Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Lori
We often think of habits as being good or bad. But they are really just tools we use, consciously or not, to achieve a certain outcome. If your current habits aren’t getting you the results you desire, it may be time to create better habits. And, the fastest and easiest way to do that is by incorporating micro habits. Here are 10 tips for using micro habits to reach your goals.
Do you find yourself stuck in the same old routines, unable to make progress on your goals or dreams?
You’re not alone.
Most people struggle with motivation and consistency when it comes to making positive changes in their lives.
Why?
Because they keep doing the same things — over and over.
Unfortunately, repeating the same actions generally gets you the same results.
You may have found the results rewarding in the past, but your goals have changed.
Your habits must change, too.
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What are Micro Habits?
Micro habits are small, incremental changes that you incorporate into your daily routine.
If you break a desired goal down into its smallest steps – those are micro habits.
Over time, these small actions build upon one another and bring you to your goal.
How small are these actions?
Here are some examples:
- Drinking a glass of water when you wake up.
- Making your bed as soon as you rise.
- Stretching for three minutes each day.
- Writing in your journal for 5 minutes each evening.
- Calling or texting one friend each day just to make contact.
As you can see, these are short, simple actions that can easily fit into a routine.
And that’s why micro habits work so well.
Typically, they don’t take much time or effort on your part. The fact that they are small and simple makes it easy to do them consistently.
Their real power comes from the daily repetition and the compounding effect they have to help you achieve your goals.
How exactly do you do that?
10 Tips for Using Micro Habits Successfully:
Tip #1: Start Small
Micro habits should be as small and easy to do as possible.
The easier they are, the more likely you are to stick with them over time.
For example, if your goal is to exercise more, try doing just five minutes each day.
If that seems like too much, break it down further.
Put your exercise clothes on at the same time every day. That’s it. Step one. Simple.
Master that before moving on to another habit.
Tip #2: Focus on One Habit at a Time
Don’t try to take on too many micro habits at once.
Focus on one habit and master it before gradually adding other ones into your routine.
Build your success one tiny habit at a time.
It’s great to make a list of a dozen micro habits you might like to incorporate, but only choose one to start with. Prove to yourself that you’ll follow through on that and master it before adding on another.
Build your confidence by completing your one micro habit daily and the rest will be easy!
Tip #3: Make It Fun
Pair your micro habit with something you enjoy.
For example, listening to music while you practice your micro habits can make them more enjoyable and easier to stick with.
That extra activity can be just what you need to not feel alone or isolated when trying to get your brain and body used to new routines.
Tip #4: Set Reminders
Our minds and bodies thrive on routine.
Use a calendar, phone reminders, or other technology to help you remember to do your micro habits every day.
Choose when it fits best into your schedule, and yes, schedule it.
Plan ahead, get it into your calendar, and get it done!
Tip #5: Track Your Progress
Logging your progress is a great way to stay motivated and celebrate small victories as you go.
You can track your micro habits using a notebook, an app, or even a pen-and-paper habit tracker. If you have a physical tracker, post it in a prominent place so that you can view your progress daily.
This visual reminder will keep your micro habit top of mind and also inspire you to keep going!
Tip #6: Celebrate Your Wins
Recognizing accomplishments helps build momentum and keeps you motivated.
Reward yourself when you reach milestones in your journey toward achieving your goals.
Set these rewards up ahead of time. They’ll inspire and motivate you to keep going.
Make sure the reward fits the level of effort you’re putting forth. (Small step, small reward.)
Tip #7: Connect with Others
It’s not always easy to stay on track without support.
Reach out to family and friends or join an online community of people who are all working towards similar goals.
Consider teaming up with an accountability buddy.
You can easily check in through text or email. Reporting daily results will make it much easier to stick to your goals and you can celebrate with each other.
Accountability can completely change the dynamic of what you’re doing and sharing your success with someone else makes it even sweeter!
Tip #8: Practice Self-Compassion
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes or miss a few days here and there.
Life happens, and that’s okay.
Acknowledge your feelings, learn from them, and keep going.
Drop any ideas around perfectionism because they’re unhealthy and counterproductive.
Always do your best.
If things don’t work out, that’s okay. Just start again and move forward.
Tip #9: Make It Part of Your Identity
Over time, you can turn your micro habits into part of who you are.
When it becomes part of your identity, it will be easier to maintain because you won’t want to let yourself down.
And, when it becomes part of who you are, then you’ll be doing it automatically, just like any other habit — except this one will be productive and good for you!
Tip #10: Stick with It
Micro habits take time and persistence to become a habit, so don’t give up when the going gets tough.
Keep practicing and focus on the long-term results you’re working towards!
The more you repeat something, the better you will become at it.
Before you know it, you’ll achieve mastery with your micro habit!
Read More:
- Micro Habits: The Better Way to Reach Your Goals
- 4 Easy Morning Habits That Will Improve Your Whole Day
- 7 Essential Habits to Build a Healthy, Happy Life
Final Thoughts On Choosing and Using Micro Habits: 10 Tips for Real Results
By following these simple tips, you can get started on designing micro habits to help improve your life now. Micro habits may be small, but over time, they can have a huge impact. So why not give them a try?
- Start small
- Focus on one habit at a time
- Make it fun
- Set reminders
- Track your progress
- Celebrate your wins
- Connect with others
- Practice self-compassion
- Make it part of your identity
- Stick with it
You might just find that micro habits are the key to unlocking your potential and achieving lasting success!
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Thanks for this post, Lori. Taking advantage of our natural tendency to form habits is such a useful way to achieve our goals. I especially like the concept of pairing habits or attaching habits to other things to help us stay on track. I used to have trouble remembering to take my vitamins, but last year, I started taking my vitamins at the same time I give my dog her morning medicine, and I haven’t missed a day since. 🙂 Joan
Joan, I love your clear example of how you paired your habits! Thanks so much for reading – and responding!
I find atomic skills very simple and useful. If followed they can help people to transform their lives.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear is one of my favorite books! I agree with you that micro habits can transform lives!