How to Create Positive Habits That Stick

Did you know that you can actually “brainwash” yourself for success? It’s true! By creating positive habits and reinforcing them consistently, you can rewire your brain to automatically make the choices that lead to success.

Here’s how it works:

• 1. Identify the habits you want to create. Start by thinking about the areas of your life where you want to see improvement. Maybe you want to develop a daily meditation practice, start exercising more, or simply be more present with your loved ones. Write down the habits you want to create and why they’re important to you.
• 2. Commit to consistency. The key to creating new habits is consistency. Research shows that it takes about 66 days to solidify a new habit, so commit to doing your new habit every day for at least two months. Hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress and rewarding yourself for staying on track.
• 3. Rewire your brain. The more you reinforce your new habit, the more it becomes automatic. This is because our brains create neural pathways that strengthen every time we repeat a behavior. So, if you want to make a new habit stick, you have to train your brain to associate that behavior with a specific cue. For example, if you want to meditate every morning, associate your meditation practice with something you do every morning, like making your bed or brushing your teeth.
• 4. Make it enjoyable. If you want to create a habit that sticks, it has to be something you actually enjoy doing. Find ways to make your new habit fun and rewarding, like trying a new workout class or meditating to your favorite music. When you enjoy your habit, you’re more likely to stick with it long-term.

By brainwashing yourself for success, you can create new habits that lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. So, start small, commit to consistency, and keep reinforcing your new habit until it’s automatic. With a little patience and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Key takeaways:

• Consistency is key in creating new habits. Commit to doing your new habit every day for at least two months.
• Combining your new habit with an existing cue makes it more likely to stick.
• Have fun with your new habit. When you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick with it long-term.