We all know that our success depends on our day-to-day productive habits. Why habits? Because it's better to turn our actions and behaviors into habits so that they demand less discipline. We can execute successful and productive behaviors even without consciously thinking about them; it's called Unconscious Competence. Just like how without realizing we have developed negative habits it is time we develop productive habits too if we want to achieve our goals and be the Success we aspire to be. No matter what aspect of goals we want to achieve in our life we know now that it will be and should be based on the corresponding productive habit associated with the journey towards achieving that Goal. So Habits are critical and formation of Habits is important knowledge for our benefit.

To form habits, there are three steps: The Cue, The Routine, and The Reward. The Cue is important because it triggers the routine. With the right triggers, we have a better chance of developing new productive habits. There are four types of triggers: time-based, location-based, emotional triggers, and social triggers. Furthermore, we need to create strategies to ensure that the triggers work for us. Otherwise, unknown to us, there may be negative triggers that enhance negative habits, such as snacking, procrastinating, and avoidance! If you are not aware, triggers do exist for your negative and unproductive habits. For example seeing the snack food on the kitchen table while you go in to mix your cup of coffee. Or keeping your handphone next to you which prompts you to ‘scroll’ when you should be getting ready to sleep early as per your scheduled time.

Its time to focus on creating positive and impactful triggers that lead to productive and successful habits. It does not just happen. Effort is needed to create these positive triggers.

Strategies to develop positive triggers include first identifying what kind of triggers can come into play for a specific habit, such as going to the gym every evening. Such as keeping your gym shoes in the car where you would place your laptop or briefcase after work when you start your drive back home. Or perhaps it is prompt from your handphone which can prompt with a gentle ping that it is time to take a one minute mindful meditation. What else can you think of that will trigger desired productive habits?

Secondly, we can pair triggers with others, such as having a cup of healthy green tea in the evening to trigger "healthy and fitness thoughts" that prompt action. Or catching up with your buddy or bestie after work on the drive home. And that person happens to be gym freak!

And thirdly, we can create new triggers associated with or independent of the habit. For example, in the case of going to the gym, it could be laying out your gym attire in a place where you can see them while having your cup of green tea. Or putting yellow stick on notes on your pantry cupboard or refrigerator for conscious control of dietary calory intake!

Lastly, ensure that the triggers are practical and easy to execute.

For more information you can reach out to your life coach or read up more on formation of Healthy Habits.