Habit and routines are not interchangeable. A habit is a behavior done with little or no thought, whereas a routine is a series of behaviors frequently, and intentionally, repeated. To turn a behavior into a habit, it first needs to become a routine. How do you start?
- First set your intentions and be realistic. Know that some routines can become habits, but not all will. It takes patience, self-discipline, and commitment.
- Prepare for roadblocks. Think about what has kept you from building this routine in the past. Work proactively to remove those barriers before they show up.
- Support your efforts with nudges, like blocking time on your calendar to practice the behavior or starting with smaller microhabits.
- Lastly, don’t forget to be compassionate with yourself. There will be ups and downs.
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Our habits govern our lives, literally. Research shows that around half of our daily actions are driven by repetition. This is probably why behavioral scientists and psychologists have spent so much time writing about how to establish and keep positive habits. Regular sleep and exercise, a healthy diet, an organized schedule, and mindfulness are just a few examples of practices that — if done regularly — can improve our work, relationships, and mental health.
