Focus on Your habits and Start Becoming the Person Who Achieves Them
One could argue that goals are dreams you wish would come true. While they may feel exciting and glamorous, they often stay stuck on your vision board or to-do list, collecting dust. The truth is, to achieve your goals, you need to become the person who has the potential to accomplish them.
To do that, your daily habits must align with the “dream version” of yourself and the life you envision. It’s all about creating a routine that reflects the person you want to be.
For example, saying you want straight A’s this year is just a goal, but routinely doing your homework? That’s the action that makes the goal achievable!
Of course, changing habits is easier said than done. If it were easy, everyone would do it. To help, I’ve put together a list of practical strategies to form healthier habits, break unhealthy ones, and get closer to your goals.
1. Start Small
Building habits that stick begins with manageable steps. Don’t overwhelm yourself—start with something easy and sustainable. Once it becomes second nature, you can gradually add more complexity to align your habits more closely with your goals.
For instance, if your goal is to learn how to draw by the end of the year, committing to a three-hour-long class every day might be too much for your schedule. Instead, start small by buying a notebook and committing to drawing something new every week.
2. Be Specific
The more specific you are about your habits, the better. Clarity removes confusion, builds confidence, and increases your success rate.
Let’s say you keep forgetting to draw weekly. Instead of vaguely saying, “I’ll draw this week,” try this: “Every Sunday at 5 PM, I will spend 45 minutes practicing drawing.” You can be even more specific about what you’ll draw or which techniques you’ll focus on.
The truth is, to achieve your goals, you need to become the person who has the potential to accomplish them.
3. Try Habit Stacking
If you struggle with a habit or tend to forget it, try pairing it with something you already enjoy or do regularly. This technique, called habit stacking, helps you associate the new habit with something positive.
For example, if you love listening to music, combine it with your drawing practice. Over time, you’ll associate the two activities, making the habit more enjoyable and easier to maintain.
4. Remove Barriers
The more obstacles there are to completing a habit, the less likely you are to do it. Create an environment that supports your habits and goals by removing distractions and making things easier to access.
For example, if your desk is cluttered and you can never find your drawing tools, it’s time to tidy up. Keep your notebook and pencils visible and organized, so they serve as a reminder of your commitment to drawing.
5. Set Up Reminders
Sometimes we just need a little nudge to stay on track. Use reminders to prompt you to start and stop your habits. Set alarms on your phone, write them in your planner, or use apps to help you stay organized.
For habits like going to the gym, setting timers can be especially effective. A well-structured schedule not only keeps you accountable but also boosts your confidence in completing your tasks.
Final Thoughts
Focusing on your goals alone won’t get you where you want to be. It’s the habits you build and the actions you take daily that truly make a difference. Start small, be specific, and create an environment that supports your journey. Before you know it, you’ll be living as the person who achieves those once-distant dreams.
What habits will you start building today?