The Key to Establishing Good Habits

We all have habits that we wish we could build into our day-to-day lives. Whether you want to establish a habit of healthy exercise, excellent productivity at work, responsible personal finances, or something else entirely, our habits can change our lives. But forming a new habit can seem like a daunting undertaking. But don’t worry — you don’t have to tackle new habits all at once! Establishing a smaller “keystone habit” can make it easier to build larger habits.

What is a Keystone Habit?

The phrase “keystone habit” refers to one small habit that acts as support for the other habits that make up a larger lifestyle change. By establishing that one achievable habit, you trigger a chain of related positive habits.

For example, if you want to work on a healthier lifestyle, it may sound insurmountable to start exercising regularly, change your diet, kick unhealthy patterns, and more. But choosing a keystone habit, like taking a thirty minute walk every day, can be much more attainable. Once you’ve established that smaller habit, you get a sense of accomplishment that makes larger habits feel easier to tackle.

How to Create a Keystone Habit

The first step is choosing a keystone habit that will create a ripple effect of other habits you want to establish. Trying to be more productive at work? Maybe your keystone habit will be writing a to-do list every day, or tackling your biggest task first each morning.

Once you’ve selected your keystone habit, it’s time to tackle the process of working it into your life. Creating a habit takes work, but if you can dedicate yourself to your keystone habit, you’ll have a solid start towards making a larger change. Studies show that it takes about 66 days to form a habit, so if you can stick with your keystone habit for about two months, it’ll start to feel like second nature.

Anything is achievable if you just take it one step at a time. A keystone habit is the small first step towards a larger goal. Tackle that, and you’ll be ready to tackle anything!

The Jim Passi Team at Citywide Home Loans proudly serves Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia and Flordia. If you are looking to buy a home or refinance, we have you covered. Apply Now to get started.
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Jim Passi
Regional Manager
NMLS# 158000

1284 West Northwest Hwy.
Palatine, IL 60067
Mobile: 847-899-1813
Email: jim.passi@alamedamortgage.com

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