Habit formation is a process, not a one-time event. Changing old habits or establishing new ones requires intentional focus and repetition over an extended period of time.
The truth is, every person is unique, as are the habits they form and goals they pursue. So while there are basic principles found within the habit process (i.e. the cue-routine-reward loop), there is really no one-size-fits-all system for establishing lasting, valuable habits and achieving your goals. However, there are definitely some general principles that can be helpful for creating and applying your own success system. Here are 6 tips:
- Write it down. Writing down your goals makes them more real and tangible. Instead of just thinking about what you want to do, clearly articulate it in writing.
- Review daily. Regularly review your goals and ask yourself questions like, “What habits am I trying to change or establish in order to achieve my goals? Have I been implementing those habits today?” Frequently reviewing your plan and asking yourself those types of questions is an essential part of any success system.
- Apply spaced learning. We learn better over short periods with breaks in between. So consistently working on new habits on a daily or weekly basis is the key to ingraining those habits long term.
- Keep it simple. Create a clear and tangible system, but not a complicated system. You need to reserve your energy and self-discipline for the habit you’re trying to establish, not the system for tracking your progress. Something as simple as a daily alarm reminding you to engage in a brief time of personal reflection every evening might be the most effective method for staying focused on your goals.
- Make it measurable. Even if your success system is as simple as a daily time of reflection, you should set small measurable goals for each week and strive to track your progress. You can either mentally track these small objectives during your daily personal reflection, or you can jot yourself a note (physically or digitally) to help you measure your progress.
- Stay accountable. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to stick with a difficult task is to recruit the support, help, and encouragement of friends and colleagues. So if possible, recruit a partner who will check in with you regularly and keep you accountable to working toward the goal(s) you have set!
Bottom line, the keys to creating an effective success system are commitment, simplicity, and consistency. Consider the above tips, find what works for you, and put it into practice!
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For a more in-depth look at habits and success systems, please check out the final two chapters of my book Be An Inspirational Leader: Engage, Inspire, Empower.
