Creating a sustainable habit can bring lots of questions! How long does it take to create a habit? We tend to hear that it takes 10 weeks to create a sustainable habit. Whether it takes 21 or 60, habits are something that we have to decide to form, have the desire to continue, and have consistency with.
We all have habits that we want to start. Many of these habits cross our minds as we strive to create a new lifestyle.Are you struggling to reach your goals? Do you feel like giving up? If this sounds like you, you are not alone!
In reality, a lot of times our desire for a new lifestyle fails. That does not mean you have to quit though. It may mean it is a good time to take a step back and reevaluate. We want to help you know how you can succeed in your goals. There is a way to succeed and you can succeed.
Let’s take an example of one new lifestyle goal – to lose weight – and create some steps to achieve the goal and make it a habit.
How to Create a Sustainable Habit
The first step to creating a sustainable habit would be review the traits that help create long lasting change. Here are some things to remember when striving towards achieving those goals:
Have Patience
Remember that each journey begins with one step at a time. Your journey is more than a sprint, it’s a marathon. Losing weight takes time. Healthy weight loss ranges from 1-2 pounds per week, so if your goal is to lose 40 pounds, remember that it is supposed to take longer than 3 weeks! But that’s good – it will be easier to keep it off than if you lost 15 pounds in a week.
Plan It Out
Keep a planner of what you will do each day. You can do by creating S.M.A.R.T. goals. Where do you want to see yourself in 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? What can you do today to get there?
Keep Track of the Goals
If your goal is to lose weight, keep track of your weight! Weigh in once a week at the same time of day so you can see consistent results. Again, remember patience with this. The steady changes will make the biggest difference when forming habits.
Make Small Changes
Each week, make a small change in your habits and continue until it becomes easier. Small changes add up over time, so don’t discount the little stuff.
Write Down Your Progress
Seeing things with your own eyes helps you to see what you have achieved and where you may need to pay a little more attention to. Seeing your progress over time can give you the boost you need to keep going with those changes!
Keep Accountability
Have someone that knows your goals, big and small, to support you. This person needs to be there each week, keeping up with your progress. Have you ever noticed that when you tell someone that you’re going to do something, you are more likely to do it?
How We Can Help Create a Sustainable Habit
One-on-One Support
You can meet with one of our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to create your customize plan! You will stay motivated and accountable with your amazing dietitian who will help you create a sustainable habit!
Self Study Program
This is why we have created the 12-Week Program, to help you to achieve your goals to create a new lifestyle and form healthy habits along the way that will last you a lifetime. Here’s how:
- To help you with patience, the 12-Week Program is spread out over 3 months. This time and structure will help you form those habits, making one small change at a time.
- You can plan out your daily activities and goals with the accountability book that we will provide you. We also provide a meal planner, included with the program, with over 2000 recipes!
- You can keep track in an accountability journal
You will make a small change each week – we call them “fixes”. These will be incorporated into your life and help you achieve your goals!
With each of these resources, you will be on your way to success. You will be able to achieve your goals and you will form habits. These habits will sustain you as you continue with them, throughout your life.
