Start Small
Don’t try to overdo it, starting new habits and making big changes can be difficult. Pick one habit to focus on at a time.
Make A Plan
Think through how you are going to make a change or create a new habit. It shouldn’t be something you jump into tomorrow without a plan. You need to be prepared for your triggers, know when and what you are going to change and build a support system around you. Write down a starting date and a timeline. Outline what the next 30 – 60 days will look like with incorporating this new habit into your lifestyle. What will be difficult for you and what will come easy? Who can you enlist to help you? Write it down so you can refer back to.
Tell People Your Plan
Dont try to start a new habit alone. Tell your friends, family and those you work with your new goal and ask them for help. None of us got to where we are today by ourselves and now more than ever is the time to use your support system. Talk about your progress and struggles with people and let them offer advice and positive reinforcement. You will be surprised with the number of people that will be motivated by your change in lifestyle and will start making big changes in their own life.
Know Your Triggers
Be aware of your temptations and what will cause you to fail in achieving your goals.
If you are trying to lose weight, and have a weakness for dairy queen on the way home from work, then you need to map out a new route home. If you are trying to stop smoking and you know you socially smoke when you drink, take a month off from drinking or avoid going outside to socialize with the smoking crowd. Know what sets off your bad habit and create new triggers. Instead of stopping at Dairy Queen on the way home from work, drive straight to the gym and get your workout in. Find healthy alternatives and use them to distract you when your triggers hit.
No Exceptions
You’ve heard me say it before, no excuses! For the 30 – 60 days that you are committing to focusing on this one habit don’t let yourself cheat once. Don’t tell yourself “just this time” or “I’ll start fresh tomorrow”. Commit to not letting yourself give in for the planned out amount of time, you will thank yourself later.
Reward Yourself
You deserve it!
Make the reward something that you have really wanted so you will be extra motivated to reach your goal. Plan mini rewards throughout your 30 – 60 days that will help keep you motivated and on track. For example if you are trying to lose 50+ lbs, give yourself mini rewards every time you reach 10, with your big reward waiting for you at the end. Have the rewards set when you do your original plan so you know what you are working towards.