30 Quirky Ideas to Re-Calibrate a Habit That Isn't Working

Hey, it’s Sharon, your friendly ADHDer co-founder of Shelpful. Let’s be real—sometimes habits just don't stick (for ANYONE, not just my ADHD crew), and that's okay.

We can re-calibrate them! I’ve got 30 quirky (but real) ideas to help you tweak those stubborn habits so they finally work for you. We’ll cover Making the Habit Microscopic, Changing up Your Set-up, and Adjusting to Work with How Your Brain Works.

For any of the 👇 BELOW 👇 ideas, you could feed these to nan AI Productivity Assistant (like HabitGPT) and have some added accountability because they’ll ping you about that quirk-i-fied version.

METHOD #1: Make the Actual Habit Microscopic

First, let’s talk tiny. Like, reallllly tiny. Making your goals microscopic means you can’t help but do them. Here’s how:

1. Do one push-up: Yep, just one. It’s so tiny, you can’t say no.

2. Floss one tooth: Seriously, just one. You’ll probably end up flossing more, but starting with one tooth makes it feel like a joke.

3. Read one line of a book: One line per night. You’ll get sucked in and read more, trust me.

4. Write one sentence: Want to write daily? One sentence is all you need to commit to. Easy-peasy.

5. Drink one sip of water: Start with a single sip. Before you know it, you’ll be downing the whole bottle.

6. Stretch for ten seconds: Ten seconds of stretching. Feels too short to matter, but it’s a start.

METHOD #2: Change up Your Set-up

Next, let's move some stuff around. Sometimes a little reorganization is all it takes.

1. Move your yoga mat to the kitchen: If you want to stretch in the morning, store your mat by the coffee machine. Can’t miss it.

2. Create a "hydration station": Set up a spot in your home where you always have a full water bottle and a glass. Easy access makes it harder to forget.

3. Organize workout clothes in your bathroom: Lay out your workout clothes in the bathroom the night before. No excuses when they’re right there.

4. Rearrange your living space: Want to read more? Create a cozy nook by rearranging some furniture. Make it inviting.

5. Keep your journal by your bed: Keep your journal and a pen on your bedside table. It’s harder to skip when it’s right there.

6. Snack-prep station in the fridge: Prep and store your snacks in clear containers at eye level. Makes healthy choices a no-brainer.

7. Walking shoes by the door: Keep your walking shoes and socks by the door. Easier to head out for a walk if you don’t have to search for them.

8. Meditation cushion near your work area: Place a meditation cushion or comfy chair near your workspace. Short meditation breaks become a breeze.

9. Cookbook display: Keep a cookbook open on a stand in the kitchen. Rotate the recipe every few days to keep things fresh.

10. Digital detox basket: Create a basket for your phone and gadgets an hour before bed. Keep it in a different room to reduce screen time.

METHOD #3: Adjust to Work with How Your Brain Works

Lastly, let’s make these habits fit how your brain actually works. ADHDers, sensory peeps, this one’s for you.

1. Use fidget toys for focus: Use a fidget toy while you work. It helps channel that extra energy and keeps you focused.

2. Create a sensory-friendly workspace: Set up a workspace with noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting, and comfy textures.

3. Visual timers: Use visual timers for tasks. Watching the time count down can keep you on track.

4. Change your face wash: If you hate your face wash, get one with a texture and scent you actually like. Skincare should feel good.

5. Wear wristbands while washing face: Stop water from dripping down your arms with wristbands. Makes face-washing way more pleasant.

6. Add scents to your environment: Use essential oils or scented candles. A pleasant environment can make you actually want to stick to your habits.

7. Use colored sticky notes: Brightly colored sticky notes are perfect reminders. They’re hard to ignore.

8. Incorporate music: Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs to play while you do your habit. Makes it way more fun.

9. Break tasks into smaller chunks: Overwhelmed? Break tasks into the smallest possible steps. Tiny steps make it easier to start.

10. Habit stacking: Link a new habit to an existing one. Drink a glass of water right after you brush your teeth, for example.

11. Gamify your habits: Turn your habits into a game with rewards. Compete with yourself or friends.

12. Change the time of day: If your habit isn’t working at a certain time, try it at a different time of day. Mornings not working? Try evenings.

13. Use apps and tools: There are tons of apps designed to help build habits. Find one that works for you.

14. Buddy up: Find a habit buddy. Accountability and support can make all the difference.

So there you have it, 30 quirky ways to recalibrate those habits that just aren’t sticking. Remember, it's all about making tiny tweaks and finding what works for YOU. Save this post so you can come back to it, and follow @shelpful for more life hacks!

Alright, friends, you’ve got the tips and tricks to re-calibrate those pesky habits. Now it’s time to take action! Ready to make real, lasting changes in your life? Try our FREE trial with Shelpful!

You’ll get personalized support, non-judgmental advice, and all the tools you need to kickstart and keep your new habits. Don’t wait—sign up today and let’s make those habits happen together. 💪 Follow @shelpful on instagram and tiktok for more free advice as always ;)