It felt like an endless loop. I knew I needed to change, to break free from old habits like endless gaming sessions, binge eating, and a general feeling of laziness. I wanted success, real success that felt good and lasted. But where do you even begin when you feel stuck?
I’ve been there. I truly have. I faced down a whole host of unhealthy habits – gaming addiction, overeating, drinking, smoking, and just being plain lazy. Each one felt like a heavy chain. For years, I struggled. Then, something clicked. I realized lasting change isn’t about huge, overnight transformations. It’s about building a solid foundation, brick by brick. It’s about creating habits that stick.
If you’re ready to build that foundation, to finally see success in your life, know that it’s possible. I lost over 110 pounds (50+ kilograms) and found a balanced lifestyle not by magic, but by systematically changing how I lived. It was tough, absolutely. But it was also incredibly rewarding. Here are 10 ways I learned to build lasting habits, and I believe they can help you too.
1. Start Tiny, Build Momentum
This is probably the most important lesson I learned. We often try to change everything at once. We say, “Tomorrow I’ll exercise for an hour, read a book, and eat perfectly.” It’s too much. Instead, pick one tiny action. When I started my weight loss journey, I didn't try to run a marathon. I simply walked for 10 minutes. Then 15. Then 20. Each small win builds belief. Don't underestimate the power of consistently doing something small. It's better than inconsistently doing something big.
2. Know Your Deep "Why"
Surface-level goals don't last. "I want to lose weight" isn't enough. Ask yourself: Why do I want to lose weight? Why do I want to stop gaming? For me, overcoming my addictions wasn't just about feeling better; it was about reclaiming my life, becoming present for my loved ones, and living with purpose. When you connect a habit to a deeper value or a core desire, it becomes much stronger. Dig deep. Your "why" will pull you through tough times.
3. Design Your Environment
Our surroundings have a huge impact on our choices. If you want to eat healthier, get rid of all the junk food in your house. If you want to stop gaming, move your console or PC to a less accessible spot, or even sell it. When I was fighting my gaming addiction, I literally packed up my console and put it in a box in the attic. Out of sight, out of mind. Make the good habits easy and the bad habits hard.
4. Create a Ritual
Link your new habit to an existing one. This is called habit stacking. For example, if you want to start a gratitude practice, you could say, "After I drink my morning coffee, I will write down three things I'm grateful for." This creates a natural trigger. My productive routine often starts after my morning prayer. I then immediately shift into a short burst of deep work. It’s a ritual now, not a choice I have to make every day.
5. Track Your Journey
What gets measured gets managed. Whether it’s marking an X on a calendar for every day you stick to a habit, or using an app to log your progress, seeing your journey unfold is incredibly motivating. When I was losing weight, I tracked my food and my walks. Seeing those numbers go down, or those Xs add up, showed me I was making progress. It turns a vague goal into a clear path.
6. Celebrate Every Win, Big or Small
We’re often quick to criticize ourselves for slip-ups but slow to acknowledge our successes. Don't wait until you've lost 100 pounds or landed your dream job to celebrate. Did you stick to your new habit for three days straight? Awesome! Did you choose water instead of soda? Great job! Celebrating small wins reinforces the positive behavior and keeps you motivated. It’s a huge part of my daily gratitude practice.
7. Embrace the Setbacks
No one is perfect. You will have days where you slip up. I certainly did. After giving up smoking, there were times I felt the urge strongly. After stopping binge eating, I occasionally overate. The key is not to let one mistake derail your entire effort. Don't beat yourself up. Just acknowledge it, learn from it, and get back on track the very next moment. A setback isn't a failure unless you quit.
8. Find Your Anchor (A Deeper Purpose)
Sometimes, the "why" isn't enough if it's purely self-serving. For me, a profound shift happened when I started connecting my daily choices to something bigger than myself. My journey to strengthen my Christian Orthodox faith and find purpose through a closer relationship with God became a powerful anchor. It gave me a foundation, a sense of meaning that permeated all my habits. When times were tough, this deeper connection provided immense strength and clarity. It helped me understand that discipline in one area, like managing my eating, reflected a larger commitment to living a life of purpose.
9. Practice Daily Gratitude
This isn't just a feel-good exercise. Gratitude shifts your perspective. When you focus on what you have, rather than what you lack, your entire outlook changes. It helps you appreciate the progress you're making and keeps negativity from taking root. I try to write down a few things I'm grateful for every single day. It reminds me of the blessings in my life and fuels my desire to live well.
10. Give Yourself Grace
Building lasting habits is a journey, not a sprint. There will be good days and challenging days. Be patient with yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend. Growth takes time. You are learning, evolving, and becoming a better version of yourself. That’s something to be proud of.
Building lasting habits for success is a path of consistent, intentional effort. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. If I can overcome years of addiction and laziness, if I can lose over 110 pounds, then you can certainly build the habits you need for your success.
What’s one small habit you can start building today? What’s your deep "why" that will fuel your journey? Take a moment to think about it, and then take that first tiny step. You’ve got this.
