Tips for Making Changes
Making changes in patterns and habits that are no longer serving us is key to creating wellbeing. But the gap between what we know we need to do, and actually doing, can feel pretty big, sometimes impossibly big. That’s why learning and implementing behavior change strategies are key in successfully making a change. Here are some of the top, evidence-based tips to help you along the way!
Tip #1 - It’s ok for your goal to feel impossible
Our minds become so accustomed to habit that we have a hard time even imagining that a new behavior is possible. That’s ok! Just because you “think” something is impossible doesn’t mean it is. Allow the thought to be there. Once you start making movements in the direction of change, you will slowly expand your capacity for believing what is possible.
Tip #2 - Take small steps
All big changes happen little by little. Focusing only on the next, small step keeps change feeling manageable and realistic. Little changes build momentum, routine, and satisfaction that promote further motivation and change behaviors.
Tip #3 - Measure progress from where you are now compared to where you started, not where you hope to end up
Keep your focus on how far you have come, not how far you have left to go. Recognizing achievement is encouraging and, therefore, motivating. Conversely, recognizing what hasn’t yet been achieved can produce dread, guilt, and possibly shame, which all negatively impact motivation over the long-term.
Tip #4 - Be kind to yourself
Research has shown that kindness is more motivating than criticalness. Be kind to yourself when you revert back to old behaviors. Messing up is part of the process! Kindness implies accountability. So, remind yourself that it is OK to mess up, then decide on the next, small step to move back in the direction of the change.
