Why Habits > Motivation

Hello 2023,

It’s been a minute!

I feel like it’s been a slow burn into the new year, but I’m loving it. This year I’ve made a conscious effort to not subscribe to the hustle and pressure of ‘new year, new me’. I’ve embraced the summer holiday feeling, putting my priorities into myself, my family and friends. And it feels so good!

In saying that, we can’t avoid the shift that comes with a new year, where most people want to set new goals and make changes. This certainly can still be celebrated, and I want to share my thoughts on making the most out of your 2023 goals and intentions.

The crunch, habits > motivation.

It is very common in my practice to see people who struggle or lack motivation, and this prevents them from reaching their goals. I’ve got news for you, don’t rely on motivation.

Dr Faye Begeti (MB PhD, Neurology Doctor and Neuroscientist) shares through her Instagram platform @thebraindoctor knowledge to boost brain power and build better habits.

She thinks…

“…Motivation is unreliable, it waxes and wanes. Trying to be motivated all of the time is impossible. Build habits…that do not need motivation…”

My hacks for creating habits…

-Align it with your values (why is this important to you?)

-Be patient (it can take several months!)

-Pair it with a well-established habit like brushing your teeth or boiling the jug (habit pairing)

-Do new habits earlier in the day (our brain gets lazy making new decisions later in the day)

-Don't make too many changes at once, keep it simple!

-Stay accountable-write your goal down, tell someone else about it, go back and check in on your progress

-have a visual cue/reminder to complete the habit (I keep my yoga mat next to my TV to remind me to stretch-haha!)

-set a timer/reminder on your phone

-trick yourself-have an idea of what your barriers might be and make a plan to navigate them

Do check out @thebraindoctor on Instagram for more knowledge on habits, motivation, willpower and change!

Happy new Habits!