Turning Your Habits Into Automatic Actions
We’ve all been there: setting a goal to exercise, eat better, or meditate daily, only to find ourselves forgetting or procrastinating. What if we could bypass that struggle and make our habits automatic? In this post, we’ll explore how you can make your habits second nature—without relying on willpower alone.
What Does "Automatic" Mean in Habit Formation?
When a habit becomes automatic, it’s no longer something you consciously think about or have to force yourself to do. It becomes a seamless part of your daily routine. This is when your brain shifts from using energy to decide to act (which is taxing) to performing the habit with minimal effort, almost like a reflex.
Why Is Making Habits Automatic So Important?
Building habits that are automatic reduces the mental load on your brain. If you're constantly having to make decisions, like whether or not to work out, you burn through willpower, and soon enough, you’ll be too tired to care. Automating habits frees up your cognitive resources for more important decisions.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Habit Automatic?
According to research from the University College London, on average, it takes about 66 days for a behavior to become automatic. However, the time it takes can vary depending on the habit’s complexity and the person. For example, simple habits like drinking a glass of water in the morning might take less time to automate than complex behaviors like exercising daily.
Steps to Make Your Habits Automatic
Here are a few proven steps you can take to make your habits automatic:
- Start Small: Begin with tiny, manageable steps. Trying to build a big habit all at once can lead to burnout. For example, instead of committing to an hour-long workout, start with 10 minutes a day.
- Consistency Is Key: Repetition is crucial. The more frequently you repeat a behavior, the more automatic it will become. Consistency creates neural pathways that make the action easier to perform.
- Anchor New Habits to Existing Routines: Link your new habit to something you already do regularly. For example, if you already drink coffee every morning, try doing 5 minutes of stretching right after.
- Track Your Progress: Use a habit tracker to log your success and stay accountable. Over time, you’ll see how small actions add up to big results.
- Set Reminders: Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget. Set daily reminders to nudge you to perform your new habit until it becomes automatic.
How Life Planner Can Help
Life Planner is designed to support you in building lasting habits that become second nature. With features such as:
- Habit Tracker: Stay on top of your habits by tracking your progress daily.
- Habit Calendar: Visualize your consistency over time, and see your habit-building journey unfold.
- Habit Reminders: Set reminders to nudge you to perform your habit, keeping you consistent until it becomes automatic.
- Progress Tracking: Monitor your growth and celebrate small wins as you make your habits second nature.
- Todo List & Journal: Organize tasks and reflect on your day, reinforcing your new habits as part of your routine.
Ready to Make Your Habits Automatic?
Imagine a life where your positive habits require no effort at all—where working out, eating healthy, and staying organized just happen naturally. With consistency and the right tools, you can make this your reality.
Life Planner is here to help you automate your habits, track your progress, and stay motivated along the way. Download Life Planner today and take the first step toward a more productive and fulfilled you!
Download Life Planner Today!
Getting started is simple. Download Life Planner now to start building habits that stick, track your progress, and transform your life. Whether you’re on Android or iOS, Life Planner is available for download: