Habit tracking methods
A simple, menial habit I wanted to implement into my life was flossing. Minor but important. Brushing my teeth is an unconscious habit at this point. Something we are taught and introduced to at a very young age and have instilled for years. However adding another habit to your night time routine can be easily overlooked. Flossing was something I often forgot about or was simply too tired and lazy to do before bed. But as I became more consistent in flossing, it has now too become a habit I don’t have to think about doing but something I simply do every night without hesitation or contemplation.
Implementing habits are important. Reflecting on how you want to live a healthier lifestyle and what habits would contribute to that in a sustainable manner is the first step. However once you put those habits into practice, the next hurdle is staying consistent.
Habit tracking not only shows your progression but can also help build motivation and discipline. Once you’ve been consistent with a habit for a few weeks consecutively, you may feel more motivated to continue, to not break your streak.
To appropriately track your habits, they need to be measurable. If you want to build the habit of exercising, you need to be specific. Trying to simply track the habit of exercising is not enough. Does a 10 minute walk consist of exercising? How many times a week do you want to exercise. Set out your habits to be specific and measurable so you can track accurately and consistently over time.
Once you know what habits you want to track and how you’ll measure your progress, you need to build the habit of tracking your habits. Set a reminder for yourself to track your habits whether it be daily or weekly. It’s important to be consistent with this to give yourself an accurate depiction of your progress.
Tracking your habits can be fun, convenient and easily accessible to review often. Here are 3 ways to stay consistent with your healthy habits and the importance of your habit development.
Bullet Journaling
Keeping track of your habits each week in a bullet journal is a fun and creative way to be consistent. Label all your weekly habits and simply colour in the box if you’ve completed the habit for the week. This is a great way to track even the smallest things such as changing your sheets or drinking water.
Habit Tracking Apps
Habit apps are great to remind you of the habits you need to complete for that respective day. The Habit app allows you to set up reminders at different times of the day to give you a nudge. Getting notifications right to my smartwatch is a helpful reminder through the day.
Accountability partner
Cancelling your work out plans is much easier when you are the only one holding yourself to it. However, going to the gym or a workout class with a friend, you may be less inclined to flop on plans since you have someone holding you accountable. When creating habits for yourself, try to get a friend or family member involved as well so you are not tackling the challenge on your own.
Tracking your habits allow you to review your achievements in staying consistent and committed to your habits to transform your life. Celebrate your progress and development but also take this as an opportunity to improve or change your routine if needed. What is working and what isn’t. Develop your habits as you progress to challenge yourself and continue to meet your goals.
I use the Habits app. Great article Tania!