How to create new habits
Habits can play a decisive role in our daily lives, as they are the cornerstones of our routine. It’s the small actions, repeated day after day, that shape the big picture of our existence. In this sense, understanding how to create new habits is essential, no matter how much change we want to implement.
By setting up routines and persevering with them, we can make significant progress and transform our lives in a lasting way. There are simple and accessible ways to begin the process of habit change, but before we tackle them, let’s look at the obstacles that can stand in our way.
Obstacles to creating new habits
Firstly, when creating a new habit, unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and premature abandonment. Since motivation fluctuates, it can’t be the only force we rely on to start new habits. Starting with a simple, precise goal helps build a solid foundation for moving on to a more complex one. Why not chart your progress? This will help you see your progress and motivate you!
Secondly, an unsuitable environment can hamper the maintenance of a new habit. Nevertheless, a favorable environment can be created, firstly by informing those around you of your intention, and by planning a time of day dedicated to this new habit.
Thirdly, it’s essential to make the habit easy to achieve. The anchoring technique can be beneficial, as it consists in associating a new habit with another that is already well anchored in the daily routine. By linking the new habit to an already automated action, it becomes easier not to forget it and to maintain it over time.
Finally, personal beliefs about oneself can influence the ability to change. Limiting thoughts can become major obstacles.
Recognizing and challenging your own beliefs is crucial to making room for transformation. By adopting a growth mindset, it becomes possible to gradually replace doubts with positive affirmations, opening the way to new opportunities.
In practice
According to the author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, it’s important to follow concrete, specific steps to ensure the long-term success of new habits.
Let’s take, for example, a fictional scenario in which a person would like to integrate meditation into his or her life.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Make the habit easy to achieve
- Choose a quiet place in the house where you can meditate without interruption.
- Choose a cushion or a comfortable chair in advance.
2. Associate the new habit with an existing one (anchoring)
- Decide to meditate just after an already well-anchored habit, such as after brushing your teeth in the morning.
3. Start small to build a lasting routine
- Start by meditating for just 2 minutes. The aim is to make the task so simple that it becomes difficult not to do it.
4. Track your progress and stay motivated
- Use a calendar or app to track your progress.
- Celebrate each successful day with a small reward, such as a cup of tea after meditation.
5. Create a supportive environment
- Inform your family or roommates of your intention to meditate each morning so that they respect this time.
- Eliminate possible distractions by turning off your phone or putting it on silent mode.
6. Overcome potential obstacles
- If you miss a day, don’t get discouraged. Resume the routine the next day.
- Anticipate times when it might be difficult to meditate (e.g. busy mornings) and plan solutions, such as meditating in the evening exceptionally.
Reset your rhythm
Adopting good habits is often seen as a daunting task, but it’s actually the key to more harmonious daily life and lasting success. Le Monastère des Augustines, with its unique wellness offer, proves to be an ideal place to establish new habits.
For example, taking part in a group activity, such as the guided meditation walk offered every morning at Le Monastère, enables you to gradually integrate a new practice into your daily life.
Mealtimes can also be an opportunity to experiment with a different way of eating: mindful eating. Taking the time to savor each bite, to appreciate textures and flavors, is not only about honoring your body and what nature has to offer, it’s also about cultivating the habit of slowing down and listening to your needs.
Finally, by taking part in a holistic health consultation, you can benefit from the advice of a specialized guide to discuss the various pillars of balanced global health. This type of consultation offers the opportunity to acquire ideas, knowledge and tools for developing healthy lifestyle habits.
The exceptional setting of Le Monastère, with its soothing spaces, facilitates the implementation of these new habits. The peaceful rooms and serene environment invite you to slow down, release accumulated stress and return to your daily activities with renewed energy.
By stepping away from the distractions of everyday life, it becomes easier to focus on wellness and transform your life in a positive and inspiring way, one step at a time. What’s your next step in creating a new habit?