The #1 Tip for Staying Consistent with Life-Changing Habits
Are you struggling to stay consistent with your habits? Do you know the importance of good habits but can’t seem to make them stick? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m going to share the #1 tip that’s kept me consistent with my most important life-changing habit for more than a decade.
Why Staying Consistent is So Tough
As we approach the new year (or any big event—whether it’s a wedding, vacation, or the holidays), there’s always talk about setting goals and building habits. And while setting goals feels exciting, sticking to habits can be incredibly tough, especially when life gets in the way.
I’ve been there too. I’ve said “no” to amazing opportunities just because I didn’t want to lose momentum on my habits. The fear of losing progress or falling off track is real. But the good news? You don’t have to sacrifice fun and spontaneity to stay consistent with your habits.
The Game-Changing Tip That Helped Me Stick with Habits for 10+ Years
So, what’s the secret that’s kept me on track for over 10 years? It all comes down to one simple rule: Do the important things first.
Let me share how I discovered this life-changing tip.
Back in high school, I was part of a leadership academy, which introduced me to one of my favorite books of all time: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. In that book, Covey’s 3rd Habit—Put First Things First—stuck with me.
This means doing what’s important (but not necessarily urgent) first thing in the day. These are the tasks that bring the most long-term value, the ones that align with your goals and values—Covey calls them “Quadrant II” activities.
Identify Your Values and Align Them with Your Habits
To know what’s truly important, you need to first identify your core values. I recommend taking 10-15 minutes today to jot down your personal values. Here are a few questions to get started:
• What do you want to be known for?
• What’s important to you?
My values include my faith, family, calm, giving, and compassion. Yours may include health, wealth, knowledge, or community. There are no right or wrong answers here—these are personal to you.
Once you’ve listed your values, the next step is to align them with daily habits. Ask yourself: What small action can I take every day to live out my values? For example, if one of your values is health, your daily habit might focus on fitness, nutrition, or long-term mobility.
Why Doing the Important Things First Matters
Here’s why this tip works: as the day progresses, our energy and willpower diminish. Psychologist Roy F. Baumeister discovered that willpower is like a muscle—it tires out the more we use it. Everything from dealing with difficult coworkers to making decisions depletes that willpower tank.
By the end of the day, your willpower is often running on fumes. That’s why it’s essential to do the important things first, when your willpower is at its peak.
My Life-Changing Habit: A Consistent Morning Routine
Now let me tell you about my most life-changing habit: my morning routine. If you’ve watched any of my videos, you know how much I rave about my morning routine because it keeps me grounded and energized.
Here’s how it ties back to doing the important things first: The first 30-45 minutes of my day are nearly identical, no matter what. Even on tough days, when I feel like sleeping in or I’m not feeling well, I still do a “good enough” version of my morning routine.
My morning routine hits several of my core values, including faith, peace, family, organization, and health. By starting my day with these actions, I’m setting myself up for success—no matter what the rest of the day throws at me.
How You Can Start Building Your Morning Routine
If you’re ready to build your own morning routine, I recommend checking out The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. I came across this book after I’d already developed my routine, but I still found some valuable tips that helped me make impactful adjustments. It’s a fantastic resource, especially for those just starting out on their morning routine journey. I’ve included a link in the description below.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Day
Doing the important things first has been the key to sticking with my top habit for over 10 years, and it can help you too. By aligning your habits with your values and making them a priority early in the day, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
Thanks for spending this time with me. I appreciate your dedication to designing a harmonious life, and I’m honored to be part of your journey. If you want to dive deeper into my morning routine, join my free and exclusive community at the link below.
And remember, I’m always in your corner—until next time!