Building healthy habits isn't easy. It's a lot easier to just stay in bed all day and watch Netflix, right? But if you want to make big changes in your life—and actually stick with them—then you need to build healthy habits. And the good news is that it's not as hard as you think.

Here are six simple steps to building healthy habits that stick:

1. Define Your Goal

First things first, you need to define your goal. What healthy habit do you want to develop?

Maybe you want to start drinking more water, or perhaps you want to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Whatever it is, make sure it's not too hard to change. Start small, and work your way up. Also, make sure you know your why. How does this habit tie into your bigger-picture vision for your life? Knowing this will help keep you motivated.

2. Make a Plan

Now that you've identified your goal, it's time to make a plan. Keep it simple and specific by focusing on just 1-2 things at a time. Don't try to change too much too quickly, and set a defined timeframe to help you stay motivated and on track.

3. Make It Easy

Next, it's time to make it easy. Make it as easy as possible to do your new habit. For example, if you want to start exercising every morning, set out your workout clothes and shoes next to the door so they’re ready when you wake up. Or if it’s hard not eating processed foods, stock up on frozen fruit and veggies so they’re right there when you need them. Make it easy on yourself!

4. Make It Fun

Do what works for you. If you hate running, don't force yourself to go for a run every morning. Find an activity that you enjoy, whether it's yoga, hiking, or dancing. If you have fun doing it, you're more likely to stick with it.

5. Build a Routine

Consistency is key. You want to be working on your new habit daily, even if it means spending just five minutes a day. This will be even better if you can dedicate a specific time of day to the new habit. Maybe it's first thing in the morning or right before bed. Whatever it is, make it a routine.

6. Remember Balance

Finally, remember balance. Give it your best shot by committing to the process while also being flexible and forgiving. Avoid black-or-white thinking. Slipping up means that you are really challenging yourself and pushing yourself to new limits. You should be proud, don't beat yourself up.

Developing a healthy habit is all about taking small steps and being consistent. With these six steps, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to define your goal, make a plan, make it easy, make it fun, build a routine, and remember balance. Good luck on your journey!

P.S. if you're struggling to develop healthy habits on your own, consider working with a life coach. It's easy to get distracted or lose sight of the bigger picture when you're trying to develop a new habit. A coach can help you stay connected to your why and remind you of the benefits of sticking with it. To learn more about coaching by clicking here.