We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
~ Aristotle
Habits shape your life far more than you probably realize.
According to The Power of Habit author Charles Duhigg, habits are an important force that our brains actually cling to because they create neurological cravings where a certain behavior is rewarded by the release of “pleasure” chemicals in the brain.
Habits literally shape our every day actions that grow stronger the more we perform them. This process shifts habits from proactively making decisions to becoming more and more automatic.
Although habits can be a good thing like moving your body at Zephyr on a daily basis or drinking enough water, they can also become a disadvantage too. If a bad habit is created, you need to rewire your thinking and replace it with a new one.
What are habits?
Habits are a series of events where you have to recognize the cue, create a good response (habit), and receive the same reward or outcome. In order to replace a bad habit with a good one, you have to change the response.
At Zephyr, we recognize the power of good habits. In order to build the habits you want to stick with, you have to be intentional with your actions. Here are our top 5 tips to forming good habits and actually sticking with them.
1. Start Small
We can’t stress this enough. A habit doesn’t have to be astronomical in size to be considered successful. Consistency is more important than how much you do something or the size of the task at hand.
For example, you could start with a mini habit of making your bed in the morning versus making sure your entire house is spotless every day of the week.
2. Be Intentional
An important part of creating good habits is choosing what habits to build. Your resources are limited, so you need to be careful in selecting what habits to put your energy towards. Choose only the ones that can make the most difference in your life.
For example, choosing a class time that fits with your schedule rather than a class for which you have to move around your entire calendar.
3. Celebrate Every Victory
Having a system in place that can give you a sense of accomplishment is important to keep you motivated in the long run. By celebrating tiny wins, you’ll start to create those feel-good responses well before the actual habit is formed.
For example, if you’re starting a healthier lifestyle, say something positive to yourself after every thing you do that’s centered on healthy choices. Made dinner? Great! Scheduled two workouts for the week? Way to go! Took 2 minutes in the morning to meditate? You’re amazing!
Don’t forget about the small stuff – it adds up.
4. Partner Up
One of the greatest things to do to form good habits is finding a friend to hold you accountable. Accountability can go a long way and allow you to create stronger habits when you feel supported.
For example, snag a workout buddy to catch a Zephyr class with you every Friday. Need even more incentive? Join our January contest over on Instagram to celebrate our brand new referral program!
5. Be Balanced
It’s important to live a balanced life. Health and fitness is just one piece of the puzzle. In order to feel well rounded, you have to think about other areas of your life to form good habits in such as work, relationships, and spirituality.
For example, say your health habits are in good shape, but you’re lacking in some of your relationships. Try bringing your significant other or a family member to a workout class with you once a week.
Building good habits is important in all aspects of your life. With the New Year in full swing, it’s time to capitalize on the renewed sense of energy that’s in the air with good habits that are hard to break.
To make Zephyr a part of your good habits for 2019, check out our full schedule of classes and find one that’s right for you.