to save more money . A second group of bank customers received no texts . Individuals who received monthly reminders saved more than individuals who did not .

More isn ’ t always better . You should always keep in mind the proper “ dosage ” and “ frequency ” for each new habit you take on — and do it in the right amount .

For example ...

If your new habit is drinking water , you don ’ t need to drink a keg every hour . One eightounce glass every few hours is fine .

If you assign yourself to do too much , too often , then you won ’ t wanna do it - and then you ’ ll feel bad for not doing it .

Plus , if you overdo it , the habit can backfire and make you feel lousy . After all , you won ’ t feel good with a keg of water sloshing around in your belly .

If you want new habits to stick , getting the dosage ( the size of the change ) and the frequency ( how often you do it ) right will keep you from getting overwhelmed .

Researchers Layous and Lyubomirsky at the University of California , Riverside , report the importance of picking habits that connect to your particular personality and motivations .

For example ...

Extroverts might benefit most from rituals that involve people — but that wouldn ’ t be as true for introverts .

Religious people might prefer a habit with a spiritual element .