8 tips I use to build habits

How is your 2023 going so far? It just started, so it can’t be that bad unless you’re flying Southwest.

Now is the time of year when many people are suddenly interested in making new habits. I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions because there is nothing magical about January 1st. As Bono once sang, “Nothing changes on New Year’s Day.” You can start a new habit anytime. That said, if you have some resolutions or changes you want to make starting in 2023, any action is better than no action. There’s a science to making habits stick, and I’d like to share what’s worked for me.

Building Habits

• Clearly define your why — Your habits are based on your goals, and your goals are tied to the vision of your future. There’s an exercise called 7 Levels Deep that Dean Graziosi uses with clients to help them get to the core of what they want to achieve and, more importantly, why they want to achieve it. Here’s a simple site that walks you through the process if you want to do it online.
• Picture success — Begin with the end in mind. Picture yourself completing your new habits. Imagine yourself at the finish line. What does that look like? What does it feel like? Feel the emotions and fully experience them in your mind.
• Create a cue — When you decide on a habit, define it with when and where…