Creating Habits that Stick in 2024

A new year means a blank slate, like the beginning of a new book chapter. It’s a time to be better, do better, and live better.

Exciting, right? But having so many possibilities in front of you can also feel stressful.

In this article, we’ll share our top suggestions for making the most of the new year and turning your goals into reality.

Why Start New Habits?

Forming new habits, especially at a young age, allows you to set the foundation for your goals and success. Think of habits like the foundation for the rest of your dream life.

Like building blocks or Legos, you need the first row of blocks to be sturdy before continuing to build. If they are unstable, the structure won’t hold up. Habits are that first row of blocks, and by starting with small steps today, you can begin building the rest of your life to look how you want it to.

3 Steps to Build a New Habit

If you want to start a new habit in 2024 but aren’t sure where to begin, try this simple, 3-step process:

1. Reflect

Reflection will help you understand what areas you want to improve in and where the new habits you are creating will be most helpful.

So, grab some writing utensils and paper and reflect on the last year, asking yourself questions like:

What went well this year (and what didn’t)?
What made you feel good, and what made you feel bad?
What did your parents, teachers, or coaches like you to do, and what did they not respond well to?
Where do you want to be better?

If questions aren’t working, you can instead try thinking of the labels that describe yourself today (like, “I am a student” or “I am an athlete”). Then think of the labels that you want to describe yourself (like, “I am hardworking” or “I am empathetic”). What would a hardworking person do every day? What practices could help you become more empathetic?

When you’ve figured out who you’re trying to become, it’s much easier to select the habits that will have the biggest impact on your life.

2. Write it Down

Once you’ve identified one habit that will help you become more like the person you want to be, make sure to write it down. Then hang it up somewhere you’ll see it every day, so you can remember what you’re working toward.

3. Try it Out

New habits can feel unnatural at first, but with time, they’ll become easier and easier to maintain.

Try not to be afraid of failure, either. It’s normal to struggle when building a new habit, but just remember that the effort is worth the reward! And if something isn’t working out, try making adjustments until you find the routine that makes the most sense for you. You’ve got this!

2 New Habits to Try in 2024

Not sure which habit to start in the new year? Here are two suggestions that are scientifically proven to benefit your health and wellness:

Reading Daily: Reading every day, even for just 10 minutes, helps the brain focus and improves learning. And even if you don’t enjoy reading now, you’ll likely find that you appreciate it more the more you do it! By investing just 10-15 minutes per day, you can see major benefits that last a lifetime.

Consistent Exercise: Playing outdoors or walking for a few minutes can significantly benefit you over time. Not only can exercising make you stronger and physically healthier, but it also has positive benefits for your mental health and your confidence.

Let us know on social media: What healthy habits will you try out this year?

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