How many of us have tried to establish a new habit and failed miserably?
{Yes, that’s all of us.}
Starting new habits is hard. Studies show it takes a minimum of 21 days for a habit to stick; complicated habits take even longer.
But just because it take a long time doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. You just need a little help. And a habit tracker app can be just that help you need.
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4 Ways a Habit Tracker Online App Helps You Succeed
DOCUMENT YOUR GOAL
As soon as you write down your goal– entering it into a habit tracker online app counts!– you’re making a commitment. Knowing that you’ve clearly stated your goal is the first step to helping you be more accountable.
It doesn’t matter if that goal is drinking more water or saving more money or exercising more often. It’s the simple act of articulating the goal– putting it out there in the world makes the goal real.
According to neuroscience studies, writing down your goals puts you on the path to success in two ways. First, if your goal is written down you have a visual reminder of that goal. Every time your eyes see it, you are reminded of what you are trying to achieve. Even more impressive is that writing down goals encodes that desire into our brain. Our decision making is influenced by the act of writing down the goal. We make decisions to move us toward success.
HABIT REMINDERS
Using a healthy habit tracker serves as a reminder system. If you are asking yourself to form a new habit, you hold yourself accountable by tracking it.
Using a habit tracker app can help you succeed because of their ability to remind you about your new habit. Many apps like Productive (Apple only) include alarms that can be set at particular intervals to remind you of your new habit. This reminder is useful because habit building is a disruption of your normal routine.
Every time you pick up your phone, you will see the habit tracker online widget. Just seeing the habit tracker icon will remind you to engage in your new behavior. That reminder may be all you need to continue building your new healthy habit.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Like the reminder function, habit tracker online apps offer accountability. When used as intended, a habit tracker documents your compliance with your new behavior. As such, you get a visual documentation of your success.
Some habit tracker online apps build on this accountability by offering various graphic representations of your behavior. The app Momentum offers a simple “green streak” on a calendar to track your progress. If simplicity isn’t really your thing, you might be drawn to the game-like graphics of Habitica. With the variety of habit tracking online options available, you’ll find one that meets your sensibilities.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Many habit tracker online offerings now offer encouragement in addition to documentation, reminders, and accountability. HabitBull is an app that allows you to track up to five self-determined habits for free. It provides daily motivational quotes to support you.
Receiving encouragement as you work to build healthy habits is important for your success. While some people feel the digital feedback is sufficient, others need more personal support.
If you like more personal coaching as you work towards wellness, consider Build Healthy Habits, my six-week ecourse that includes a habit tracker and an in-course discussion module. It provides a highly-structured and supportive way for you to create a wellness lifestyle.
Which habit tracker online apps have you tried?
Drop me a note in the comments! Your review will help other healthy habit builders find the right habit tracker online system to support them!
