Ever feel like building healthier habits—like working out, eating healthier foods, or even making time to get enough sleep—is way harder than it should be?
You’re not alone!
Getting those habits to “stick” can be a huge challenge because our mindset plays a massive role. And if you’re like most people, your mindset changes from day to day (and maybe sometimes even hour to hour!).
But here’s some good news: a positive mindset is something you can practice and strengthen over time, and it makes forming healthy habits so much easier.
Why Mindset Matters for Building Healthy Habits
Fun fact: having a positive mindset doesn’t just help you make healthier choices. It can even help you live longer. Research shows that people with a more positive outlook are more likely to succeed in their goals, whether it’s in fitness, health, or other areas.
Even better: a positive mindset isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill you can develop, just like getting stronger at doing squats or cranking out a cardio workout.
Here are a few ways you can strengthen your mindset while also working toward your goals.
1. Set Small Intentions for Each Day
One of the simplest ways to build a positive mindset is to start each day with a small intention—an action you’ll take during the day.
These don’t have to be big goals; instead, think of little actions you can do quickly and easily, like:
- Drinking an extra glass of water
- Taking a 10-minute break to get outside
- Stretching for just a few minutes
Basically, anything that creates a “healthy” vibe.
These small, daily intentions create a series of “wins” that help you build momentum. Over time, these small steps help make positivity part of your routine, giving you a strong foundation for building bigger habits with even bigger payoffs.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Did you make it through a workout? Prep a healthy meal? Make sure to take a sec to pat yourself on the back.
Positive reinforcement is powerful; celebrating wins—no matter how small—actually helps your brain want to repeat these actions.
When you take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments, you reinforce the habit and give yourself a psychological boost that makes it easier to keep going. This is one of the keys to developing a growth mindset and staying consistent with new habits.
3. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Building healthy habits isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up. If things don’t go as planned, don’t berate yourself. Instead, acknowledge what happened and move on.
This builds resilience, which is key for making lasting changes. Rather than feeling discouraged, get back on track (and give yourself a pat on the back for doing so!).
The Truth About Habits: They Take Time!
You might have heard that it only takes 21 days to form a new habit. But according to a study from Australia, it actually takes about 66 days on average. This means you have time to settle into the process—and even some room for mistakes along the way.
Remember: Missing a day or two doesn’t take you back to square one. What matters most is consistency over time, not perfection. So don’t stress if your journey has a few ups and downs!
Applying Mindset to Everyday Habits
Whether you’re working on meal prepping, staying consistent with workouts, or logging your meals, remember that mindset matters. Here’s a quick summary of how these mindset shifts can help make each new habit easier to build:
- Set Small Goals Daily: These create a steady stream of successes, which help you stay motivated. One word: MOMENTUM.
- Celebrate Every Step Forward: Positive reinforcement reinforces the habit and keeps you on track.
- Don’t Beat Yourself Up: When you get off track (and you will), acknowledge it and move on.
With patience, positivity, and persistence, you’ll find it easier to make lasting changes that truly stick.
Want to Dive Deeper? Join the Conversation!
If you’d like more support in building a positive mindset or creating lasting habits, feel free to reach out! I’d love to help you set up a plan that works for you.
And for more group support and tips, join my Facebook Group! It’s a great way to connect with others working on similar goals and to get inspired every day.
FAQs
Q1: How do I start building a positive mindset?
A1: Start with small daily goals, celebrate your wins, and practice self-kindness. Over time, these actions build resilience and create a positive approach toward new habits.
Q2: How long does it actually take to build a new habit?
A2: Research suggests that, on average, it takes about 66 days to establish a new habit. Remember, it’s normal to miss a day or two—consistency over time is what matters.
Q3: What’s the benefit of setting small daily intentions?
A3: Small intentions are easy to achieve, which creates a steady sense of accomplishment. This positive momentum helps build confidence and makes bigger changes easier to tackle.
Q4: How does celebrating small wins help build habits?
A4: Positive reinforcement from celebrating small wins encourages your brain to repeat those actions, making it easier to stick with new habits.
Q5: Why is it important to be kind to yourself when building new habits?
A5: Self-kindness reduces stress and guilt, helping you refocus after setbacks and continue working toward your goals without feeling discouraged.