As you’re determining the habits or resolutions you’re trying to set, make the habit part of a bigger cause that’s worth the struggle.You’re not just going to the gym, you’re building a new body that you’re not ashamed of so you can start dating again.

Your “Big Why”

First, stop relying on willpower and motivation. Both are finite and fickle resources that will abandon you when you need them most.Use systems and outside forces to make the routine even easier to build.

Use Systems

Do less. Do way less. Keep your goals SMALL and simple. Only build one habit at a time.Want to start exercising more? For that first week, ONLY go for a walk for just 5 minutes every morning. Literally 5 minutes.Want to start cooking your own healthy meals? Just aim for one meal per day or one meal per week. Whatever works for you and your schedule.

Ready to Build a Healthy Habit

There are 3 parts to a good or bad habit: Cue (what triggers the action), Routine (the action itself), Reward (the positive result because of the action).You have trained your brain to take a cue (you see a doughnut), anticipate a reward (a sugar high), and make the behavior automatic (nom that donut). Compare that to a cue (you see your running shoes), anticipate a reward (a runner’s high), and make the behavior automatic (go for a run!).

Healthy Habit Building 101

<ol><li>Find a friend or group of friends to build the habits with you.</li><li>Cultivate discipline with consequences: Every time I skip ______________ this month, I will pay $50 to my wife/husband/friend.</li><li>Never miss two in a row.</li><li>Don't pick the habits you hate. </li><li>Consider combining a habit you dislike with something you LOVE, and you’ll be more likely to build the habit.  Allow yourself an hour of watching Netflix, but ONLY while you’re on the Elliptical.</li></ol>

Effortless Healthy Habit building

<ul><li>We tend to bite off more than we can chew, go too fast too soon, and then get overwhelmed too quickly.</li><li>We’re conditioned these days to expect and receive instant gratification.</li><li>We expect to get in shape very quickly, not remembering that it took us decades of unhealthy living to get where we are.</li><li>We miss a workout because life gets busy.</li></ul>

Struggling To Build Healthy Habits

Whether you’re breaking a bad habit or starting a new one, begin by recognizing the cue that triggers the habit. Once you recognize or pick the cue, you can start working on fixing the routine (action).

Recognize the triggers

Create rewards that reward you back! DON’T reward your routine (running!) with an unhealthy reward (cake!). That’s “one step forward, two steps back.” DO reward your routine (running for 5 minutes every day for 30 days straight) with a reward that makes you want to keep running (a snazzy new pair of running shoes).

Make the Reward Momentum Building

At some point in the past week (or five minutes ago after a Google search), you've made a resolution to change your life: I'm going to exercise every day! I'm going to start flossing! I'm going to start eating better! I'm going to quit smoking! I'm going to stop wearing jorts!