How To Make a New Habit Stick: Lessons from an SLP

At the start of a new year, many of us want to set new goals. We spend time with friends and family discussing our intentions for a better new year, such as “eat healthier,” “exercise more,” and “learn to meditate.” Often, these goals excite and define us and then bring us great disappointment when they aren’t attainable. When I recently checked in with one of my relatives about her annual resolutions, she told me, “I’m not making resolutions this year because I never follow through.” I see her point. Habits take a while to develop, and depending on where you read your information, the literature ranges from 60-200+ times before a habit is naturally incorporated into a lifestyle.

As a speech language pathologist I help individuals with brain injuries and other chronic or progressive conditions establish new routines as their lives have been drastically altered. I use the principles of neuroplasticity and proceduralized learning to help individuals with speech, language or cognitive deficits make positive change. Proceduralized learning refers to the process of acquiring a skill or “knowing how.” It’s a form of memory that is often preserved in brain injury because it’s rooted in practice. Neuroplasticity is defined as the brains ability to form new connections and pathways and make changes. Using these concepts, I work with clients and caregivers, as well as mentor other therapists and practitioners to establish new daily routines. Depending on the goal and level of independence, some established routines or habits include following a home exercise/wellness program to prevent physical decline, completing a series of daily voice exercises to maintain loudness, following through with home or personal chores and return to work essentials, skills that increase productivity and feelings of worthiness.

The most important components of creating a new habit or routine include: