This is missing step 5 - a few months later I forget that I have a habit and have to start over from scratch
Every. Single. Time.
If you have to remember to do it it's not a habit. Or at least that's my understanding of habits.
Yeah that's what I'm talking about.
I have habits that I don't have to think about and then one day they're just gone and I have to start over. Usually it happens by having a sudden realization that the thing I did for months without thinking about it has not been done for several weeks. Then to rebuild that habit I have to start over again.
Makes sense. I never had any habits besides getting various forms of entertainment on the internet so I can't relate. I always have to make an active effort to do something and then at some point (usually days, a few weeks is my absolute maximum) my brain refuses to even do the bare minimum to make me do stuff.
Oh, you skipped working out for 2 days? Good luck getting started on that again.
This is my fitness downfall. I have a cyclical problem that involves immense pain and fatigue (i have a uterus that hates me) and each time I get into working out, the organ renders me temporarily useless. Getting back into a work out regime after its over seems impossible (though I keep trying) This has happened about once ot twice per year for as long as I can remember (starting to work out and then failing due to the thing)
At least you're trying! Some effort is better than nothing. I've found that even if I can't go though a whole routine at least doing part of it will get me back in the habit. I have a shortened workout regiment for that purpose. Or if I'm really unable to focus I do handstand progression excercises.
So my niece lives with me; she was not used to showering more than once a week. Yea... she stank and I refuse to share space with nasty BO. So I started making her shower at least every other day. It's taken over 6 months but she finally knows which days she needs to shower without me having to remind her. The first 5 months were hell though. I do suspect she has ADHD.
If only I could get her older brother to do the same. He shares a room with his father who barely showers as well, so I think that's a battle I'd lose unfortunately. And yes, they stink. Horribly. But at least I've saved my niece from being bullied (which happened in the past before they lived with me).
I realised like a year ago that I get up better if I set an alarm for a 7 hour sleep. I usually wake up before the alarm somehow and if I manage to get up, I won't feel tired the entire day. Did that for a year, then I just forgot and for an entire month I was irritated why my sleep sucked so bad...