You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine; these were the words of John C. Maxwell
Most successful business owners will tell you that habits are the bedrock of success. But the truth is the daily choices you make determine the direction your life will take, and these choices influence who you become more than you often realise.
In this article, we’ll be exploring and learning about habits, how they are formed and habits that can transform your life.
Key Insights
- Habits are regular behaviours or practices that are performed automatically and become a part of one’s daily routine.
- Habits can be formed naturally through a habit loop.
- Habits can also be learnt or cultivated mindfully.
- Changing just one thing you do daily has the ability to change your life and business.
What are Habits?
A habit is a behaviour that has been carried out so many times enough that it can be done even in the subconscious. Habits are also tasks that we practise within the day which become routines over time. They are created by the brain to help us save energy and function efficiently in daily life.
Developing a lot of good personal habits and stopping the bad ones sets you up for a most productive life.
The Science Behind Habits
The science behind habits involves a four-step process that the brain follows consistently. These steps include:
- Cue: A cue is a trigger that sets off a habit, signaling a potential reward. The brain is constantly on the lookout for cues that might lead to a payoff.
- Craving: A craving is the underlying motivation for every habit, driven by a desire to change one’s emotional or physical state. For instance, brushing teeth is motivated by the desire for a clean, fresh mouth.
- Response : The response is the behaviour that follows the craving, influenced by motivation and ease of execution. If the behaviour is too difficult or time-consuming, it may not be performed.
- Reward : The reward is the payoff that comes from completing a habit, satisfying the craving and teaching the brain which actions are worth repeating in the future.
How to Create or Cultivate Habits
According to research, it takes about 21 to 66 days for a behaviour to become automatic. In creating or developing habits, you must be patient, consistent and intentional about it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build lasting habits:
- Begin with a clear purpose: Decide the habit you want to form and state clearly why you want the habit. For instance, you can ask yourself, am I reading to pass an exam or to gain knowledge? With a clear goal in mind, it’s easier to stay motivated.
- Start small: Most people fail at building habits because they set unrealistic targets for themselves. Beginning with something easy makes it easier to show up every day. For example, if you want to exercise, you can start with two minutes of exercise daily.
- Create a cue (trigger): Identify triggers that will remind you to perform your new habit and create an environment that encourages your new habit. You can say something like, “Once it’s 7am, I’ll read my book.”
- Habit stacking : This is attaching the new habit to something you already do. For example, you can say, “After I take my bath, I’ll listen to one podcast.” This makes it easier to remember and repeat.
Habits That Can Change Your Life and Business:
- Establish a morning routine: This can be a simple action you take as soon as you wake up each morning. For example: taking a 10-20 minute walk each morning or meditating to clear your mind. This clears your mind and enhances your productivity.
- Prioritise your tasks: Many entrepreneurs take on too many roles and most times get so busy but are not productive. It’s advised to start each day by identifying the top 3 tasks that will advance your business and begin with them. This focuses your energy towards the right direction.
- Practice gratitude: Create time each day to meditate on things you’re grateful for. Write them down in your journal. Share the things you’re thankful for with your loved ones, including family and friends. Gratitude helps us look at the good things in our lives and brings contentment.
- Learn something new every day: to stay relevant in business, you need to keep learning. Consciously decide to learn something new each day. For example, you can listen to podcasts or read a business book.
- Boost your business daily with tiny, consistent actions: Commit to doing something every day, no matter how small, and schedule it in your calendar as a reminder. For instance, you can decide to post a story on your Instagram business page.
- Track your finances: Lack of accountability in keeping finances has been one of the major setbacks to most entrepreneurs. Make sure to go through your expenses daily. Carve out time each week to look for ways your business can invest money. For example, you can draft a weekly or monthly budget for your business.
- Reflect every evening: Take time every evening to reflect on what you have achieved. Mentally step away and ask yourself questions such as, ‘What challenged me? How can I improve? You can dedicate 15-20 minutes each evening to do this. Reflection helps you make better decisions tomorrow.
Read Also
Five Daily Habits to Improve Mental Health as an Entrepreneur
How Journaling Helps Improve Mental Health
Digital Detox: How to Take Healthy Breaks From Your Devices
Top 7 Productivity Apps for Business Owners You Must Have
Conclusion
Establishing excellent habits is very useful in helping you to stay focused and organised. Pick a habit or two from the list above and practise them daily. Taking control of your habits establishes your life and business and channels them in the right direction.
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