9 Step Action Plan To Create a New Habit

You have decided that you want to create a positive change. You have a vision of a more successful  you. Now you just need to work out how to get there; to achieve your goal.

It is a well-known fact that habits take at least 21 days to master and to become automatic. Of course the exact timing depends on the complexity of the habit you wish to create (or break). Repetition and practice are crucial.

The following is a simple outline of a 9 step habit creation plan that will help you create your new success habit in 21 days.

Step 1: Identify your goal. What is it that you want to achieve? Write it down. That is the end point and where you want to be at the end of the 21 days.

Step 2: Identify the components of your habit. Every habit is made up of three key components.

• The Cue: sometimes called the trigger. This is what sets off the habit (good or bad).
• The Behavior: this is what happens when the cue occurs.
• The Reward: this is the result gained from the behavior.

For example: Procrastination – Cue: being asked to do a task that you perceive may be boring or time consuming.  Behavior: you make excuses not to do the task, you put it to one side saying that you will tackle it later.  Reward: you do something else instead that you enjoy.

Step 3: Create cues (triggers) for your new habit that you want to create.

Step 4: Identify potential road blocks and set-backs and how you will deal with them. By doing this in advance you will be able to push on through them. Remember you need to practice your new habit every day for a minimum of 21 days to succeed.

Step 5: Visualize yourself achieving your goal and being successful. By envisioning yourself successfully using your new habit you will create a positive connection in your sub-conscious mind and it will become more real.

Step 6: Make time every day to practice your new habit for a minimum of 21 days. You will know when you have successfully learned your new habit when you do it without planning or having to consciously think about doing it.

Step 7: Make yourself accountable to someone else. By doing this you are reinforcing your desire to achieve a successful outcome. Depending on your chosen goal it may be that you decide to get a coach or mentor.

Step 8: Take positive action. Identify the steps you need to take and take them. Be positive. If you are not positive and committed to your goal and new success habit then you are less likely to succeed.

Step 9: Reward yourself. Build in a reward for when you have achieved your goal and created your new habit. You will look forward to earning it if you make it something you really want; it will act like a carrot!

Creating a new habit has to be an intentional process. You must be committed to achieving your goal. By creating a plan you are increasing the level of success you will have because you are taking action.

You don’t have to create your plan on your own. You may use an accountability partner to help you or decide to use a coach or mentor with experience in the type of goals and success you are seeking to achieve.