The Power of Compounding Habits
Compounding is an amazing force in finance. If you’re earning compounding interest, your return on investments grow over time as the interest is reinvested. The same concept applies to good habits, where small, consistent actions can lead to long term improvements in our lives. In my personal life, I explored this very concept and found it to be true. I lost weight, took up new hobbies, and virtually quit drinking all together. Let’s explore the power of compounding good habits and how you can use them to better yourself.
Start Small:
This may be the most important aspect because it builds the foundation for the future. One of the keys to compounding healthy habits is to start small. Rather than making big changes all at once, it’s best to focus on one or two habits at a time. This will allow you to establish a habit and maintain it over time. Everyone has or knows someone who has proverbially went “all in” on making big changes, but inevitably fails. If you don’t start small, you may become overwhelmed and stop altogether, so go slow. Making healthy changes isn’t a race. As you become comfortable with your new habits, you can gradually add more AKA, compound them.
Be Consistent:
Consistency is key to compounding good habits. Small, daily actions have a greater impact over time than larger, infrequent ones. Set aside time each day to focus on your habits, and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. For example, I set aside time every day to workout. This will help you stay on track and see the results of your efforts.
Track Your Progress:
Tracking your progress is a great way to stay motivated and allows you to visualize the impact of your habits over time. Keep a journal, use a habit tracker app, or simply make note of your progress each day. I track my progress in the gym with an app because visualizing the data motivates me.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences:
Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help you maintain and build your good habits. Seek out like-minded individuals who share your goals, and work together to support one another. I’m “lucky” in the sense that I live alone. Because of this, I’m not influenced by others’ eating habits and only eat what I buy. This is the same concept as surrounding yourself with positive influences. Don't allow negative outside forces to influence your own life.
Reward Yourself:
Celebrating small victories is a great way to stay motivated and will help you continue to compound your good habits. Set milestones for yourself, and reward yourself when you reach them. This could be something as simple as treating yourself to a new outfit, taking a day trip to your favorite spot, or watching a movie. Personally speaking, I reward myself with a cheat meal every Friday night.
Make Habits a Priority:
To compound good habits, it’s important to make them a priority. This means setting aside time each day to focus on your habits and making them a non-negotiable part of your routine. For example, if I tell myself I will do a long hike on a Saturday, but when the morning comes and I don’t feel like it, I force myself to complete my task regardless.
Stay Positive:
Compounding good habits requires patience and optimism. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but it’s important to stay positive and keep pushing forward. Celebrate small victories, stay focused on your goals, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Remember what I said earlier, it’s not a race.
Compounding good habits is a powerful way to improve your life and achieve your goals. You can build a foundation by starting small and staying consistent. With each small habit built, you’ll be one step closer to your goals and a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.
