Personally, I've always had a soft spot for writing down my to-do lists, goals, and plans on old-fashioned paper. A few years back, I came across the concept of habit trackers, and I must say, they've been an absolute game-changer in helping me keep tabs on my self-care routines, especially during those hectic periods.
As I ventured into the world of stationery, it was only natural that habit trackers became one of my products. However, during my visits to markets, I soon realised that not everyone was familiar with the concept of habit trackers. So, if you're in the dark about habit trackers or just curious to learn more, you're in the right place!
Now, what exactly is a habit tracker, you ask? Well, it's a nifty tool that lends a helping hand in keeping your positive habits and routines on track. Think of it as a visual aid, like a chart or an app, where you can keep a record of your progress and accomplishments concerning specific activities or behaviours that you want to weave into (or eliminate from) your daily or weekly routine.
What is the purpose of habit trackers?
1. Goal Setting: Habit trackers are often used to set specific goals for yourself, whether they relate to health, productivity, personal development, or any other area of your life. You identify the habits or activities that will help you achieve these goals.
2. Accountability: Imagine having a friend who keeps you accountable for your daily or regular progress. That's exactly what a habit tracker does! By knowing you need to log your efforts, you'll find yourself more motivated to stay consistent.
3. Visual Progress: Habit trackers offer a visual representation of your journey. It's incredibly motivating to witness your efforts paying off, and they're handy for pinpointing areas that could use a little more attention.
4. Identifying Patterns: Habit trackers can help you identify patterns and trends in your behaviour. For example, you might notice that you tend to exercise more on weekdays or that you have a hard time sticking to a certain habit on weekends. This insight can inform your strategies for habit formation.
5. Celebrating Achievements: When you successfully complete a habit for a certain number of days or weeks, you can celebrate your achievements and milestones, which can provide positive reinforcement.
6. Eliminating Unwanted Habits: A habit tracker can also be used to eliminate unwanted habits from your life. Just add the unwanted habit to the list and tick off everyday you successfully avoided said habit.
7. Tracking medicine or symptoms: You can adapt the habit trackers to your needs. If you have medication which needs to be taken consistently, you can add that medication to your habit tracker and make sure you stay on schedule. You can also track different symptoms if that’s important to your health journey. The habit tracker is just a tool which you can amend and use to fit your life and needs.
Habit trackers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as simple as a paper calendar with checkboxes for each day, or they can be sophisticated digital apps or tools offering stats and reminders. Many folks find habit trackers to be fantastic allies in cultivating and sustaining positive routines and behaviours.
Let's debunk some common myths and misconceptions:
1. Instant Habit Formation: It's a myth to think that using a habit tracker will miraculously turn you into a habit-forming champion overnight. Building habits takes time, consistency, and dedication. While some say it takes 21 days, others swear by 66 days. The habit tracker? Well, it's your faithful companion on this journey, but it won't make magic happen instantly.
2. One-Size-Fits-All: Remember, not every habit tracker suits everyone. People are unique, with different preferences and needs. Tailoring your habit tracking approach to fit your goals and lifestyle is the key.
3. Perfectionism: Nobody's perfect. Don't fret if you miss a day or break a streak now and then. Life can throw curveballs, and that's absolutely normal. Trying to be perfect might actually be counterproductive to your goals.
4. Overloading with Too Many Habits: While it might be tempting to tackle a dozen habits at once, it's usually better to start small and build from there. Overloading can lead to overwhelm and hinder your progress.
5. Ignoring the Why: Habit trackers help you track the "what" of your habits but might not delve into the "why." Understanding why you want to adopt a specific habit and how it aligns with your goals and values is equally important.
To use habit trackers effectively, approach them with a realistic perspective. They're incredible tools for tracking and nurturing habits, but they're just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to personal development and behaviour change.
How do you use a habit tracker?
The use of a habit tracker is quite straightforward. With the MellowApricotStudio paper habit trackers you can pick up to 5 habits each month (I recommend starting with less so as not to overwhelm yourself at first). Write down the habit on one of the 5 lines at the beginning of the circle and then tick-off or colour-in the daily bubble for each time you did (or did not do) the habit.
At the bottom of the page you can set yourself goals for your habits since not everything needs to be a daily habit. For example, you want to go swimming once a week so you set your goal to 4 times per month.
Below the ‘goal’ field is the ‘achieved’ field. At the end of the month you can count the amount of bubbles you filled in and write them down. This is a good way to check if you achieved your goal or even exceeded it. Remember to be kind to yourself.
Which habit tracker suits you best?
At MellowApricotStudio, I've got a variety of habit trackers and would love to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your needs.
Colouring Habit Trackers
For a touch of mindfulness and relaxation, consider the colouring habit trackers. Not only can they help alleviate anxiety and stress, but they also offer a unique opportunity to personalise your tracker, making it truly yours.
Size Matters
Whether you want a permanent wall display or something compact for your desk or nightstand, we've got you covered.
A4 Wall Tracker
The A4 wall habit tracker is perfect for a constant visual reminder of your habits. Choose between a colouring version or one of the vibrant designs to brighten up your space.
Mini Desk Trackers
If you prefer something more portable, the small, free-standing habit trackers are ideal for your desk or nightstand. They're available in both colouring and colourful designs to suit your style.
I hope this blog post sheds some light on the wonderful world of habit trackers and helps you discover the perfect tracker for your journey.
Happy tracking!
