Most of us are creatures of habit – whether than means you always walk through the grocery store in the same way or that you’ve eaten the same cereal for breakfast every day since you were a kid. We slip into a way of doing things and, over time, these habits become something of an identity. But not all habits are created equal and most of us have at least one or two we want to shed.
It’s possible to change an ingrained habit, but it isn’t easy – and that’s where technology comes in. Whether you’re overweight and want to change your diet or be less distracted at work, there are tools you can use to change.
Understanding Change
In order to make a change, it helps to understand how changing a habit works. Though targeted to youth, non-profit Hands In 4 Youth embraces a theory of change that includes not just setting new goals and working towards them, but also reflecting on individual actions and progress towards change.
Reflection is especially important in helping cement change because it helps the individual understand what actions are working and what’s holding them back. Reflection is the space in which change solidifies into a new habit.
No More Games
We live in a culture of distraction so it should be no surprise that scrolling on your phone, checking social media, and switching between games and email is a common bad habit for everyone from youth through older adults. At the same time, we always have our phones on hand for work and personal purposes, so fidgeting with it is a hard habit to break. Can you phone help you break free of your phone?
Though it seems counterintuitive, it’s true – apps like Forest can help you stay productive and avoid unnecessary phone use. How does it work? Plant a tree on the Forest screen and leave the app open. The tree will grow, but if you navigate away from the app to do something else, the tree will die. The lusher your forest, the more progress you’re making towards improved focus and greater productivity. It’s change you can see. You’ll also grow a greater variety of trees as you progress.
Think Positive
Creating good-for-you habits is often easier and more rewarding than breaking bad ones, yet it can have equally profound effects on your life. And, as the makers of Competish, a weight loss app suggest, having a positive mindset when starting something new increases your odds of success. Apps can help encourage that positive mindset since they give you a tool to lean on; it can be hard to believe in yourself, but a well-reviewed app is a different story.
One app that places a strong emphasis on happiness within the goal setting process is Balance. Balance is a complementary app meant to keep you centered and happy while working towards larger, more stressful goals such as losing weight or not biting your nails. Wellness and meditative centering are also goals and habits themselves, so why not aim for a sense of calm?
Are you ready to take the next step towards achieving your goals and breaking harmful habits? It’s okay to start small and lean on supports. That’s why these apps are here. Download one and move towards a brighter, happier you.
