Developing new healthy habits is an important part of working toward long-term goals. For example, the goal of improving one’s health can’t be achieved without habits such as eating well or exercising. To get started, it helps to create a habit plan.

A habit plan involves connecting a new habit to an existing one, then rewarding the successful completion of the task. The Habit Plan worksheet provides instructions, examples, and a template for clients to create their own plan.

After clients fill out their plan, encourage them to keep it somewhere visible so they are reminded to work on the habit. Check in on their progress during each session, and make adjustments as necessary.

The goal of this handout is to teach the “formula” behind a habit plan. Once the concept is well understood, habit plans can be recorded in a journal, phone, or anywhere else convenient.

To learn more about starting and sticking to habits, check out the Building New Habits: Tips Sheet worksheet.