Every day, from the moment we wake up to when we fall asleep, we engage in habits. These patterns of behaviour, whether conscious or unconscious, play a defining role in our lives.
From the way we brush our teeth in the morning to how we unwind in the evening, habits shape our days, our well-being, and, over time, our very identities. James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) probably said it best when he wrote" “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”
They may seem minute on a day-to-day basis, but their cumulative impact can either propel us towards our goals - or veer us off course!
With such significance placed on habits, it becomes essential to both monitor and mould them, to consciously ensure they align with our larger life aspirations.
This is where the magic of habit tracking comes into play.
What is a habit tracker?
A habit tracker is a simple yet very effective tool designed to monitor and measure the consistency of your behaviours.
Think of it as a visual diary of your daily activities and intentions.
By marking your progress (or sometimes, the lack of it), you get a tangible sense of accomplishment and an overview of patterns.
Digital platforms like Habitify, Habitica, or Streaks, have turned this act into a portable app, which can be very helpful for those of us prone to forgetting things.
However at Wholesome, we believe there's something uniquely satisfying about the tactile experience of marking your progress on paper. The act of physically checking off a box or colouring in a space provides a real, tangible reward for your dedication.
This is why, inside each of our guided journals and monthly subscription journals, we've integrated this Habit Tracker feature, allowing you to monitor up to 5 new habits with every journal entry.
By pairing the act of habit tracking with the daily journal prompts, the process becomes more than just a checklist of daily activities. Each tick or colour-in becomes an affirmation of commitment, and the subsequent reflection provides context.
You're not just noting that you've completed a workout or meditated for 10 minutes, but also pondering on how it influenced your day or mood.
This might lead you to realise that certain habits make you feel more energised, focused, or calm, while others might not have the expected impact.
Habit Tracker Ideas
What you decide to track in your habit tracker is entirely up to you, and the habits can range from tangible acts (like drinking more water) to more abstract thoughts (like positive self-talk).
To help inspire you, we've put together a short list of some popular habits to track. Remember, your habit tracker (and in fact, your journal) is designed entirely for individuality and is intended to be used in whichever way you most need.
Therefore, if none of these habits below seem relevant to you - don't worry! The most important thing is that you are getting to know yourself and connecting to your motivations and likes/dislikes on a deeper level.
Habit Tracker ideas:
- Daily meditation
- Drinking more water
- Reading
- Moments of gratitude
- Exercise
- Practising affirmations
- Journalling (👀)
- Acts of kindness
- Positive self-talk
- Setting boundaries
- Practising a new skill
Commit to forming better habits
Developing habits isn't just about repetition; it's about commitment and intentionality. Every mark on your habit tracker is a step closer to your ideal self. If you're wondering where to start, there's a wealth of habit tracker templates available online.
And if monthly tracking fits your style, our Wholesome monthly journals and guided journals feature fresh templates each month. These, when used diligently, can become an essential part of your personal growth journey.
Overall, habit tracking offers more than just a visual representation of your daily activities. It provides clarity, accountability, and motivation.
As you embark on this journey, remember that while perfection is not the goal, persistence is.
Celebrate the small victories, learn from the misses, and always strive for a better you.
