There is a lot of discussion around behavior change and making new habits. But how do you get them to stick?
Baby steps and quick sprints.
Baby steps – what is one small step you can do towards reaching a goal? People are finding that the cumulative effect of thinking of change in baby steps adds up to significant change.
- If you want to eat more vegetables, try doing that once a week. Change one meal in your week to add more vegetables and less starch. One meal. Thats it. Take it from there.
- If you are trying to exercise more, instead of signing up for a marathon, maybe you agree to starting with working out once a week. Or do a 15 minute walk 2 times a week at your lunch break. Or do 10 squats, 10 pushups or 10 crunches before you get in the shower.
Quick sprints – think short rather than long term.
It is hard to commit to a new habit when you know it is forever. Vegetables….forever?? Working out…every darn day? Yikes. Forever does not sound as appealing as focusing on a week. Set a goal for a week, or a month and see if that keeps you on track. April starts this week….what if you set yourself a goal for April. Or the first 10 days of April.
The goal of course is things will stick forever…baby steps will turn into marathons, one week challenges will turn into lifestyle change. But give yourself a break and let go of the pressure and expectations.
What is one baby step you can make?
What is a quick sprint challenge you can create for April?
Stay accountable by emailing me your first goal.
Go get em!