Making changes easily
Posted on 31st July 2024 at 07:33
We often talk about the power of making very small changes, one at a time. Cementing one in place before adding another.
While, at first sight, it may seem like an unnecessarily slow and time consuming way to make changes, they quickly build up into something much larger. And, if you’re in any doubt about this, just look back at all those New Year’s Resolutions that came to naught…
So, why does “small and slow” win every time?
Well, it recognises that any change involves two different – and competing – elements.
First, you’re learning a new habit. Practising it over and over again until it becomes automatic, your default way of doing whatever it is.
Second, you’re breaking an old ingrained habit, which gives it a huge advantage over the new one.
This is why making any change part of your normal routine, is the quickest way to cement it in place. Allowing it to gradually take over from the old one. So, consistently doing it, day in, day out.
Without it, the new habit has no chance of taking over from the old one and is why so many good intentions fail in the first few days. They haven’t been repeated enough to become a habit, cue another false start and excuses.
And, if you’d like a little tip to make any change easier, here it is. Go smaller. Cut your original idea in half. Take the pressure off and take small steps, rather than trying to take great strides forward.
So, if it was to increase your water consumption to the magical 2 litres a day, start with 1 litre a day.
To do 10,000 steps a day, start with 5,000.
To cut out sugar in hot drinks, half the amount you have in each drink.
Not only will you make small changes much more easily, but you’ll quickly boost your confidence too.
As always, the choice is yours.
Picture by unknown author
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