Building Better Habits: How Fun Habits Can Replace Bad Habits

Developing better habits often feels like a task-oriented mission—ditch the bad, adopt the good, and stay on track. But what if building good habits could also be fun? In the latest episode of Building Better Habits, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the power of fun habits—activities that not only enrich your life but can also replace unhealthy or unproductive habits.

The Power of Fun Habits

Rob begins by sharing how introducing fun habits has been a game-changer in his life. He emphasizes that having enjoyable routines is not just about entertainment; it's about maintaining balance and fostering personal growth. Rob resets his fun habits yearly, ensuring they remain a central part of his self-improvement journey.

The idea is simple: integrate small, enjoyable activities into your day to boost motivation and replace time-draining or harmful habits. Whether it's reviving an old hobby, tackling a creative project, or diving into something you've always wanted to try, fun habits offer a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Replacing Bad Habits

We all have habits that don't serve us well—whether it's excessive screen time, overeating, or procrastination. The hosts suggest identifying these behaviors and considering what fun, rewarding activities can fill their place. For instance, instead of comfort eating after a stressful day, Rob recommends spending 15 minutes gaming, working on a creative project, or even taking a short bike ride to get your endorphins flowing.

Michael expands on this idea by emphasizing the importance of moderation. Fun habits can turn into excessive distractions if not managed well, so setting clear boundaries is key. A 15- to 30-minute daily routine is a manageable and effective way to balance fun and productivity.

Examples of Fun Habits

Both Rob and Michael share examples of their personal fun habits:

• Reading for Pleasure: Rob reintroduced fiction reading into his life after years of focusing on technical and professional development books. Similarly, Michael has turned to audiobooks, which allow him to enjoy stories without the strain of traditional reading.
• Creative Side Projects: Rob enjoys working on small software projects, like designing apps or experimenting with game development. These activities not only bring him joy but also enhance his skills as a developer. Similarly, Michael loves building user interfaces and maintaining a "kitchen sink" library of reusable code snippets.
• Exercise and Movement: Rob mentions using a Peloton bike to stay active, even if it's just for a 15-minute workout. Fun physical activities like biking or dancing can double as a way to break up sedentary habits.
• Gaming with a Purpose: Gaming isn't just about entertainment—it can also be a stress reliever. For those on a budget, Michael suggests exploring free games through platforms like Epic Store or Amazon Prime Gaming.

How to Start Your Fun Habits

The key to success is consistency and intentionality. Rob challenges listeners to spend 15-30 minutes daily on something they genuinely enjoy. He offers the following steps:

1. Identify What Brings You Joy: Consider activities that excite you or hobbies you've set aside. It could be painting, coding, gardening, or even tackling a challenging puzzle.

2. Set a Daily Time Block: Find a consistent time—whether it's the start of your day, during lunch, or before bedtime—to dedicate to your fun habit.

3. Track Your Progress: Keeping a log of your fun habits can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue.

4. Replace the Negative: Use your fun habit to replace less productive or unhealthy habits. For example, swap scrolling on social media with 15 minutes of creative writing or sketching.

Fun Habits as Stress Relievers

Incorporating fun habits into your life doesn't just boost happiness—it also reduces stress. By engaging in activities you genuinely enjoy, you're giving yourself a chance to recharge and refocus. Rob points out that even a short burst of joy can have a lasting positive effect on your mood and energy.

Take the Challenge

Rob and Michael challenge listeners: identify one fun habit you can incorporate into your daily life. Spend at least 15 minutes on this activity for the next seven days. Whether it's picking up a new skill, revisiting a forgotten hobby, or simply taking time for yourself, this habit could be the key to a happier and healthier routine.

Conclusion

Fun habits are more than just hobbies—they are personal growth and well-being tools. By incorporating enjoyable activities into your daily routine, you can replace bad habits, reduce stress, and improve your overall quality of life. As Rob and Michael put it, "Fun habits are the candy reward of your day—without the guilt!"

So, what will your fun habit be? Take the challenge, and let the joy of small, intentional activities transform your day.

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Additional Resources

• Developer Tools That Transform: Habits for Smarter Development
• How to Build Better Habits with Coding Standards
• Holiday Gaming Gift Guide: The 2024 Christmas Special from Building Better Developers
• Planning For Fun and Recreation – The Meaningful Life
• Building Better Habits Videos – With Bonus Content