How to Build a Better Foundation for Creating a Better You

When you think about creating or improving habits or routines, like many others I defaulted to methods like SMART goals is often the first thing that comes to mind. While these strategies are useful, there is more to the process than just setting clear, measurable objectives. We often become fixated on rigid structures or instant results rather than nurturing the underlying mindset and environment designed to support sustainable change.

To make progress, I shifted my focus from just setting goals to developing a positive, supportive approach that aligns with my values and long-term well-being. This perspective change transformed how I build and maintain habits, making the process more intuitive and rewarding. While SMART goals are helpful, it's just as important to consider how we approach achieving them.

For example, I once set a SMART goal to exercise three times a week to improve my physical health. But what made this habit stick was integrating it into a broader plan—like finding activities I enjoyed, creating a supportive environment, and setting realistic milestones. Focusing on how these goals fit my overall well-being made the habit more sustainable and enjoyable.

Adopting this approach has been a significant change for me. As someone with ADHD, integrating my goals into a broader, values-aligned plan has made it easier to manage and improve my habits.

It has empowered me to work with my challenges more effectively. By focusing on what supports my well-being and adjusting my environment to fit my needs, I've found that making and sustaining changes becomes less about following strict rules and more about creating a supportive and adaptable framework. This approach has significantly improved my well-being and my ability to guide others in managing their habits and routines.

Building and Improving Habits and Routines

Here are three key principles that have helped me create or improve habits and routines:

Commitment to Progress

Progress is progress, no matter how long it takes. The most important thing is the commitment to keep moving forward. Every small step contributes to the larger journey, and embracing the process with patience and perseverance can lead to meaningful and lasting change. My significant accomplishments are built on countless small wins and gains.

Personalizing Your Journey

Not everything works for everyone, so figuring out what works best for you is crucial. Experiment with different strategies, seek support when needed, and remain open to adjusting your approach. Personalizing your journey to fit your unique needs and strengths is key to success and fulfillment. Many things don't work for me or others in our mental health journeys that are life-changing for others—not because we're not trying or worthy, but because everyone's path is different. Understanding this has helped me stay patient and persistent in finding what truly benefits my well-being.

Positive Mindset and Resilience

Focus on your growth and progress instead of comparing yourself to others. Concentrating on your journey will foster a more positive mindset and build resilience. You can also reframe how you view challenges and setbacks as lessons and learn from them, acknowledging your emotions and using these experiences to develop self-compassion. Practicing this approach has empowered me to manage my inner critic better and foster resilience, self-compassion, and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

So, remember, creating or improving habits and routines goes beyond just setting SMART goals. It involves an integrated approach that aligns with our values and supports our long-term well-being and current circumstances. By integrating these strategies, we create a more values-aligned plan, empowering us to foster sustainable and enjoyable habits that truly enhance our lives in a way that works with our challenges and adapts to our unique situations, leading to more fulfilling and lasting change.

By adopting these principles, you can create a supportive and adaptable framework for building and maintaining habits and routines. While remembering it is not always about uncompromising adherence to rules it is additionally about fostering a fulfilling and balanced life. I've found this approach incredibly helpful and believe it can empower you to achieve meaningful and lasting changes in your habits and routines.

References and Resources

YouTube. (n.d.). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4TdYrtDbaQ

Furqan.Karawadia. (2023, September 21). Building Yourself: A Key Foundation For Self-Improvement. VeryWell Mindset. https://verywellmindset.com/a-key-foundation-for-self-improvement/

A Peer Supporter’s Guide to Understanding the Definition of Progress in Our Mental Health Journey’s. (n.d.). Psyche. https://shopping-feedback.today/psyche/a-peer-supporter-s-guide-to-understanding-the-definition-of-progress-in-our-mental-health-journey-s