Habits That Stick: Ifa’s Wisdom on Turning Discipline into Lifestyle
Why Habits Fade (and How Ifa Helps Them Stick)
We’ve all started new habits with excitement, only to watch them fade after a few weeks. The truth is, most habits fail not because they’re impossible, but because we don’t carry them long enough for them to become who we are.
Ifa teaches that character (Ìwà) is destiny. When habits are repeated with consistency, they transform from forced actions into natural expressions of character. This post explores how to make habits stick — so they become lifestyle, not temporary effort.
Ifa’s View: From Effort → Ease
When we align speech, thought, and action, effort turns into ease:
- At first, discipline feels heavy — like Ogun clearing a new path.
- Over time, repetition engrains the habit into our Iwe-Iwa (book of character).
- Eventually, what once required effort becomes second nature.
In other words: “We first form habits, then our habits form us.”
3 Tips to Make Habits Stick (Ifa-Inspired)
1. Anchor to Identity, Not Just Outcome
Don’t just say, “I want to save money.” Say, “I am a person who respects resources.” Ifa reminds us that words shape destiny. Speak your habit into identity.
2. Pair Habits With Existing Rhythms
Instead of forcing something completely new, tie habits to what already exists:
- After your morning coffee, write one gratitude.
- After checking your bank balance, transfer $10 to savings.
- After a tough conversation, journal two lines about your emotions.
3. Build Repair Into the Process
Ifa emphasizes ìmúlára (repair). Habits fail when guilt replaces repair. Instead of quitting after a missed day, start fresh the next. Progress lives in persistence, not perfection.
Journaling Prompts to Reinforce Habits
- Which habit am I trying to force, instead of letting it flow into identity?
- Where can I “stack” a new habit onto something I already do daily?
- What small repair can I make today to restart a habit I dropped?
Carrying Habits Into September
August has been about starting habits — morning rituals, journaling, financial discipline, and persistence. Now, the question is: Which one will you carry into lifestyle?
Ifa teaches us that destiny isn’t built in a single moment, but in consistent choices.
As we close August, reflect: What one habit will I let define my character as we enter the next season?
