Habits Success Habits

8 Steps for Success with Small Habits

Sep 09, 2022

So you read that self-development book, got inspired, and commit to a big habit/change in your life. You started all pumped up on days 1 and 2. Then what happened? Day 3 feels like hmm…I was working so hard the last 2 days, let me rest today. Then on day 4, you feel like not doing it, and so on.


Listen…big challenges, life-changing decisions, and motivating yourself is all good but what if I told you that you could succeed with small habits?


I know you want to grow in your life and are ready to make the necessary changes. But after trying and failing so many times to create the new, more positive habits you crave, is it any wonder that by now you’re probably a little skeptical and doubtful about the process and even about your capability? Have you started thinking that maybe, just maybe something wrong with you? But the truth is, most attempts at forming new habits fail, simply because you’ve tried to bite off more than you can chew. You can eat an elephant (of course metaphorically) a bite at a time. Similarly you can have generate desired results and have success with creating small and consistent habits. Using small habits, you approach your life in a new way, by taking charge in tiny bite-size chunks. This will not only make the change possible but will give you the ability to become that person you always knew you could be.


How do you create a success with small habits?



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  • 1. Stop expecting it to happen overnight
  • 2. Commit
  • 3. Link the habit to something that already works
  • 4. Pick an easy first step
  • 5. Have a just-in-case disaster plan in place
  • 6. Have an accountability buddy
  • 7. Celebrate your little success milestone
  • 8. Embrace the new identity


1. Stop expecting it to happen overnight

Take some time for yourself and think about what are you trying to change at once? List downs all the habits you want to develop. Which one of them can impact one area of your life or is pivotal for your growth? For example, going to a park with family can have many benefits. You exercise, spend time with family and relax your mind all at once. Start with just one new habit and then go from there.


Successful people make a detailed plan, set milestones along the way, and then work on a single milestone rather than trying to do it all at once.


2. Commit

Every habit is different and comes with its own flow and rhythm. Some take longer to embed in your mind than others. But, one thing is true. The longer you perform the same activity day after day, the more success you will have in creating that habit. Decide right now that you’re going to give this new habit at least 6 – 8 weeks to give it a proper start.


3. Link the habit to something that already works

This is a big one and can save you lots of habit failure. How many times have you started a habit and forgot about it altogether? If you have a successful habit already in place, ask yourself what small thing you can attach to that habit. For example, you might already be brushing your teeth every day. How hard would it be to add flossing to that routine?


4. Pick an easy first step

Most habit formation fails because you’re trying to do too much too soon. Give your new habit a time. Make a point to keep the changes very small. What can be the first step for your new habit? Just commit that single step at the moment. Once that becomes your second nature then move on to step 2 and so on. Mini-habits have a much higher rate of success than trying to create a great big change.


5. Have a just-in-case disaster plan in place


Life is uncertain, so expect some rough water along the way. Knowing that things are going to go wrong from the start helps you to be ready when they do. Can’t jog today because it’s raining? That’s ok, you’ve got an entirely different workout in place as a Plan B.

Develop a Success Habit : Have Plan In Place


6. Have an accountability buddy

We tend to keep a commitment to others. Besides that, it’s too much trouble and shame to explain to someone why you did not do something you said you will do. Use your network to keep you on track with habit building. Have an accountability partner or use social media to keep you going.


7. Celebrate your little success milestone

Celebrate every little milestone with a reward, something that makes sense and will encourage you to keep going when you’re flagging. Congratulate you on your first step and take the next one confidently. To reach your goal you simply have to put one step next to the earlier one and keep going.


8. Embrace the new identity


Accept that this is the new you. The habits you’re building are going to change who you are – hopefully for the better, and redefine you in years to come. Embrace the new you whole heatedly. You might feel some friction as people around you have a hard time accepting new you but don’t stop. They will eventually adjust. And if they are interested in your growth, they will be proud and supportive of your endeavor.


These small steps will not only help you form habits successfully but over time you’ll see some amazing growth and development as a person. How exciting that will be? Especially when you consider how small you have started. Are you ready to have success with small habits? Which one would you start with? Let us know in comments.


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