How to create new habits

Every day we are exposed to so much content telling us to be better. Social media tells us how we should look, what we should do and even how we should feel. Every single day we are exposed to some form of ‘perfection’. 

However, we all know that the reality that is presented online by influencers is not representative of how our live are meant to look and how we are meant to live them. Comfort and happiness is unique to each and every one of us. 

Self-betterment is of course a very real thing and at the same time it cannot be achieved by any convenient shortcut. Learning new things and building new routines is an intimately personal experience for everyone. 

There is however a tested framework that describes the processes that occur in your brain when creating a new routine that will later become automatic and like second nature over time. Building new habits works on the basis of three connected rules: Trigger, Routine and Reward. 

Trigger: A trigger is either an event, motivation or situation that stimulates the brain and creates a need to do the needed action or activity. Therefore, it is important to first identify the correct trigger that will spur you to action. 

Routine: A routine is a habitual reaction or behavior that we exhibit as a result of the trigger. The goal is that with enough repetition the routine will become an automatic, almost instinctual reaction. 

Reward: The reward is the most important part of creating a new habit. It acts as confirmation that what we are doing has meaning. This can come in any form; results, praise, a good feeling or anything else that you set as the reward for your actions. Without sufficient motivation it is very difficult to maintain a new routine long term. This works because your brain will subconsciously tie the action of going through the routine with a subsequent dopamine reward thus creating a motivation. Concentrate on how your new routine benefits your personal growth, health and mental wellbeing. 

The results of your new routine may be visible immediately or over time. That is why you should follow your progress and celebrate your achievements. This is how you ca steel your motivation and ensure that your routine stays a staple of your everyday happiness and wellbeing.