Developing Healthy Habits
Let’s talk about habits—the unsung heroes (or villains) of our daily lives. A habit is like that old friend who shows up uninvited but somehow ends up sticking around, for better or worse. The beauty of habits is that they can run on autopilot, saving you precious mental energy. The trick, of course, is making sure your autopilot isn’t flying you straight into a storm.
Healthy habits are the foundation of long-term success in managing impulsivity. The more good habits you establish, the less you’ll need to rely on willpower alone. Willpower, as we’ve mentioned, is like a muscle that gets tired with overuse. But habits? They just keep going, like the Energizer Bunny.
Building healthy habits starts with small, consistent actions. It’s tempting to try to overhaul your entire life in one go—a new diet, new exercise routine, new everything. But that’s a surefire way to burn out faster than you can say “January gym membership.” Instead, pick one or two small changes that are manageable and sustainable. If you’re trying to curb impulsive spending, start by committing to a 24-hour rule before making any non-essential purchases. If it’s impulsive snacking you’re battling, maybe start by replacing one unhealthy snack a day with something nutritious.
The key is repetition. Do the same small, positive thing over and over until it becomes second nature. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small they seem, because each victory builds momentum. And here’s a little secret: once you’ve mastered one habit, you’ll find it easier to stack on another. It’s like building a house, one brick at a time. Before you know it, you’ve got a solid structure of healthy habits supporting your life.
Remember, though, that habits aren’t about perfection—they’re about consistency. If you slip up, don’t throw in the towel. Just get back on track as soon as possible. Beating yourself up over a missed workout or an impulsive purchase won’t do you any good. Instead, treat each day as a fresh start, and keep your focus on the long game.
Mabel Oboh
For Jom Charity