They say it takes twenty-one days to create a new habit. Habits like drinking more water or getting more steps in are good habits that help build a better future, but under the right circumstances, your new habits can easily slip back into the old ones from the past.
Sticking to new, future-focused habits requires determination and an understanding of why you feel the way you do when you want to quit. In some cases, avoiding extra steps isn’t about being too lazy to walk, it could be about something deeper you need to consider.
Reflecting on the past can help you build better habits and avoid slipping backwards when they feel tough to stick with.
Here are some ideas that will help:
Ask Yourself Why? Asking yourself why you want to resist the activities that lead to your future goals is important. Why do you feel frustrated? Why can’t you do the activity? What is standing in the way? What about the past could be causing your feelings today? Getting to the root of the why can help you overcome slipping into old habits and stick with the new ones.
Change the story- We attach stories to why we do, say, and believe the things we do. Rather than tell yourself the same story, rewrite it and memorize a new and better story. Instead of saying “I always quit.” Rewrite your story to say “It may be hard, but I do not quit.” Rather than say “I am unlovable.” Rewrite your story to say “The right people love me and the wrong people do not matter.”
Reinvent your situation- You can’t get new results doing what you have always done. Sometimes you have to change your scenery, your workspace, or your view. Don’t be afraid to make a new start and get a fresh perspective to practice your new habits.
Partner with someone- From an accountability buddy to a whole team of support, finding people to do new and exciting things with can help you move from a difficult past to the future you crave. Find support and plug into it regularly.
Journal or track your progress- Tracking your changes can help you stick to your goals for the future and rework your history. Journaling your feelings, tracking your progress, and working through roadblocks or triggers can help you reflect on the past and use the information to create a better future.
Reflections For Progress: Avoiding Old Habits & Embracing Growth
This helpful resource is designed to help you identify the business habits that aren't working for you, an how to embrace the ones that maximize your growth. Enter your infomation below for a FREE download.
