Let’s talk habits (my favourite things in the world to yap about). Not the big, life-altering decisions, but the small, everyday choices that stack up over time. We all set goals. Maybe you want to get fitter, save more money, or finally read that pile of books collecting dust on your shelf. But here’s the real talk: your goals don’t define your success—your habits do.
Think about it... the winner and the loser of a race often have the exact same goal and that's to win. So what makes the difference? It’s the habits they build along the way, that 1% daily. Habits are what put success on autopilot, making the process feel effortless.
So, how do we actually build good habits that stick? I'm going to share the process I share with my clients and work with them to understand. It's four steps and foolproof.
If something isn’t staring you in the face, it’s easy to forget about it. The trick is to make your new habit impossible to ignore.
Example: Want to journal every morning? Leave your journal on your pillow at night so you see it first thing in the morning.
Tip: Use habit stacking. Tie your new habit to an existing routine. For example, “After I brush my teeth, I will drink a glass of water.” This way, your existing habits act as reminders for new ones. Tie it to a habit you enjoy and would never miss.
Why not make your habits something you actually look forward to? How can we romanticise the thing we want to create but put off?
Example: If you want to start reading more, light a candle and make a hot drink - get cozy!!! This makes reading feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Tip: Surround yourself with people who already have the habit you want. You become like the people you spend the most time with. Who has the same values as you? The same interests as you? What groups and communities? Join them.
Most of us fail at habits because we make them too complicated. The key is priming your environment to reduce any friction.
Example: Do you keep snoozing your alarm for the gym? Leave your phone on the other end of the room, with your gym clothes layed out, with your pre workout snack.
Tip: Visualise this happening successfully and how it makes you feel once you've completed it.
When building a habit, we can't think about our 'future self'. We need to avoid that 'delay-return' and reward ourself straight away.
Example: Did you get yourself on that run or to that session? Get yourself a post workout shake or coffee!
Tip: Don't beat yourself up if something doesn't go to plan. It's a process, a journey, and won't be smooth sailing.
Success isn’t about setting massive goals. Tt’s about the small, consistent habits that shape your daily life. By making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying, you can set yourself up for effortless success. The key is to integrate new behaviours into your existing routine, create an environment that supports your goals, and reward yourself along the way. Progress may not always be perfect, but it’s the small, daily improvements that add up to long-term success. Put your habits on autopilot, and watch how they transform your future!
Lots of love,
Kate W
