How to create sustainable habits

Creating healthy, sustainable, and long-lasting habits that positively impact your life requires a combination of self-awareness, consistency and effective tools. Here are some practical steps and tools you can follow to cultivate such habits:

Set clear and specific intentions:

Getting clear on your intentions and your “why” will help you stay motivated and accountable to show up for yourself. Try set clear intentions that are achievable and attainable. For example, instead of saying, "I want to exercise more," set an intention like, "I will show up for myself on my mat three times this week." Committing to shorter, more frequent movement practices helps build a healthy and sustainable relationship with movement.

Start small and build momentum:

Begin with small, manageable changes to increase your chances of success. Once you consistently incorporate these changes into your routine, gradually increase the difficulty or intensity. This approach helps you build momentum and prevents overwhelm.

Create a routine:

Establish a consistent routine that includes your desired habits. Habits thrive on repetition and consistency. Plan specific times in your schedule to engage in these activities, and make them non-negotiable commitments to yourself.

Make it enjoyable:

Find ways to make your habits enjoyable and rewarding. Choose activities that align with your interests, values, and passions. For instance, if you enjoy slower more mindful movement, consider joining a pilates or yoga class instead of forcing yourself to do a workout you dislike.

Track your progress:

Keep track of your habit development. Use a journal to record and reflect on your daily intentions and progress. Seeing your progress visually can provide motivation and help you stay consistent.

Utilise reminders and cues:

Use reminders and cues to prompt yourself to engage in your desired habits. Set alarms, place sticky notes, or use digital apps to send reminders. Make your environment supportive by keeping items related to your habit visible and easily accessible. By doing this you remove barriers that may usually stop you from staying committed to yourself.

Find an accountability partner or join a community:

Share your goals and progress with a supportive friend, family member, or community. Having someone to hold you accountable and provide encouragement can significantly increase your chances of success. Consider joining a group or community with similar goals for added support and inspiration. You can join our evolve community for 7 days free for ongoing community support and engagement through live or on demand classes.

Focus on intrinsic motivation:

Cultivate an internal drive for your habits by connecting them to your values, personal growth, or well-being. Understand the deeper reasons why these habits matter to you. Intrinsic motivation tends to be more sustainable than relying solely on external rewards or pressures.

Practice self-compassion and resilience:

Accept that setbacks are a natural part of the habit-building process. If you slip up or miss a day, avoid self-judgment and criticism. Instead, practice self-compassion, forgive yourself, and recommit to your habits. Cultivate resilience by viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Celebrate milestones and rewards:

Celebrate your progress and reward yourself when you achieve milestones no matter how small the win is. Treat yourself to something you enjoy doing or engage in a pleasurable and fun activity. Positive reinforcement can reinforce the habit loop and motivate you to continue.

Remember, creating long-lasting habits takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and embrace the journey. Over time, these habits will become an integral part of your life and have a positive impact on your overall well-being.