1: Plan for Success, but Imagine Failure
Many of us think we need motivation to achieve our goals, but what we really need is a plan. To help you create yours, Clear suggests a technique called the 'Failure Premortem' . First, define the habit you want to create or the goal you want to achieve. Then, imagine that six months have passed and you haven't succeeded, and then identify and explain what obstacles caused you to fail. For example: Your goal is to plan meals and cook healthier dinners. You decide to go grocery shopping every Monday night to prepare for the week. However, a new project comes up at work that makes you work late on Mondays, so you never manage to go grocery shopping. By anticipating this obstacle, you can create an 'if/then' plan. Here, it could be something like: "If I can't go grocery shopping on Monday, then I'll do it on Tuesday morning." This will help you create backup plans for unforeseen events that derail you from your goal, making it easier to achieve your goals even in the face of setbacks.
2. Create an environment that works in your favor
According to Clear, your environment can be an indicator of success. When we see tangible objects that remind us of our goals and routines, they can act as stimuli to keep us on track, inspiring us to follow our routine simply because they are part of our environment. Want to start attending a 5 a.m. gym class? Leave your workout clothes ready the night before, in a visible place where you can see them from your bed. And what about that hydration goal? Make it easy to access: If you have a glass of water ready in the refrigerator and your favorite Hydration Multiplier™ sachets organized in jars on the kitchen counter, you'll have easy access to facilitate your task.
3: Stack your habits
Our routines often follow well-defined paths in our minds, which can make change difficult at first. Instead of starting a new habit without a clear plan, try 'stacking' a new habit on top of another that's already part of your daily routine to make it easier . For example: To increase your daily water intake, commit to drinking a full glass of water after brushing your teeth in the morning. Brushing your teeth is an automatic habit you do without thinking, so simply "stacking" a glass of water after brushing will make the habit easier to remember and perform. Want to meditate more? Instead of simply staring at the coffee maker while waiting for your coffee to brew, use that time for a five-minute meditation while you wait. This way, you're stacking a new habit you want into your routine on top of one that works automatically, increasing your chances of successfully maintaining it. Remember to start with small habits and gradually work your way up to your goal. You can do it!
