We’ve all been there…you’ve decided to you want to make a bunch of changes to your lifestyle – and you want to do it all at once. The excitement of what awaits you on the other side of all of these successful changes feels like heaven, but after a while, the newness fades away and trying to keep up with all of the new habits you implemented all at once causes you to quit and leaves you back at square one. Don’t you hate it when that happens?! This week, we’re going to look at a different approach to making the adjustments you want to your lifestyle. It may take a little longer to accomplish in the short term, but in the long run, you’ll find this is a much more sustainable way to change your life for good…
1. Start Small
It’s tempting to dive headfirst into a complete lifestyle makeover, but starting small is key. Pick one or two areas to focus on first. Maybe you want to drink more water or cut back on late-night snacking. Small changes are less intimidating and easier to stick with.
2. Prioritize Your Changes
Not all changes are created equal. Think about what will have the biggest impact on your health and happiness. If you’re constantly tired, maybe focus on improving your sleep habits first. If stress is your nemesis, incorporate some relaxation techniques into your routine.
3. Create Mini-Goals
Break down your big goals into mini-goals. For example, if your ultimate goal is to run a 5k, start with a goal of running for 5 minutes without stopping. Achieving these mini-goals builds your confidence and keeps you motivated.
4. Schedule Your Changes
Plan out when and how you’ll implement each change. Want to start meal prepping? Dedicate Sunday afternoons to planning and preparing your meals for the week. Setting a specific time for each new habit makes it easier to incorporate into your routine.
5. Track Your Progress
Keep track of your progress, no matter how small. Use a journal, an app, or even just a calendar to mark off each day you successfully stick to your new habit. Seeing your progress in black and white can be incredibly motivating.
6. Celebrate Milestones
Every time you hit a milestone, celebrate! Treat yourself to something you enjoy. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, helps reinforce your new habits.
7. Adjust as Needed
Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. That’s ok! If a change isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to tweak it. Flexibility is key to finding what works best for you.
8. Layer Your Changes
Once you’ve successfully incorporated one change, add another. This layering approach helps you build a solid foundation of healthy habits without feeling overwhelmed. Think of it like building blocks—one step at a time.
9. Find Your Motivation
Identify what motivates you and use it to your advantage. Maybe you’re driven by competition, in which case a fitness challenge might be right up your alley. Or perhaps you’re motivated by community, so joining a group class or an online forum could be beneficial.
10. Be Patient
Remember, real change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Focus on the journey and trust that the changes you’re making will pay off in the long run. Patience and consistency are your best friends.
11. Seek Support
Don’t go it alone! Lean on your gym buddies, friends, or family for support. Share your goals and progress with them. Having a support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and accountable.
12. Make it Enjoyable
Incorporate changes that you actually enjoy. The more you enjoy your new habits, the more likely you are to stick with them.
Remember, as silly as it sounds, slow and steady really does win the race. By breaking down your lifestyle changes into bite-sized pieces, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Comment below and let us know what lifestyle change you’ll be tackling first and how you plan to do it!!
