Today’s Solutions: November 21, 2024

According to one study, only eight percent of people maintain their New Year’s resolutions for the whole year. That’s a rather unimpressive success rate, which is why during the past few years, researchers have been studying the best techniques for forming daily habits.

Out of the 23 techniques, one outshone the rest when it comes to maintaining habits. That technique is known as Habit Reflection, and it could just help you succeed in making your new habit stick. Here are the three simple steps of Habit Reflection.

First step

Pick a past situation where you were able to successfully change your long-term behavior or create a new habit.

Second step

Write down anything you learned from this past situation about how to successfully form new habits or any tactics you used to help make this change that could apply to your new habit.

Third step

Create a brief written plan for applying those lessons to your new habit. This fast and simple method helped participants to practice their habits 0.7 more times per week on average than others—a 140% improvement over the second-most-effective technique. Plus, those who used the Habit Reflection technique reported more satisfaction with their progress toward their habit-forming goals than any other group in the study. 

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Colombia outlaws child marriage in landmark move

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Colombia made a historic move to protect its youngest citizens by prohibiting child marriage. After nearly two decades ...

Read More

5 pre-holiday decluttering tips for a stress-free season

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays have arrived, bringing with them guests, gifts, and bright decorations. But, before you drape your home ...

Read More

You and your roommates make up your house’s microbiome

Here at The Optimist Daily we commonly write articles about the gut microbiome, its importance to our health, and how we can keep it ...

Read More

How to have an affordable Thanksgiving— even while turkey prices soar

It’s true— turkey prices are on the rise this year. Unlike last year's holiday season, when supply chain and labor issues created ingredient shortages, ...

Read More