Habits don’t require motivation to do

As habits are mental shortcuts learned from experience. Even when your motivation is low, you’ve become so used to doing it that you’ll probably end up doing it anyway.

Habits can create momentum for the rest of the day

Sometimes the most difficult part of getting work done is just to…start. So the easiest actions you can perform, habits, are the easiest source of motivation that can set up the rest of your day!

Habits compound

Even if you only make 1% improvements each time you do complete a habit, you are still guaranteed to improve. Break down big habits into smaller ones and make them very, very easy. As you get better, gradually increase the difficulty, knowing that even if you don’t, you’ll still be on track to building that habit.

Habits are versatile

Want to develop a better studying habit, pick up a new skill or get into the habit of reminding yourself to take time to relax? Developing new habits can help you achieve those goals because they reduce the decision making and motivation you need to do those things.

Stay hydrated e.g., drinking a glass of water every morning

• Make it obvious
  • Place a glass someone where you’re going to see it every morning
• Make it attractive
  • Use a glass you like or a nice coaster
  • Mix it up with infused water etc.
• Make it easy
  • Have it in a easy to reach place
• Make it satisfying
  • Create a table of days where you tick off each day where you do drink a glass of water to maintain a streak

Being active e.g., taking a walk between study sessions

• Make it obvious
  • Set a reminder on your phone to take a walk outside (if the weather is nice)
• Make it attractive
  • Listen to music or just enjoy nature
• Make it easy
  • Don’t demand yourself to walk for very long. Just however long you feel like doing it for after starting
• Make it satisfying
  • Reward yourself!

Practising mindfulness e.g., meditation

• Make it obvious
  • Download a meditation app like Smiling Mind or Headspace and place it on the homepage of your phone or bookmark it in your browser
• Make it attractive
  • Know that you can take a break from your work both mentally and physically
  • Know why you want to start meditation
• Make it easy
  • Pre-select a few guided meditations you’re interested in or sounds if you prefer un-guided meditations beforehand so you can start meditating straight away and don’t have to fiddle with the apps!
  • Start small, try bite-sized meditation exercises before working up to big ones
• Make it satisfying
  • Make yourself a nice drink or have a piece of chocolate