How to redesign your habits for success

Great habits are the foundation of success. It’s estimated we spend up to 40 per cent of our day on habits, many of which we don’t even know we have. That’s a lot of time to waste on unnecessary actions that are not doing anything to move you towards the success you crave.

1 – CLEAR OUT THE OLD

You can declutter your habits and create the life you want by choosing to develop habits that support your values and who you are. It’s important to know that all habits run on a simple loop of:

  • Cue – this could be a time, person, place or situation that sets your habit/s off.
  • Routine – what the habit actually involves.
  • Reward – the pay-off for doing it.

In order to declutter your habits, first you need to identify them and recognise the cues that kick them off. Then, think about which habits you would like to stop and ensure you avoid the cues that get them started.

To create new, more constructive habits, think about how you spend the first hour of your day and see if you can build them into this time. What is your strategy to get going on the right foot each morning? How do you cue up the behaviour? What’s your routine? What’s the pay-off?  Again, great habits are the foundation of success.

2 – CREATE THE NEW

Creating better habits for yourself can introduce lots of positivity to your day-to-day life. As with so many things, writing them down helps make them a reality. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Which of your current habits align with the success you want to create in your life? What are the cues, routines and rewards these habits follow?
  • Which of your current habits undermine the success you want to create in your life? Can you change their cues and rewards to redirect your energy towards the outcomes you want to achieve?
  • Are there any new habits you’d like to introduce?
    How can you cue these habits up? What will you do to create a routine? What are ways to reward yourself that are healthy and aligned to your values?

Some examples of new, better habits could be:

  • Get up and move it – make your bed and move your body first thing to kick start your day.
  • Meditate – take a moment, or 10 minutes if you can, to centre yourself every day.
  • Rehydrate – avoid the lethargy and inability to concentrate that comes with dehydration. Buy a nice refillable water bottle and take it everywhere with you, and keep a large jug of water on your desk at work. Aim for 6–8 cups a day.
  • Refuel – put wholesome, nutritious energy into your body to avoid the mood swings that come with sugar highs and lows, and keep your body functioning at its optimal level.
  • Prepare yourself for the following day before going to bed.

3 – MY HEALTH HAPPY HABITS

  • I have a vision and goals that bring fulfilment
  • My relationships have boundaries
  • I express my appreciation and gratitude daily
  • I exercise and watch my diet daily
  • I don’t take things personally
  • I take responsibility for my thoughts and actions
  • Stock take and declutter the habits, events, commitments and belongings that don’t make me happy.

The are my simple habits to support my success.

Shannah Kennedy – Master Life Coach, Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker

Specialising in executive strategy, transition, values, vision and life planning

(Extract taken from The Life Plan, by Shannah Kennedy. Head over to bookdepository.com to order your copy or get in touch with Shannah here to find out about executive coaching options.)