Making a Habit Stick: It’s Easier Than You Think

Have you ever set a goal or made a resolution only to struggle to stick with it? You're not alone! Most of us dive into big changes without breaking them down into manageable steps, making the process overwhelming. But here's the secret: habits stick better when you start small and use simple prompts to guide your actions. 

Take my goal for 2025 as an example: I want to create a calmer morning routine. Instead of overhauling everything at once, I focused on just one change—reducing my phone usage when I wake up. My plan? Replace morning scrolling with journaling.

Here's how I set myself up for success:

1. Start small: I didn't set an unrealistic journaling goal. Some mornings, I write a few sentences; other days, I fill a page. The point is to show up.

2. Make it easy: I placed my journal on my bedside table next to my alarm, so it's right there when I wake up.

3. Celebrate progress: After journaling, I say, "done!" out loud. Celebrating—even in a small way—reinforces the habit and gives me a sense of achievement.

A helpful tip is to write out your habit "recipe." For example, after I turn off my alarm, I journal and celebrate by saying, "Yay!" 

Remember, habits take time and patience to develop. If you miss a day, be kind to yourself and get back on track tomorrow. Progress, not perfection, is what makes habits stick, and with this approach, it's easier than you think.

“Intelligent Change the Five Minute Journal - Original Daily Gratitude Journal 2024 for Happiness, Mindfulness & Reflection - Daily Affirmations - Undated Life p...: Fotos de Motivação, Diário de Gratidão, Motivação.” Pinterest, 12 Jan. 2024, www.pinterest.com/pin/351912464924687/.