The Power of Habits
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Research shows that about half of our actions are carried out on autopilot.
It therefore seems obvious we should be deliberate about designing good habits. But when was the last time you thought about your habits?
Building a new habit takes an average of 66 days. The book Atomic Habits by James Clear explains how building healthy habits can transform your life. Here, we'll explore how to build gut healthy habits according to the principles of Atomic Habits.
Principle #1 Habit Stacking
We all have existing habits - whether that's cleaning our teeth, combing our hair (if we have any), or eating breakfast. Pairing a new habit with an existing one increases the likelihood it'll stick.
How to apply this: Create a rule, like "When I clean my teeth, I'll soak my overnight oats". By pairing, or 'stacking' the activity, it'll soon become automatic.
Principle #2 Make It Obvious
Your environment shapes your habits, so design it to make good habits easy and bad ones hard. Create clear, visible reminders that make your new habit hard to miss.
How to apply this: leave your fibre supplement on the countertop right next to your kettle rather than hiding it away. When you put the kettle on for your morning coffee, add your fibre to your breakfast.
Principle #3 Consistency Not Perfection
Missed days don’t derail progress. Research finds that skipping a habit once does not affect long-term success; it's returning to your habit, and being consistent, that matters. If you didn't clean your teeth one evening, it wouldn't have a material impact on your dental health.
How to apply this: If you skip your habit one day, notice it, but don't stress. Use the habit stacking and "Make it obvious" principles to return to your daily habit as soon as possible. It's the average that matters.
At The Gut Tailor, we have all the tools to build a gut healthy habit. From Gut Friendly Porridge (or overnight oats) to The Fibre Plan and broccoli sprouting seeds.