I have been into personal development after reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson after college.
Personal development involves accounting for one or more areas of your life and assessing how these parts could be improved.
You might have a dream or ideal lifestyle in mind, and based on this, you can set goals.
From these goals, you should set up a system of habits and actions that you'll execute to bring you closer to your goal.
Here goes:
1. Understanding the Why
The first step is to understand why you want to build this habit. Make it explicit what function it serves in your life and whether you enjoy the process itself rather than just the result (goal).
2. Starting small
When starting a new habit, start small. The first step is to show up every day, not change your world on day 1. Don’t set up ten habits at once with maximum difficulty.
Example: I will put on my running shoes. (seriously)
3. Environment design
Set up your environment so engaging in this habit is effortless.
For example, prepare your running shoes and clothes and put them somewhere the night before.
4. Habit Stacking/Anchoring
Another way of building a new habit is stacking/anchoring it to an existing one.
Example: "After brushing my teeth, I will put on my shoes and go for a run.”
5. Get Back on Track!
If you miss one day, it's fine—life happens! But try not to miss two days in a row; otherwise, you will lose momentum quite quickly.
Use this framework to set up any new habits.