Piggybacking on Success: How to Make New Habits Stick Faster

Forming new habits can be challenging, especially when it comes to incorporating lifestyle
changes or new routines. Research shows it takes about three months for new behaviours to
become ingrained and automatic. But there’s a way to fast-track your success.
One habit that many people struggle to maintain is consistently taking daily supplements, like
multivitamins, fish oil, or other health aids. Here’s a simple tip to make it easier:

Hijack an Existing Habit

Start by identifying a habit that’s already part of your daily routine—something you do
without thinking, like making your morning coffee. Now, place your pill box or supplement
bottle right next to your coffee tin. This way, you’ll see it every morning and remember to
take your supplements as part of your existing routine.
This concept can be applied to any automatic behaviour. For example, you could:

• Place your gym shoes by the door to remind you to work out.
• Leave your gym bag in the car to make it easier to head to the gym after work.
• Keep a water bottle on your desk to encourage regular hydration throughout the day.

By piggybacking on habits that are already ingrained, you can effortlessly incorporate new,
positive behaviours into your life.

Consistency is Key

The best plan is the one you can stick with. By making small adjustments to your existing
routines, you can create a sustainable path to success. Remember, the goal is not to
overwhelm yourself with drastic changes, but to make small, manageable tweaks that lead to
long-term results.
Use this strategy to streamline your journey toward your health and fitness goals. Success is
about consistency, and this simple tip can help you stay on track.