Ep 31: Secrets to Building Habits for Happy Families with Hena Bilal

Have you ever wondered how some families seem to have life figured out? Their kids follow routines and they have healthy habits established. But, no matter what you try, you just can’t stand the idea of a boring routine?

It turns out, that it doesn’t have to be as complicated or boring as it seems.

Today’s guest describes herself as “a naturally Type B person” who much prefers to fly be the seat of her pants. Once she became a mother, she figured out that wasn’t the best approach, but still struggled and resisted routines.

That was until she discovered Keystone Habits.

Hena is a millennial stay at home mom of two small kiddos and a military wife. On her blog, Mending with Gold, she shares fun, educational ideas plus resources for kids as well as smart parenting tips for raising children.

And if you have struggled with not only creating but making habits stick for your kiddos, Henna has the most adorable calendars on her website - and she is giving you one for free!

This episode of the Wannabe Minimalist Show will help you discover:

why we struggle with creating habits
the most important phase in habit creation and how to make this easier
the simple, yet effective, strategy Hena uses to track habits over time
why Hena refuses to track every habit - it’s genius!
the best advice Hena’s ever received about habits

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00] – This episode is brought to you The QUICK Way to Declutter and Organize Your Home. This 5 part mini-course will help you declutter, tidy, and organize any room in your home. Get started today!

[00:55] – Deanna welcomes listeners back to the show and explains that today’s guest is habits enthusiast, Hena Bilal from Mending with Gold.

[02:49] – Hena explains how she has made some amazing changes in her life even though she describes herself as “a naturally Type B person”. She also talks about the shift in mindset from living by the seat of your pants versus being organized and which one is easier. (you might be surprised)

[03:53] – We hear about how Hena began studying about how to simplify your life with children and she kept coming back to routines. This felt stifling for her her so we learn how she modified this idea to fit her personality.

[04:56] – Hena started really small and with age-appropriate tactics. She give us a great example for her get ready routine with her son.

[07:20] – We get a great reminder for how to get kids on board with habits and it has to do with our attitude.

[07:39] – Hena talks about how where you need to focus your energy when creating a habit. When you focus is the right area, you create the right foundation and things get easier as the habit is established.

[08:54] – Deanna circles back and asks Hena how she tracks these habits everyday.

[09:14] – According to Hena, tracking a habit is just one of the ways to help yourself and your children stay motivated. It’s not the only way, but science has proven that our brain enjoys this method of seeing our progress.

[10:25] – Hena introduces the idea of Keystone habits. This is one habit that affects many different areas of your life. A Keystone Habit allow you to focus on one thing, but the outcome is that many things change.

[11:03] – We learn of an example that Hena uses in her own life and why she don’t bother with tracking the little things.

[13:15] – Not only do Keystone habits work for adults, Hena shows us how she is using Keystone habits along with a calendar to track his current Keystone wait of learning how to read.

[15:00] – Calendars are contageious. See who else wanted to get in on using the calendar in Hena’s home.

[16:15] – Hena let’s us in on the reasons why calendars work so well. Who knew calendars had such history and importance. I bet you’ll never look at a calendar the same way again.

[17:43] – If you want to use a calendar for your children, Hena has designed over 30 calendars on her website so there’s bound to be one they will love there.

[18:35] – Don’t think Keystone habits or tracking them on a calendar will work for you or your family? Here’s Hena’s advice for you.

[19:41] – Hena shares where moms should start if they are struggling with creating a routine. It’s genius! If you don’t have the 4 major life areas for kids in line, you MUST listen to this.

[22:00] – Not all habits are equal. Here’s why even if it’s a good habit, it might not be the place you start.

[23:47] – Even if you consider yourself not naturally organized, Hena helps you figure our where to start.

[24:30] – Where can we find Hena online?

[25:37] – What has been Hena’s favorite simple pleasure this week?

[26:12] – What is the best advice about habits that Hena has ever received?

[28:01] – And finally, what is making Hena happy right now?

[29:55] – Deanna circles back to this idea about Keystone habits and how they can transform your life - one small change at a time. Don’t forget to pick up your free calendar so you can teach your kids this amazing concept while they are young. It works like magic!

[30:52] – Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of The QUICK Way to Declutter and Organize Your Home. It’s the perfect resource to help you on your journey to living your best life with less stuff. And remember that she loves hearing from listeners, so please get in touch by email at hello@littlegreenbow.com or by sending her a message on Instagram (@WannabeClutterFree) or on Facebook (@WannabeClutterFree)!