Habit Hack #4: Create Accountability
As we approach New Year’s resolution season, I’m sharing five hacks that might help you create and stick with new habits in 2022. Below is habit hack number four…
#4: Create Accountability
About two years ago, I told my friends and family I was going off caffeine and subsequently published an article about why I was quitting caffeine. On many occasions when I felt like I needed a jolt of caffeine, I remembered that I had committed to this new habit publicly and was going to be embarrassed if I didn’t practice what I preached.
Creating accountability can be a very helpful part of sticking with a new habit. Some ideas for creating accountability:
Choose a habit you’re really committed to and post it on social media.
Hire a personal trainer.
Meet a friend at the gym or for a walk.
Write your new habits in your journal. “I no longer drink caffeine, I get out for a walk every day, etc.”
Download a meditation app that records your daily use.
The first few days (or even weeks) of a new habit are hard, but the positive pressure of involving other people, or writing things down will provide the support you need to turn an idea into a true habit.
This is part four in my five-part series on habits. Read the next post here.