Every day, there are thousands of decisions you will make, with the majority of them happening on a subconscious level. And while completely normal, leaving your decision-making on autopilot can lead to habits forming over the years – both positive and negative. For example, maybe you tend to snooze your alarm clock when it rings in the morning. However, everyday you notice that you snooze your alarm more and more, leading to you being perpetually late for appointments. This habit can have a negative impact on your life, as it can lead to issues personally and professionally. So, what can we do about it that actually works?
It can be difficult to break bad habits and implement new ones, as it takes active decision-making and commitment. If you are looking to add more positive practices into your daily life, there are ways to help you stick to these small improvements and reap the benefits. Here are some tips to help you build habits that will positively impact your everyday life.
Start Small
When starting off, take on one small habit at a time. Many people will try to implement several things all at once, however, this can lead to frustration. Instead, focus on one small practice and really give it your all.
Additionally, make the beginning stages of building this habit easy and attainable, and then add onto it. Are you trying to wake up earlier during the week? Start by waking up ten or fifteen minutes earlier than usual, and slowly increase. Are you looking to save a little extra money to purchase something nice? Start by putting away $5 or $10, and build from there.
Build the Habit into Your Routine
A key to making sure you stick to your new habit is to build it into an established daily, weekly, or monthly routine to help carry it out. For example, if you are trying to floss more often, implement it into your night time routine. Are you trying to teach your kids to pick up after themselves? Create a designated “clean up” time in the morning or at night.
Celebrate Small Wins
Building good habits can feel like an uphill battle, which is why it is so important to celebrate the small victories along the way! Did you wake up early every day this week? Buy yourself a small treat! Did you stay within your budget for dining out? Share your victory with friends or family! Taking a moment to give yourself credit for your hard work will encourage you in the future to continue to make small improvements.
Blackhawk Bank is Ready to Help
We want you and your family to start creating positive financial habits that can help you accomplish your short- and long-term goals. Are you ready to learn more about what Blackhawk Bank can do for you? Contact us today!
Author:
Stephanie Meier
SVP Marketing
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Lorianne Robertson
AVP Senior Marketing Specialist
Sarah Lee
Marketing Specialist