11 Effective Habit Building Tips for Busy People

Habit building can be an uphill battle, especially if you already have a busy schedule!

But there are proven things you can do to break down a habit and make it stick.

In this post, you’ll find habit building tips that will help even busy people, like yourself, keep new habits!

Tips for building a habit that sticks

1. Start simple.

Choose one small, simple habit to focus on first and build up to more significant habit changes.

Willpower is a muscle that is built with repetition, which is why you should start simple. Make it so easy to do that you can’t say no.

For example, if you want to start meditating everyday, start by meditating for one minute every day.

It is better to start small and keep going than to unmotivate yourself with big lofty goals.

2. Be specific.

The more specific you are about the new habit you want to create, the better.

For example, avoid making broad goals like “I want to eat healthier” and change it to “I will eat a vegetable with every meal.”

The more specific you are, the less you have to think about how to do it, and the more likely you are to do it.

3. Build up slowly.

We are playing the long game here – “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

The goal is to maintain momentum and build up slowly towards bigger habit changes.

You don’t want to suddenly lose motivation because you took too big a step forward.

Remember, it’s better to keep moving forward in small ways than to go backward (or get stuck).

4. Add reminders to your calendar.

Block out time in your calendar to work on your new habit.

Make your habit a priority in your life by making it worth a blocked period in your busy schedule!

5. Be consistent.

Do your habit at the same time every day until it becomes routine.

Consistency will help you start to do things based on daily cues versus needing separate reminders to do it.

For example, suppose you start to work out in the morning every day before getting ready for work. Over time it becomes a part of your routine.

You don’t have to think about or stress over when you have the time to do it.

You instinctively get up and know to get your movement first thing in the morning.

6. Reduce barriers.

Remove anything that will make it harder for you to complete your habit.

Reducing barriers includes removing any temptations that may distract you from your new habit.

For example, keep your yoga mat by the door so you can grab it quickly and not have to search all around for it in the morning.

Or, remove the junk food from your house if you’re trying to eat healthier.

7. Reward yourself.

Find ways to reward yourself for completing a habit.

Acknowledge your wins (i.e., when you finish your task) and take a second to check-in with how you feel after completing your habit.

Start to associate the habit with pleasure to build a habit loop.

8. Find accountability partners.

Find people who are trying to stick to the same habits and check-in with each other.

Or, find friends who will be your cheerleaders and keep you accountable.

9. Clarify your goal (aka your “WHY”)

Take time to reflect on why you want to incorporate this new habit into your life.

Knowing the purpose and the overall goal you’re trying to achieve will help you stay motivated.

For example, you’re not just walking every day to walk. You’re walking because you know it’s good for your heart health and heart disease runs in your family.

Take your time with this, and make sure to write it down to reference whenever you need a boost of motivation.

10. Visualization.

Visualize how you will feel and what will happen if you stick to your habits.

Imagine what life will be like once you’ve achieved your goal. Then start showing up in ways that match that energy.

A visualization manifestation technique you could use is vision boards.

Vision boards will help you physically see everything you are working towards.

It’s a tool used to inspire, raise your energy levels and help you remember your WHY.

11. Forgive and be persistent.

Research shows that, on average, it can take anywhere from two to eight months to build a new behavior in your life.

Now, this can seem incredibly daunting, but it is doable!

You don’t need to be perfect every day for a habit to stick.

There’s no need to beat yourself up for missing a day and talking down to yourself is counterproductive.

Remember to speak words of forgiveness and encouragement as you continue to build your new habit!

Lift yourself up and give yourself props for working on your personal development.

Are there any new habits you’re trying to build this year? Leave a comment down below with the new habits you’re incorporating into your routine.

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11 Effective Habit Building Tips for Busy People