Developing a healthy new habit makes it possible to become a more productive person while also moving away from damaging habits. And in the long term, these gradual pivots can make a significant difference in one’s relationships, professional opportunities, and wellbeing.

However, if developing healthy habits was easy, everyone would quite frequently do so, and unhealthy habits would be nonexistent. As it is, the task is difficult but achievable so long as one takes the appropriate steps. To increase the chances of success and help as many people as possible live their best life, here’s some helpful advice.

Identify Existing Habits

The first step towards developing a healthy new habit is identifying existing habits. From snacking to reading and much in between, habits can be positive or negative. But the key is pinpointing these actions and drawing basic conclusions about the emotions and environmental triggers that accompany them. For instance, some people drink alcohol when they feel stressed.

Make a Plan

Once one has identified good and bad existing habits, it’s time to make a plan. Determine which of the poor habits should be changed first – many start small before tackling larger habits – and remain cognizant of the aforementioned feelings and environmental triggers that might contribute to them.

Next, craft a plan to move away from these triggers as well as the unhealthy habit. If workplace stress contributes to cigarette smoking, for instance, take deliberate steps to reduce job-related tension. (In certain instances, this solution may well be finding a new job altogether.)

Meanwhile, drinking water, taking a walk, stretching, or indulging in a nutritious snack represent just a few of the healthy habits that can gradually take the place of unhealthy activities like smoking. Plans, like healthy habits, personalities, and much else, vary from person to person.

Stay the Course and Remain Patient

After that, it’s important to stay the course and remain patient. Developing a healthy new habit – which almost always involves moving away from an unhealthy habit – takes time. And as mentioned at the outset, if it was easy, everyone would rather frequently do so.

Remain patient in the face of slow progress, recognizing each positive development as one integral component of a larger journey. Different strategies might need to be implemented – and new plans might have to be made – but developing healthy habits is simply about taking enough steps in the right direction.