If you’re trying to adopt a new habit, you’re a hero.
You’re going against the basic instincts of human nature that tell you to stay where you are and save energy.
And it doesn’t matter what you’re trying to do.
Maybe you’re starting to work out, eat healthier, read books, or build a side business.
In any case, one thing is certain.
You’re having a hard time and you might have failed a couple of times in the beginning (which makes your effort heroic.)
How can you increase your chances of success?
How can you change your old habits and stick to the new ones for the rest of your life?
The solution is simple – but it’s not always easy to do.
You see, habits are built by constant repetition.
Which means that your goal should be to repeat the certain action as often as possible to make it a habit.
For example, let’s say you want to make a habit of working out.
Now, you could, just like many beginners do, start with a lot of enthusiasm and exhaust yourself in the first week…
Or you could be smart and start lightly.
The second option is the right one.
Why?
Because if you start lightly, you’re more likely going to feel great and you’ll want to continue working out for another week…
And then another and another…
Until you become so used to exercise that you don’t even feel sore after a workout, no matter how hard it was.
On the other hand, if your first workout is harder than it should be, you’re likely to end up in pain and give up.
And you’ll never get a chance to form a habit if you give up.
So that’s the first rule you should follow if you want to form a habit and keep it for life – aim for consistency.
It’s better to walk every day for 15 minutes than to run for two hours one day a week.
The other rule is to reward yourself for consistency.
By rewarding yourself for certain behavior (e.g. going to the gym three times a week), you’re making it more likely that you will repeat that behavior.
This is called positive reinforcement and it’s often used by parents and schools to teach children the act of consistency.
So you can also use it to teach yourself a new habit.
Your reward can be anything from a cheat meal, to playing video games, to going out for a beer with friends.
Rewards are important because, in many cases, you won’t get any results in the beginning.
Your muscles won’t get big after a month of training.
So to keep yourself motivated without any tangible results, you should celebrate consistency.
Now, here’s the best part…
You can use these two rules for habit formation in ANY area of life.
You can aim for consistency in business by making sure you reach out to potential clients every single day…
And then you can reward yourself for hitting that goal with a free day where you do absolutely nothing.
Sound good?
Then try it out the next time you’re adopting a new habit and you’ll be amazed by your long-term results!
Stay fit my friend,
Michael
Founder & CEO
