How to Establish a Habit

When you know there’s something you should be doing regularly, but you’re not, it sits with you. It can feel oppressive, overwhelming or just plain crummy to know that there’s something you want to do but you’re not.

That’s how I was feeling a few weeks ago when I wasn’t working out as regularly as I wanted to be.

Let’s face it: Life in general has been really weird for everyone lately. If you want to get back to your old habits or establish a new habit, you need to set yourself up for success.

There are some habits that I don’t have any problems with. Brushing my teeth twice a day, for example. Reaching out to customers about their health and fitness goals. Checking in with my family members. These are all things that are really important, and also easy for me to do.

But when it came to working out during these crazy times, I wasn’t prioritizing myself and therefore it wasn’t getting done. (Can you relate?)

Because of this, I was spending the entire day feeling guilty about not working out. I’d start telling myself negative stories and the scene was set to just not do it at all.

I looked even to my daughter Lucy who decided to start waking up earlier in the day so she could get a bike ride in before she sat down to do homework. She found that she was able to finish school work early and then have more time in the day to do what she wants. Wise young girl!

I decided to take it upon myself to set up some systems to establish my own healthy habit of getting my workout in early in the day.

• I set an intention. I’m not aiming for perfection, so I decided I’d work out five days a week. That felt really do-able to me.
• I found accountability. If you’re reading this, you likely know I post about my workouts on Facebook. But I also asked Jeff and a few key friends to check in with me to make sure I’m getting those workouts done.
• I remembered what I’ve learned. There are a couple of great books about habits and getting the hard things done. Those include 5-Second Rule, Eat That Frog and First Things First. I highly recommend any of these!
• I just did it. First thing. It’s not always possible to get a workout in first thing in the morning, but when it’s possible I do. It makes me feel accomplished and ready for whatever else happens that day. Plus, if I do it first thing, I don’t have to stew about it or find time later in the day to do it.

If you’re trying to establish a new habit, it could simply be a matter of counting to five and getting up and doing it. And if that habit is health and fitness related, let’s do it together!