A new year. 365 days of potential and possibility. It’s that time of the year when we all
take stock of the year that’s just passed, and, for many of us, make resolutions for the
year to come. Resolutions that all too often remain on the pages we wrote them on. So
this year, we’re trying something different – and invite you along for the ride. This year,
we’re resolved to build habits. What’s the difference you say? Making resolutions is one
thing, following through is another. Life happens, and for many of us, these noble (or not
so noble) intentions become vague memories. This is where a habit tracker can help
you keep a log of your progress and help you stay the course.
1. Why does habit tracking work?
Because measuring and tracking progress is important to stay motivated and focused,
and also hold ourselves accountable. It shows us the progress that we’ve made – in a
visual presentation, offers evidence of how we are really doing versus how we think we
are doing, and motivates us to continue.
2. How long does it take to form a habit?
Repetition is key to forming a long lasting habit. The common misconception is that it
takes just 21 days to form a new habit. In reality, it could take weeks, months or years –
how long depends on you. Forming a new habit takes time, discipline and patience. And
a habit tracker helps by keeping you consistent and showing you the incremental
progress that you’re making. Common habits that people track include daily habits such
as meditation, exercise and expressing gratitude; monthly habits such as reviewing
finances and paying bills; habits of avoidance, such a social media blackout or a
screen-free day and more.
Ready to get started?
Here are the four steps that you need to follow to take.
- Choose your habit(s).
Remember, the habit you choose should align with one of your life goals. Also,
it’s better to start one habit at a time, rather than trying to implement several at
the same time. This approach allows you to focus on the habit until you’ve built
consistency and made some progress. - Pick your method of habit tracking.
You can go old-school with a physical habit tracker, or digital with an app. Here’s
where we also tell you that we have a habit tracker that WILL change your life –
you can find it here. - Keep your habit-tracker within reach.
If you’re using an app (and there are quite a few of these) – this is easy. But if
you’re going the analog route, make sure your tracker is handily available so that
you can add your entries on completion of the action that you’re trying to turn into
a habit.
- Remember to be kind to yourself.
Patience is key. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t build a new habit
overnight. You will make progress and you will fall off the wagon, and that’s ok.
Track your habits and reward yourself for the incremental progress that you’ve
made.
As we begin this new year, let’s remember that it takes time to build a new habit.
Science tells us that being able to see the progress that we’ve made is a powerful
source of motivation, and a habit tracker does exactly that. So get your tracker and get
started on your journey. And remember, you’re not alone. We are on our own journeys
too – with you.
Here’s to a healthy, happy, hopeful 2023!
