Habits Fuel Change
Ever have that day or week where you decide you’re going to make a change? Then you formulate a plan to implement that change - “I’ll start on Monday” or “Once all the junk food is gone, I’m not buying anymore”.
Those are always great thoughts, and maybe sometimes you even follow through. But did you know it isn’t the best way to actually change?
Humans are habitual people. We like routines and generally speaking, if something is not a habit, we won’t do it without planning in advance for it. This is why forming new habits are key to fueling and actually making the changes in your life.
The problem in the world today is that we don’t think we have time to form a new habit and we want to see our change and results tomorrow, not wait 60 days.
Have you ever jumped in feet first and then failed? You start a no carb diet on Monday and by Friday you’re binging a bowl of pasta. It’s because you took one long jump. If you had started with smaller steps and gradually increased over 60 days, it’d be easier for you to avoid the pasta bar on Friday evening.
So how do we start a new habit to make a lifestyle change? Easy - baby steps!
First, reflect on what change you are trying to make.
Make the goal specific . Something like “I want to work-out 3 days a week” compared to “I want to work out more”.
Keep the goal small to start. If you have never been to the gym, don’t say you are going to go every day this week after work. Instead, set a goal of going 3 days a week for the first month, then increase from there.
Now that you have your goal, you have to make it a habit. Find something in your day that is already a habit. Something you do automatically without thinking about it. For instance, brushing your teeth, leaving work, feeding your pets.
The key is to perform your new activity right after the existing habit. For instance, after brushing your teeth each morning you are going to lace up your sneakers and go for a walk.
Setting up a new action immediately following an old habit reduces the likelihood you will “forget” and over time, the new action becomes a habit that you don’t even have to think about.
Here is another example: You need to increase your water intake each day. Drink a bottle of water while in the car going to and from work. Forget to take the water with you? Keep a case of water by the door so you see it whenever you leave and will grab a bottle to drink in the car.
It’s easy! With a little planning and forward thinking you can yourself up for success! The important thing is to remember that nothing is instant, and you have to have patience with yourself while you find the habit that works for you.
If you need help forming a new habit or starting your path to change, reach out and I’ll be happy to help!
