk of the tree. When we decide to create a new habit a new neural pathway forms, like a sapling.
The more we ‘feed’ the sapling, the stronger this habit becomes (this is called Neuroplasticity). To do this requires, discipline and practice over and over again. The brain will always want to go to the path more frequently travelled (the tree trunk), its easier for our brains to do this. If we don’t look after our ‘sapling’ the neural pathway literally withers away and dies! If we don’t use it, we loose it!
Tips for Forming and Sustaining Good Habits
Start Small: Begin with small, achievable habits and gradually increase their difficulty.
Stack Habits: Pair a new habit with an existing one. For example, after brushing your teeth, meditate for five minutes.
Create a Habit Tracker: Use a journal or app to track your progress.
Find an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with a friend or family member who can support and encourage you.
Celebrate Your Successes: Reward yourself for achieving your goals, no matter how small.
Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself: If you slip up, don't give up. Just start again tomorrow.
By focusing on forming and sustaining positive habits, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life. So, let's make this year the year we break free from old habits and embrace new ones that will transform our lives.