5 Best Practices to Build Healthy Habits
Successful people have a secret sauce that makes them successful. But everyone’s sauce is different and unique to them … like a special ingredient. For some, it might be the 4:30 am rise, meditation, an extracurricular activity or hobby, etc. The key to finding yours might take some trial and error, and just like everyone else, you’ll be navigating them through the ups and downs of day-to-day life.
For example, when you’ve had a tough day at work or feel a little drained, you might lack the motivation to finish your chores, work out, or make yourself a healthy meal.
When motivation fades, discipline takes its place.
Building healthy habits so they are a part of your daily routine is the key to being consistent. So how do we start building those healthy habits? Check out my top five tips below.
1. Figure out what you want.
Get specific. What habits are you currently trying to change? Pick ones that are really important to you and have the greatest impact on your lifestyle. Do you wish you were better about time management, your diet, your exercise routine, or your work habits? Do you wish you had more quality time with friends and family? Or more time just for yourself? When you set a goal to “work out every day,” what does that look like for you, feasibly? Be honest! Is it five days a week? Or 30 minutes of dog walking? Being specific rather than generalized with your goal-setting will keep you much more focused! It equates to specific actions you can take and be mindful of. Instead of a long, empty road ahead, you’ll have a much clearer, direct footpath … much easier to follow!
2. Take it one step at a time.
Trying to change too many habits too soon will result in you overwhelming yourself. When you set a goal to “eat healthier every day,” don’t try and cut out caffeine, gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and meat for every meal, every day of the week. Start small and let those small changes sink in before adding the next one. You can better focus on one or two things at a time rather than trying to divert your attention to ten different things.
3. Allow yourself slip-ups, indulgences, and, most importantly, time.
We’re all human! Which means mistakes are inevitable. It’s not about being perfect 100% of the time. It’s about being consistent 100% of the time. Occasionally, you’ll have self-indulgences that make you happy–a glass of wine, a nice dinner at a restaurant, your favorite dessert, or a relaxing bath instead of working out because you felt a little tired. These are not setbacks! This is life. Remember, balanced nutrition is a lifestyle, not a temporary change. Everything we are working towards is designed to help you build a better self for the long term, which means you won’t get there in one giant leap, but in small baby steps. Enjoying yourself along the way from time to time is just part of the process!
4. Recruit support and accountability, even if it’s technology.
A supporting friend, group, or app that can help hold you accountable for your lifestyle changes can make a world of difference! It never hurts to have a friend, family member, or spouse help you on your journey to motivate you or give you gentle nudges when you need them. Even technology wearables such as Garmin, Apple Watch, Whoop, and FitBit are great motivators when it comes to keeping you on track, with daily reminders to keep you active and make sure you stay consistent. The same goes for the Ben Neill Coaching app! Use the daily food log to make sure you are hitting those macros day in and day out. Make an effort to track your food daily (even if it’s just copying from the day before), and pretty soon, you won’t imagine being able not to use it in your everyday routine!
5. Make it enjoyable.
If you love the food you’re eating, the workouts you’re doing, and the life you’re living, chances are you will keep doing it! Make your habits enjoyable for you, and you’ll be far more likely to stick to them and be successful. People often ask me, “What kind of workouts should I do?” The answer is you should do whatever you love doing! For some, that is functional fitness, biking, or hiking. Lifting weights at a gym might feel like a chore for some, but the best part of their day for others. The same applies to nutrition. Our flexible dieting methodology means you can still eat the food you love while hitting your goals. It’s not about restriction; it’s about balance. It's vital to your success to enjoy well-balanced and nutritious meals with some of your favorite treats in moderation. The more freedom you have in your daily lifestyle, the easier the habits will stick.
Remember, it’s not one-size-fits-all! Think about what specific situations apply to you and your lifestyle in these five tips so you can find your own secret sauce to success!