5 Simple Steps to Build Habits That Stick
Building new habits can feel like an uphill battle, right? Trust me, I’ve been there—trying to drink more water, get outside for walks, or stick to a new routine can feel like a lot when life is already busy. But here’s what I’ve learned: with a little planning and consistency, you can build new habits that stick and those new habits can feel as natural as grabbing your morning coffee.
The best part? You don’t need to make huge, overwhelming changes all at once. Small, intentional steps are the secret to turning your goals into habits that actually last. Let me walk you through five steps that have worked for me (and can work for you too) when learning how to build habits that stick.
Step One: Be Super Clear About Your Goal
I used to say things like, “I’ll exercise more” or “I’ll eat better,” and then wonder why it never stuck. Turns out, being vague doesn’t work. Instead, I started getting specific, like, “I’ll walk for 20 minutes every evening after dinner” or “I’ll drink eight glasses of water by filling my water bottle twice a day.” Suddenly, it felt doable.
So, here’s the trick: decide exactly what you want to do and how you’ll make it happen. Focus on one small habit at a time. When I started small, it was so much easier to build momentum and feel successful right away.
Step Two: Make It as Easy as Possible
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the easier it is, the more likely you’ll stick with it. When I decided to pack healthy snacks instead of hitting the vending machine, I started prepping them the night before. Eventually, grabbing an apple and some almonds became just as quick as buying chips.
Think about how you can set yourself up for success. Keep your sneakers by the door if you’re planning to walk more, or leave a water bottle at your desk to remind you to hydrate. For me, removing the “I don’t have time” excuse was a game-changer.
Step Three: Use Reminders That Work for You
Life gets hectic, and let’s be honest—sometimes new habits are the first thing to go. I’ve been guilty of forgetting my own goals more times than I can count. That’s why reminders are a lifesaver.
For me, setting an alarm on my phone was a huge help. I also started tying new habits to things I already did. For example, I wanted to stretch daily, so I decided to do it right after brushing my teeth in the morning. I didn’t have to think about it because it became part of an existing routine.
Visual reminders are great, too. I’ve stuck Post-it notes on my coffee maker, put my yoga mat where I can’t miss it, and even set my favorite playlist to start automatically at the same time every evening.
Step Four: Work It Into Your Routine
This step made the biggest difference for me when trying to build habits that stick. When I wanted to read more, I decided to spend 15 minutes with a book every night before bed. It didn’t take long before it felt as natural as brushing my teeth.
Routines are powerful because they help you stay consistent without overthinking. If you want to eat healthier, meal prep every Sunday so you’re ready for the week. If you’re aiming to walk more, tie it to a specific time of day, like after dinner. I promise, once you find your rhythm, sticking to it gets so much easier.
Step Five: Celebrate the Wins
Can I just say how important this step is? I used to be so hard on myself when I wasn’t “perfect,” but that just made me want to quit. Now, I celebrate every small win, and it’s made all the difference.
Did you drink water every day this week? High five! Treat yourself to a cute new water bottle. Got outside for a walk every evening? Time for a new playlist or audiobook. Recognizing your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and reinforces your new habit.
And here’s the thing: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. If you slip up, it’s okay—just pick back up the next day. You’re building something lasting, and that takes time.
Bonus Tips for Success
Here are a few extra tricks that have worked for me:
- Track Your Progress: I started using a habit tracker, and seeing those streaks grow is so satisfying. It’s like a little reminder of how far you’ve come.
- Find a Buddy: I told a friend about one of my goals, and she started checking in on me. Knowing someone else is rooting for you is such a boost.
- Be Kind to Yourself: If you miss a day, don’t let it derail you. I remind myself that one off day doesn’t cancel out all the progress I’ve made.
Creating new habits doesn’t have to feel impossible. When you start small, stay consistent, and celebrate along the way, those new habits will become part of your life before you know it.
What new habit are you excited to start? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment and let me know!
