Habit Change…Keep it Simple & Small

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear says,
“A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough times to become automatic.”  

A habit is a behavior and behaviors can be changed. 

Changing behaviors can be messy, difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable. Behavior change requires CONSISTENCY! If you are not consistent with your new behavior it will not stick. And I am not talking about 20 days or 40 days, I am talking about being consistent with your new behavior for as long as you want to keep doing it, in most cases forever. 

Let’s get started with changing your behavior. Remember habits are just behaviors.

There are likely many habits you have that you might want to change and I encourage you to keep it simple and small. If you take on too much too soon, you just won’t be successful. 

If your goal is to exercise and you have not been exercising at all, I certainly do not recommend signing up for a boot camp class 5 days per week. How about starting with taking a 20 minute walk 3 times per week or stretching for 10 minutes each morning? These examples are much more achievable and you are much more likely to be successful. 

Another excellent way to be successful at changing habits is to STACK your new habit on top of an old habit. For example, in the morning while you are waiting for your coffee to brew or your water to boil, spend that time stretching or meditating. Or when you go to the grocery store, park your car farther away from the entrance to the store and then walk up and down ALL the isles at the store. 

Be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier.” Try this, “I will eat 1 cup of vegetables at dinner.” Or “I want to exercise more.” Try this, “I will go for a 20 minute walk Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during my lunch hour.” Then set a reminder in your phone! Be specific or you will not succeed.

Let’s also think about reframing how you talk to yourself about your new habits or behaviors. Instead of saying “I have to” or “I can’t” when it comes to making these changes, what about saying “I get to” or “I choose to.” If you are in the habit of telling yourself that you “can’t” have a certain type of food or you “have to” exercise these things will feel dreadful. You get to go for a walk 3 times per week and you are choosing to eat a cup of veggies at dinner. How lucky are you? Right?

When you are changing a habit, turn it into a positive experience in an effort to reprogram your brain.  You are becoming the type of person who chooses to eat healthier food and who chooses to move her body every day.

Remember KEEP IT SIMPLE AND SMALL.

If you are ready to change some habits in your life but do not know where to start, let me help!

Sign up for a FREE consultation and we will create a SIMPLE & SMALL plan just for you.