Ever create a resolution or tell yourself you’re going to start doing something, only to give up after a few days? Perhaps it was too difficult, or life got in the way. Research shows that when people make New Year’s resolutions for example, less than 20% stick with their goals. Even more interesting though, is research also shows that the best time of year to start a new habit isn’t necessarily January, but is instead August- September. Given our schedules adjust as summer wraps up, this time of year can be an opportunity for a “second chance” at implementing the positive habits we’ve been meaning to try.
So, how can we have a 2nd chance at implementing goals we can actually achieve?
One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits by James Clear. The reason being because it breaks down actionable things you can actually achieve. So here are some tips for you to test out as we head into a new season of Back to School, Fall Fun and New Habits.
1. Make sure it’s something you actually want to do. (Wait, this should be obvious, no??) Often I personally feel people create goals on what others are doing, or what they think they should do. But do you really want to be doing that goal? For example, if you think you should be eating more vegetables, but hate the taste of vegetables, how do you plan to actually achieve this? (Smoothies by the way are one easy way to hide the taste).
Lesson here though is to start with goals you really feel like you want to accomplish, and turn out the noise of what others are doing or what you feel like you should do based on whatever Facebook group you’re or Instagram ads you’re watching.
2. Make it feasible! Losing 5 lbs in a week or running a half marathon next month may sound easier than the reality of preparing to do so in an abbreviated amount of time. Instead, I teach people how to focus on “micro” changes. Ever hear that saying- “Get 1% better every day?”
The problem with our culture is we want everything easy and now. ‘1%….who has time for that? Let’s go big- 20%!’ That’s when we get in the trouble though of setting too lofty of a goal, and what’s the point if there’s an 80% chance we won’t achieve that anyway? So start small and build as you go. As James Clear likes to say, just get into the habit of putting on your running shoes. You don’t even have to leave the house to go to the gym or run a mile, just put on your shoes. (That’s the 1%.)
My favorite podcaster Kara Lowentheil once said something that resonated with me that’s related to this. She said “the brain has to register something as insignificant in order to make change.” So think about the tiniest course of action you can do today to start reaching your goal, and start doing that 1 thing.
3. Make it easy to remember– With the average person having 60,000-80,000 thoughts per day, how will you remember to do these new healthy habits? Well the first thing you can do is write it down somewhere. Perhaps a post-it note on your computer or refrigerator with a motivational quote or photo. Or plug a reminder in your phone- [only if you agree not to “snooze” the notifications! 😉 ]
The other thing you can do that Clear talks about, is to make it obvious. For example, if you want to get better about wearing sunscreen, I tell people to leave it out where you apply your face lotion or deodorant. This way it’s in a place that reminds you of the new habit you’d like to incorporate into your day. Same thing with the running shoes, leave them by your couch or refrigerator when you get home, so it’s a reminder to put them on and at least walk around the block before grabbing something to eat, or plopping on the couch to unwind.
Which of these tips resonated most with you? Send me a note on IG @georgiahomsany or feel free to email georgia@dailydose-wellness.com with any other wellness topics you’d like us to discuss in this BLOG.
Til next time, stay healthy.
Georgia
