Inside: Struggling to make changes in your life? Making changes in your life can be hard, but this post includes 10 practical tips that will help you. This guide is for busy women who want to start new habits and break bad ones.
Not long ago, I was walking with a friend and confided in her. “I don’t feel like I’m winning in any area of my life.” Things were hard. Every area felt like it was a struggle. In that moment, I felt pretty defeated. Until things changed. Ever been there?
My whole life didn’t change, but one area of my life changed. And by making strides in that one area of life, my perspective changed. By overcoming in one area my hope was renewed in other areas.
We all know that making changes in our lives can be hard, especially when you’re a busy woman with a million and one things on your plate. It can be difficult to find the time and energy to focus on making changes, but it can be done.
Introduction to the Busy Woman’s Guide to Making Time for Change
Making changes in our lives isn’t always easy especially when we’re constantly busy with work, family, and other commitments. But it is possible to make time for change and start new habits and break bad ones. This guide is designed to help busy women find the time and energy to make healthy changes in their lives.
I’ll provide tips and strategies to help you start new habits and break bad ones. You don’t have to do it all at once – change can be made in small steps. This post will help you create a plan to make the changes you want in your life.
Understanding the Benefits of Starting New Habits and Breaking Bad Ones
Making changes and starting new habits can be hard work, but the benefits are worth it. Starting new habits and breaking bad ones can help you lead a healthier, happier, and more productive life. They can give you a sense of accomplishment, renewed confidence, and feeling like you’re in control again.
Breaking bad habits can also be beneficial, as it can help you reduce stress, improve your self-esteem, and make room for healthier habits. It can also help you save time and energy, as you may be spending too much time on bad habits that are taking away from other important activities.
Identifying the Habits and Changes You Want To Make
Tip #1 – Before you can start making changes, you need to identify the habits and changes you want to make. Take some time to think about the areas in your life you want to improve and any bad habits that you want to break.
Here’s a list of 8 areas that you can use to reflect on your satisfaction in life.
- Finance
- Personal Growth
- Health
- Family & Friends
- Community
- Fun & Recreation
- Spirituality
- Career
Make a list of habits you want to stop, start, or continue in these areas. It can also be helpful to think about the goals and values that are important to you, as these can help you determine the habits and changes you want to make.
Once you have identified the habits and changes you want to make, it’s important to break them down into smaller, achievable goals. This can help you stay on track and make it easier to start making changes.
Tips for Making Time for Habits in Your Busy Schedule
Making changes can be difficult if you feel like you don’t have the time to do it. But with a few simple tips, you can make time for habits even in a busy schedule.
How to Make Time for a New Habit
Tip #2 Use a Block Schedule to find your windows of opportunity for your new habit.
1. Look at your regular weekly commitments. I like to use a block schedule, to map out a standard week.
2. Find windows of uninterrupted time. It could be first thing in the morning when the house is quiet. During your lunch. When you’re sitting in the car waiting for your kid to finish basketball practice. Or any other time that works for you.
3. Schedule your new habit. This is the time each day or week when you’ll do your new habit. Consider setting reminders or alarms to help you stay on track.
Be realistic about how much time you have and what you can reasonably accomplish. It’s better to set achievable goals that you can stick to than to overreach and give up.
Tip #3 If you feel overwhelmed, try to break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you stay focused and motivated.
Maybe your habit isn’t something like exercising that takes a chunk of time, rather something you want to do every day like making your bed. In this case, you won’t need to schedule your habit, but pair it with another task you already do regularly. For example, commit to making your bed every day before you brush your teeth. Don’t allow yourself to brush your teeth unless you’ve made your bed.
No one wants to sit next to someone with bad breath, so you’ll be motivated to get that bed made!!!
Small changes that don’t require too much time or energy add up over time, and can help you stay motivated.
Strategies for Starting New Habits and Breaking Bad Ones
Once you have identified the habits and changes you want to make and found ways to make time for them, it’s time to start making changes. Here are some strategies to help you start new habits and break bad ones.
Tip #4 identify the triggers that lead to your bad habits and try to avoid them. Take note of the situations and emotions that lead to your bad habits and try to find ways to stay away from them.
Tip #5 find ways to replace your bad habits with good ones. If you find yourself in a situation where you are about to indulge in a bad habit, try to find a replacement activity that is healthier and more productive.
Tip #6 be patient with yourself. Change takes time and it is normal to have setbacks and slip-ups. Don’t give up and keep going.
Tools to Help You Stay on Track
Tip #7 Use a Habit Tracker to mark your progress. There are many tools available to help you stay on track with your habits and changes. Consider using a habit tracker or goal-setting app to help you stay organized and motivated. You can grab my FREE Habit Tracker below!
You can also use a daily planner or calendar to keep track of your goals and progress. Writing down your goals and progress can help you stay focused and motivated.
Other tools that can be helpful include accountability partners, mentors, and coaches. These people can help you stay on track and provide valuable advice and insight.
Motivation to Stay Committed to Your Habits
Making changes can be hard, and staying motivated can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you stay committed to your habits.
Tip #8 Stay motivated by focusing on the benefits of making changes. Remind yourself why you are making these changes and how they will benefit you in the long run.
Tip #9 Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake or have a setback. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s important to be kind to yourself and keep going.
Tip #10 Celebrate your progress. Making changes can be hard work, but it’s important to celebrate your successes. Take some time to reflect on your progress and the changes you have made. Celebrate the progress you have made and the habits you have started or broken. Share your progress with others. Encourage yourself to stay focused and stay positive. Be mindful of your thoughts and focus on the progress you are making.
Finally, don’t give up. Change takes time and commitment, and it’s important to stay focused on your goals and keep going.
Conclusion
Making changes in our lives can be hard, especially when we are busy with work, family, and other commitments. But it is possible to make time for change and start new habits and break bad ones. This guide has provided tips and strategies to help busy women make time for starting new habits and breaking bad ones.
Identifying the habits and changes you want to make and creating a plan for change is essential for making lasting changes. Making time for habits in your busy schedule and staying motivated are also key for making changes.
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successes. Taking time to reflect on your progress and celebrating with friends and family can help you stay motivated and keep going.
This week, decide on 1 habit to break and 1 habit to start so that you can live a life you love. With the right tools and strategies, you can make the changes you want in your life and lead a healthier, happier, and more productive life.
P.S. If you’re ready to start some new habits, be sure to download my FREE habit tracker bundle below. The bundle includes 3 habit tracking templates to track your habits monthly or on a yearly basis
You are a great writer and what you offer is very useful and practical. Thank you.
Thanks Susie! I appreciate the feedback. 🙂