Change Habits to Feel Better - With Small Steps

All of my clients express a desire to try something to improve their well-being. The most common goals are to exercise more and eat healthier. Everyone knows it's easier said than done. Here are my advice.

Choose the Easiest and Most Enjoyable Option

If a task is difficult or you don't like it, no matter how beneficial it is for you, you will never stick with it. Pick what you can enjoy and what is feasible for you as the first small step.

Do It Far Less Than You Think You Can

I understand that when you're eager to try something new and if you are an overachiever, you are likely to overdo it, worsening your condition later. This can lead to stress, soreness and even pain, which is counterproductive and discouraging, often resulting in quitting. I've seen it in many of my clients.

If an exercise is meant to be done 10 times, start with 3-4 times, even if it's not challenging. Stop when you think you still can a few more times. If a goal is supposed to be daily, try 1-2 times a week initially and gradually increase the frequency. Listen to your body, not your head. "Less is More"is beneficial in the long run.

Resources

I encountered a book titled "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg. It aligns perfectly with what I advocate and presents the method in a very systematic way. The book discusses forming new habits and replacing old ones. Initially, you must break down your behavior into very specific habits. If you aim to eat healthier, your objective isn't just to stop consuming junk food, as that's too vague. You need to be more specific, such as "stop eating a candy bar for breakfast," "avoid drinking soda every day at lunch," etc. I highly recommend reading this book to transform your lifestyle.