Designing your environment for success
Have you ever marveled at the ease with which your hands gravitate towards your cherished mug on the kitchen counter during your morning routine? Or observed the automatic motion of placing your car keys on the console table upon entering your home? These actions, executed without conscious thought, are habits formed through repeated behaviors in consistent environments. The key players in these scenarios are the prominently displayed kitchen shelf and the strategically placed console table.
However, consider the chaos that might ensue without these environmental cues. Imagine rummaging through cluttered cabinets for that special mug during the morning rush. Despite your intention to savor coffee in your favorite vessel, you’d likely settle for the first one you find. Similarly, without a designated spot for essentials, leaving the house becomes a frantic search mission, sometimes even grounding your plans. Clearly, mere intent isn’t enough; the environment plays a pivotal role in habit formation.
Aspiring for healthier eating habits? While the intention is commendable, success lies in tailoring your surroundings:
- Eliminate junk food from your shopping list.
- Allocate a limited budget for indulgent treats.
- Designate a specific day for occasional indulgences.
- Store unhealthy snacks in hard-to-reach cabinets.
- Display nutritious foods prominently at eye level.
- Banish snacks from bedrooms and lounging areas.
As Wendy Wood, author of “Good Habits Bad Habits,” aptly puts it, “Self-control is simple when you understand that it involves putting yourself in the right situations to develop the right habits.”
Ready to reshape your environment for better habits? Start by reorganizing one space today!
Reorganize one space today