Summary: When you are trying to create a new habit, avoid these 8 habit loopholes that may end up causing you to start the process all over again.
Have you set a goal to start a new habit and a couple weeks (or even days) later found yourself coming up with excuses as to why you don’t have to keep up with that habit? Whether it’s taking one day off or quitting altogether, the key to improving any area of your life is consistency. Once you’re consistent about a habit it becomes just that: a habit. Something that you do every day without even thinking about actually doing it. Just like you brush your teeth every day, take a shower, or make your morning coffee, you can implement more positive habits in your daily life, but you have to stick with it.
Here are some common habit “loopholes” that we create to allow us to skip out on the new behavior, making it harder for us to create a habit. Know that these might happen and watch out for them!
- Vacation loophole. Whether it’s a holiday or you’re out of town on vacation, it’s so easy to say “this doesn’t count” since it’s a special day. It still counts.
- Tomorrow loophole. This loophole is where you say, “I’ll start tomorrow” or “I’ll make up for it tomorrow.”
- One coin loophole. Based on the concept that one coin everyday can make you rich in the long run, this loophole is where you think one day off won’t make a difference.
- Lack of control loophole. You “can’t help yourself,” or “it’s just too tempting!”
- False choice loophole. This loophole is where you say you don’t have a choice because of some external factor, like you can’t work out today because you have to stay late at work that evening.
- Thinking of others loophole. It’s easy to be influenced by what other people might think or feel: “I don’t want to make so and so uncomfortable,” or “I don’t want to insult the host.”
- False assumption loophole. “These cookies have oats in them, I’m sure they’re healthy.”
- Reward loophole. This one is where you reward yourself for doing well with the opposite behavior you want to improve: “I’ve eaten so well this week, I can take today off,” or “I’ve done so well with saving money, I can splurge on a new outfit.”