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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Do you struggle to stick to your habits? Is it difficult to continue doing something for more than a few days? We all have goals we want to achieve, but how can we? They seem difficult, scary and almost impossible at times; luckily, they’re not. By following some guidelines and doing what works for you, you can be the best version of yourself. 

Set realistic goals

If you have one big goal with no plan on how you’ll get there, you will only be disappointed. Be sure to set smaller, more attainable goals along the way! For example, if you want to run six miles, start with one. You will reach more checkpoints and it will be much easier to stay motivated. If you start by chasing your final goal, could be discouraging and cause you to abandon the idea altogether. However, by staying consistent and working toward new targets often, you set yourself up for success.

write it down

Writing down your goals not only holds you accountable to stick to them, but it also helps you remember them. If you’re just starting to add a new habit to your daily routine, it’s very likely that you will forget within the first week or so. I like to write down my to-do list either in my planner or on a sticky note that I keep on my computer. You can also set a reminder on your phone, use a digital planning app or to-do list or write it on a piece of notebook paper. There are so many options, just be sure it’s somewhere you can see it!

Do what you enjoy

Don’t start doing something just because everyone else is. Although using others for inspiration can be useful, it can also lead us down some weird paths. Try new things, but don’t force yourself to do anything you don’t like, it’s much harder to keep going if you don’t enjoy it. Instead, choose some habits that you truly love and continue implementing them. You’ll look forward to practicing your new habits and, before you know it, they might even become your favorite part of the day.

Make the time

Blocking off time to do something you don’t usually do can be very difficult. It often takes less priority because you aren’t used to the new routine yet. That being said, setting aside time in your day to practice your habit can be the difference between sticking to it and giving it up. If you find that a lot is popping up during the day, waking up a little bit earlier might help. Dedicating time to your habit will ensure that it sticks!

Sticking to habits can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goals. Try out some of these tips and see if they help you stay on track!

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Ava Hampe

Illinois '27

Hi! I'm Ava, a freshman at UIUC studying Communication and Psychology. I'm from Chicago and love going on walks, listening to music, grabbing coffee, and spending time with family & friends!