What’s the best way to be successful in life or business?
Are you feeling overwhelmed all the time?
Does “being successful” feel too much or simply just impossible for you?
Perhaps you’re tired of feeling like you just aren’t making progress no matter what you do.
Or maybe like me, you sometimes feel frantic because you haven’t actually accomplished anything today? (“Stop looking at me like that to-do list.”)
Listen, I feel this way too. Probably more often than I’d like to admit, but it gets to me too. The overwhelm, the feeling that I’m not moving fast enough, the fear that I’m just spinning my wheels just being busy.
So what do you do? How to do let go of the overwhelm and move forward confidently?
A smart place to start might not be where you’d think. Sure, getting your to-do list in order is great advice, getting organized or spring cleaning your mind and seeking clarity, are even better places to start.
Before you run off to set even more goals, what if there was a better way?
You need to use the power of habits, not another to-do list! Read on to discover how creating good habits automates your progress towards slaying your goals.
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You Need the Power of Habits
It’s easy to feel burned out when you’re working toward new goals. Starting out, your excitement will be enough to motivate you. But that initial enthusiasm will gradually wane and you’ll have trouble sticking with your new routine.
So how do you avoid losing steam?
A simple way to keep yourself moving forward is to create good habits surrounding your goals. When your new routine becomes habitual, you set yourself up for a greater chance of success.
Think of building new habits as a way to “automate” your success.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How To Make a Habit Stick, Based on Science
Once you’ve created some good habits, you won’t have to consciously remember to do the things that spur your forward movement.
Let’s get you into a groove by creating new habits so you can keep slaying your goals!
How Do You Create New Habits?
It’s important to understand how habits form to be able to use them to your advantage. The science behind habit formation is surprisingly uncomplicated.
At the start of a new routine, your actions are all made consciously. Conscious actions are controlled by a specific part of your brain called the prefrontal cortex. This is considered the “decision-making” part of your brain.
However, repeating that same action over time creates a habit.
This habitual action gets triggered by the basal ganglia area of the brain rather than by your prefrontal cortex. Essentially the decision-making part of your brain “goes to sleep.”
It’s no longer involved in taking action!
The Habit Loop
Charles Duhigg, the author of The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, uses the idea of a “habit loop” to describe the way habits work.
A habit loop consists of three parts: the Cue, the Routine, and the Reward. Let’s use an example of smoking, a common unhealthy habit, to show how these parts interact.
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The Cue
The cue, or “trigger,” is what sets a habit into motion. Someone who smokes may get triggered by their morning cup of coffee, drinks with friends, or their daily commute. Each of these actions serves as a cue for their smoking habit, as they associate the action to the habit.
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The Routine
This is the performance of the actual habit or ritual. For smokers, this is the act of smoking. Pretty straightforward, right?
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The Reward
The reward is what happens after you perform a habit. Having a reward reinforces the habit by telling your brain that the habit leads to the reward. The reward for smokers comes from the hit of nicotine they get from their cigarette, which provides a feeling of comfort or satisfaction.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Healthy Habits List: 10 Easy Changes with Big Results
How to Form New Habits
Both good and bad habits form the same way. They both have the same structure. This is actionable intel that you can use when you’re attempting to break bad habits or form new good ones.
Use the structure of a habit loop to create your own successful routine!
First, choose a trigger for your new habit. If you want to set up a habit of writing every morning, make your trigger “after breakfast” or “when I have my morning coffee.”
A few other ideas for triggers are:
- Brushing your teeth
- Showering
- Checking your email
Pick something that will be easy to remember and that you typically do daily. To create a new habit, you need to use a trigger that happens frequently enough for the habit to stick.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Why Habit Trackers Inspire Us to Be Better People
Next, commit to doing the habit daily.
Every time your chosen trigger occurs, perform the habit. By repeating your new habit every day, you build a foundation to make your action automatic.
But how do you make sure your good habit sticks?
There are a few things you can do to ensure your new habit is here to stay:
#1. Start Small
I mean very small.
Work on creating one habit at a time.
Do something easy to start, and build your way up. When you have some success with smaller habits, you’ll create momentum to grow into larger ones.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 6 Small Changes that Actually Make a Big Difference
#2. Plan to Fail
I’m not saying you’re going to completely fail. But you will have days you forget to perform your habit after your trigger.
The thing to keep in mind is consistency beats perfection.
Don’t beat yourself up for missing a day here and there. Show yourself some compassion and jump back into your habit routine the next day.
#3. Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones
This is known as “replacing the need.”
If you were trying to eat healthier, you might notice what triggers you to reach for a bag of chips or a candy bar. Replace the need by using that trigger to eat a piece of fruit instead. Choose a fruit you really like so it still serves as the reward to that trigger.
The same goes for replacing habits surrounding your goals. If you have a habit of watching TV after dinner each evening, you can use your dinner cue for a productive habit instead. Try replacing that 30 or 60 minute TV show with planning for the next day or brainstorming new ideas!
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 10 Habits that Teach You to Be Successful
#4. Find an Accountability Buddy
You don’t have to do this alone! Accountability partners are perfect for helping you stay on track. It’s best to find someone who is also working on building habits so you have something in common, but any sort of accountability buddy is helpful.
Get together with your accountability buddy to work on your goals. Meet at a coffee shop or at the library. If you know another person is expecting you to show up, you’re more likely to be there!
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Top 10 Bad Habits to Unlearn
Set Realistic Expectations for Your New Habits
Creating a new habit that sticks takes time.
Quite a lot of time, actually. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not habitually performing your new task perfectly, even after a few weeks.
So, how long does it take to create a new habit?
An old myth claims habits are formed by repeating an action for 21 consecutive days.
But a recent study has shown it actually takes much longer, 66 days on average to form a new habit, and varies from person to person.
For some participants in the study, it took over 250 days for a new habit to stick!
Printable Habit Tracker Templates
Ready to form a new habit and make it stick? To automate your success with good habits?
Get your FREE printable habit tracker templates, with spreads for 30 and 31 days.
Sign up below for your FREE Habit Trackers + get weekly tips to help you slay your goals.
Habits are a simple way to take decision-making out of the equation and “automate” your success.
Your success doesn’t have to be complicated, simply get started today by replacing one “bad” habit at a time with one that is more helpful in reaching your goal.
Before you know it you’ll have “automated” your success and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals!
Does being successful feel too impossible for you right now? If so this one is for you! Plus get your FREE Printable Habit Tracker Templates #success #habits
Ready to create new habits that “automate” your success?
More About Guest Contributor
Tina is the creator of Self-Worthy.net, a personal development, and wellness blog. She gives people the tools they need to manage stress, find joy, and live fully.
Last Updated on November 3, 2024
Karen says
Love this. My biggest step forwards with habits was when I finally accepted that you can’t really ‘break’ a habit. You have to replace a bad habit with a good one. Off to share, Tweet and Pin this one. 🙂
Tina Curry-Logan says
You are absolutely right… “replacing the need” is key for making and breaking habits. Once you get that part down, the rest comes easy! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Karen!
Miranda Nahmias says
Whoah, I didn’t realize there was a science behind setting up habits for yourself! I will definitely be implementing these strategies for myself.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Yes! It’s all science! (AKA “magic” 😉 )
I would love to hear how these strategies work for you, Miranda!
Alexa | Millennial Empire Builders says
The power of habit is literally in my top 5 favorite books ever… and it COMPLETELY changed my idea of what it means to be “successful”. I love how you break down habit forming into a super simple process and even give great examples for using triggers… and don’t even get me started on the importance of accountability! Love love love this post. Thank you so much for such awesome tips.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Charles Duhigg was definitely on to something when he wrote The Power of Habit! Once you wrap your mind around it, everything seems to *click*.
I’m excited to hear that I was able to expand on his ideas for you, Alexa! Thanks for your feedback!
carol says
So true. Positive habits are the key to positive results! I’m going to bookmark this article refer people to it when I teach. Thanks so much!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks, Carol! You’re right… a little positivity goes a long way!
Melanie S says
I love this! Very thorough and smart guide for goal-getters.
Tina Curry-Logan says
“Goal-getters” is the perfect term! I’m definitely going to start using it. 🙂
Thanks for your feedback, Melanie!
Chemady says
Surrounding a goal with good habits enhance dream come true. Good habits has great influence to get a better result.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for your comment, Chemady! Yes, good habits are key to success. 🙂
Elena says
This is totally true. When I first started working as a freelance writer I had to develop a habit to take it as a real job and set my work hours like I was in the office. Today it just comes naturally.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Yes, Elena, it’s certainly helpful to keep a regular schedule! And once you build a habit, you can essentially go on auto-pilot to perform that habit over and over again. 🙂
jhilmil says
Such a lovely post! Some addicted habits have to be challenged & broken & transformed into some good ones! Need courage & consistency!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thank you, Jhilmil! Replacing bad habits with good ones is certainly a process. Consistency is key!
maria says
These are some really great steps to take action and make active changes in your life. I am in the process of changing my entire wake-up routine so the tips on forming health habits is super helpful!
Tina Curry-Logan says
I’m excited to help transform your wake-up routine, Maria! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Luda of Mom Buns and Coffee says
Really enjoyed this! I’ll definitely try to use “triggers” for my habit goals.
Thanks!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Yes! Using triggers is one of the best tricks in the process!
Even if that’s the only part that lands with you, you’re going to make strides for sure. 🙂
Nidhi bhakuni says
Love this blog very nice..
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for reading, Nidhi!
robbie doyle says
Great blog post! i will be using these steps, often times i set goals but don’t accomplish them..this is very helpful.!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Glad to hear these tips will be helpful for you, Robbie! Hope you make progress on your goals with them. 🙂
Ana@CelebratingSunshine says
Oh, how I love this post! So inspiring! It’s exactly what I needed today. Off to apply all your tips above. 🙂
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thank you, Ana! Happy to be of service. 🙂
I hope these tricks work well for you!
Marisa says
These are such amazing tips!!! I think the expect failure is so important … Once I did that.. I had more of a positive response to my efforts!!! Sent out a Retweet, because your quotes are on point!!! 🙂
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for sharing, Marisa! Yes, when you expect failure it’s less of a shock when it inevitably happens. 😉
CourtneyLynne says
Great tips!!!! I just try to keep
Positive! Even when things go not as planned, find something you can learn from it and move on
Tina Curry-Logan says
I agree completely, CourtneyLynne! There are no failures… you win, or you learn. 🙂
Sheri says
I agree so much with this post. I believe in creating good habits and the law of attraction. I will be sharing this. Excellent advice.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thank you, Sheri! Good habits and the law of attraction go hand-in-hand. I appreciate you passing along my tips!
Tina Basu says
Very practical tips, good habits help you in the log run.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Yes! Thanks for your comment, Tina! 🙂
Michaela says
Great article, I’m going to try and start creating more daily habits for myself. When things don’t go as planned I do my best not to beat myself up or get frustrated. As much as I can during these times, I don’t force myself to work I maybe take a bath or read something for fun to hit the reset button and start over fresh.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Great idea, Michaela! Sometimes hitting “pause” and taking a step back is the best way to reset your mind and get back into the groove.
Stephanie Edmonds says
Great post! Now I just need to figure out what triggers my Pop Tart habit!
Nadalie says
Hahaha. LOVE it, Stephanie! Best comment ever.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Haha, yes! Mine triggers chips instead of Pop Tarts, but I feel your pain, Stephanie!
Veronika says
Such a good and helpful advice! I downloaded your guide to keep them on hand 🙂
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for reading, Veronika!
daniella says
What a helpful post! It is so important to have good habits since it shapes your entire life!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Very true, Daniella! When you build good habits, everything else seems to fall into place!
Crystal says
This is so ‘right now’ for me! Thanks so much! Tweeted and pinning for later!! Thanks for giving such a now word!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Glad to hear this topic landed with you, Crystal! Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
Suite City Woman says
Great reminders. I hope I’m closer to the 21-day habit forming than 250…. 20 more days to go to find out! Lol!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Would love to hear how the 21-day method works for you!
Karen says
This has been a year of habit creation for me and it’s definitely starting to pay off, in my business and personal life. Just need to keep building on it now. Have shared and Pinned this.
Tina Curry-Logan says
So great to hear, Karen! Yes, it takes some time to really see the benefits of your habit creation, but once the rewards kick in you’re set!
Kate says
What surprises me as well is how fragile these new habits are. I do well but then once I’m derailed it’s so hard to get started again. I love the trigger idea and am wondering about writing notes to myself to reinforce them, like “home time! get into running gear and head out the door.” Ultimately, it would be great to make some of these conscious choices or even deliberations (will I exercise today???) things I don’t even have to think about.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Great point, Kate! Try playing around with different triggers to see what works best for you. If something isn’t working, ditch it and try something else! There’s no right or wrong answer here!
Dani says
Such a helpful post, thank you! Feeling overwhelmed is such a difficult thing to overcome and it can really slow you down when it hits. Downloaded your goals guide and pinned this post too
Dani x
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for sharing, Dani! Hope some of these tips can relieve the feeling of overwhelm. 🙂
Jessica Nemire says
This is all so true! And I love your blog name!
Nadalie says
Thanks so much Jessica! <3
Francesca says
This was such a great post! I’ve saved it to read it again later and I’m also signing up to receive the free guide. I think I really need this in my life 🙂
Nadalie says
Hey Francesca,
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Totally bookmark worthy.
Enjoy your new habits,
Nadalie
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks Francesca! I hope these tips prove to be helpful to you!
Kristin O'Ferrall says
This is great stuff! Thank you for sharing. I just posted something quite similar on my site.
I love what you write about The Habit Loop!
Nadalie says
Hi Kristin,
I am so happy you enjoyed it! Yay, great minds think alike.
Thanks for stopping by,
Nadalie
Tina Curry-Logan says
That’s fantastic, Kristin! I’m a visual person, so the Habit Loop is the best way for me to recognize how it all comes together. 🙂
Mandy Allen says
I find accountability buddies a great way to form habits. It gives you an added incentive when someone else is keeping a check on what you are doing!
Enjoy the journey!
Nadalie says
Hey Mandy,
YES! I could not agree more, especially one who understands what you’re trying to accomplish or is doing it right there beside, you know?
Tina Curry-Logan says
You’re totally right, Mandy!
Lisa says
This is a great post. So many helpful tips that I can sure use! Thanks for sharing!
XO-Lisa
Nadalie says
Thanks for the blog post love, Lisa! Tina did such a great job on this one.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Aw, thanks Nadalie! <3
Stefanie | bliss lived says
love this post and the term the habit loop! As a psych mom i love love love that you go into the parts of the brain responsible for it.
I usually write at night but i know how bad it is to starve the brain from much needed sleep. thanks for writing this and the trigger ideas. I’m inspired to try early morning writing now.
xo,
Stefanie
Nadalie says
Hi Stefanie,
The habit loop is so key! I’m so grateful for Tina for teaching us about this. I know it’s really helping me make progress with creating new habits to help me succeed.
Yes, sleep! That’s like my thing too, I’m trying to reset my sleep patterns, clearly it’s not working yet as it’s 1AM as I write this.
Good luck,
Nadalie
Tina Curry-Logan says
Ah, I’m so happy the Habit Loop landed with you, Stefanie! I’d love to hear how your new habit-forming process goes! 🙂
Tina says
I completely agree with all of this, but for me it is the commitment that is the hard part. Why is it so hard to be consistent? Anyways, I keep trying 🙂
Tina Curry-Logan says
Hi, fellow Tina! 🙂
I always try to remember “consistency beats perfection.” It’s easy to beat yourself up when you fail, but giving yourself the freedom to mess up sometimes can help you stay consistent! One mess-up doesn’t break you!
Kanani says
we automate everything else…why not our good habits? I feel like I’ve always failed at nixing a bad habit when I just try to cold turkey it. Great tips here to make a successful shift towards better habits!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Funny how we can “hack” ourselves just like everything else, right?
Hope this helps you replace your habits rather than suffering through the cold turkey method, Kanani!
Pammy says
Great read. Awesome advice on accountability buddy!
Pammy
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thank you, Pammy!
hiren says
Awesome, absolutely awesome. Great choice for a share,
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for your feedback, Hiren!
Nefeli Craftricks says
Great topic!! Really need it for my blog!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Habits are universal, so I’m sure it’s a goldmine topic for other blog posts! 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Nefeli!
Maya Maceka says
Nadalie, I love this. I for one, really need to practice on setting realistic expectations. This was exactly what I needed to read. Thanks girl!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Thanks for reading, Maya!
Shauna Coleman - Walker | Shauna Coleman says
I agree good habits is a great way to reach goals and become successful. I just read something this morning about habits and how some can stop you from being successful.
Tina Curry-Logan says
Yes, good habits are key! Thanks for your feedback, Shauna!
Miranda Nahmias says
I love this! Accountability partners for the win!
Tina Curry-Logan says
Yes, accountability partners are great! Thanks, Miranda!
Latasha Peterson says
I absolutely love this post! You can totally achieve the impossible with great habits! 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Latasha,
WOOT! Thanks for the blog love, I’m a huge fan of everything you write.
And I so agree, habits are the key to achieving anything that seems impossible.