Have you ever bought and set up a monthly plan only to forget about it the next day? As people, it's difficult to remember something that is not yet a habit, so here are 5 tips I've used to help me make planning on my iPad an unconscious habit.
Tip #1 - Set a reminder
The trickiest part of starting any routine or habit is remembering every step you need to follow to make it stick.
When using a planner, looking at it in the morning and throughout the day sounds easy when starting out but you need to combine this new routine while still getting ready for your day as normal. Setting a new habit may need you to rework several elements already existing in your routine.
Take time to map out your day ahead of schedule to help you understand when the best time to fit in this new habit will be. When you've figured out timing, create alarms on your phone, reminders in your phone, or sticky notes to set up alerts.
Tip #2 - Make it fun
Making it fun is a great way to help you turn your planning into a habit. Making it fun can look like decorating your digital planner with stickers or colourful writing and fonts, or it can be using a certain space in your house, or even listening to music or a podcast while you plan. Developing special spaces or rituals for your planning will help you remember your new habit.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Success is not an action but a habit." - Aristotle
Tip #3 - Flexibility
By the time a habit gets put on autopilot it falls into a fairly consistent routine. When you're starting out though, it's important to allow your new habit to have some flexibility. You may start with the intention of planning out your day first thing when you wake up but experiment with other times of the day. See what happens after you've had breakfast or completed your full morning routine.
Tip #4 - Learn from getting it wrong
Be aware of the consequences of missing it. Did your day not go well? Were there things you missed doing? Did you use your time well? Learning from getting it wrong will help you form your habit and routine because you won't want to get it wrong again!
Tip #5 - Make it work for you
Don't worry about all the habits you "should" have according to what you've seen on social media. Instead focus on habits and routines that motivate you and help you be your best self.
Make your new habit and routine motivate you!
The overall goal of creating this new habit and routine is to motivate you and make the best use of your time. Avoid being over-productive and focus on what makes you feel like you've had a productive day.
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