3 Simple (But Effective) Advice I’d Give Anyone Looking to Build New Habits

I have been studying personal development and habit formation in the last 7 years.

These are the 3 simple (but effective) pieces of advice I'd give anyone starting out (or who wants to get started):

Advice #1: Start Small

When forming new habits, start with small, manageable actions. Instead of committing to a 30-minute workout daily, start with 5 minutes. This makes it easier to stick with the habit and reduces the chance of feeling overwhelmed. Small wins build momentum and confidence. For further information, check the books Atomic Habits by James Clear and Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg.

Advice #2: Be Consistent

Consistency is more important than intensity. It's better to do a small habit every day than a big one sporadically. Consistent actions reinforce the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—and help solidify the new behavior over time. Set a regular schedule and make it a non-negotiable part of your day. For further information on this check "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg.

Advice #3: Track Your Progress

Keep a record of your habit to visually see your progress. This can be as simple as marking an 'X' on a calendar for each day you complete your habit. Tracking helps maintain accountability and provides a sense of accomplishment. It's a powerful motivator to keep going, especially on tough days. You can use a habit tracker app like "Habit" or a simple calendar or journal. You can find some examples here; https://jamesclear.com/habit-tracker

Honestly, I wish someone had told me these 3 things earlier in my career.

But I'm glad I can pass them along to you. For more posts like this, follow me and subscribe to my newsletter. Also, comment below with your top tip for building new habits!