How to Stick to New Habits: A Simple Mental Hack

We can all understand how difficult it can be to get into a new habit. We know we need to eat healthier, move more, read more, etc., yet being able to stick to it consistently is where it can be difficult.

Trick Your Mind for Success

A mental hack to get around this is to trick your mind into believing that your positive mood is due to the new behaviors that you have practiced.

Associate Positive Outcomes with Your Actions

For example, let’s say on this particular day you wake up feeling more joyful and full of energy than you normally do. Try to convince yourself that this is due to the actions you took over the previous day, week, etc. Even if it is just random, it will help you stick to your good habits if you believe that they are leading towards a better outcome.

The Power of Small Choices

If you decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator, or eat a healthy meal instead of ordering takeout, never underestimate the power of your own mind over your behaviors. When you start connecting positive emotions to these small actions, your brain will begin to crave those outcomes more frequently. You’ll start to associate these positive feelings with the behaviors themselves, making it easier to maintain consistency.

Creating Momentum with Small Wins

One of the key elements in forming lasting habits is momentum. Small wins, like choosing healthier options or getting a bit more active, accumulate over time. They build confidence and reinforce the idea that you can make progress, even if the results are not immediately visible. The more you trick your mind into believing these choices are working, the easier it becomes to keep up the habit.

By using this mental strategy, you’re not just setting yourself up for success today, but laying the groundwork for a lasting change.