Rethink your habits one step at a time

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Motivational Monday
Rethink Your Habits One Step at a Time!
I am a big believer in the power of small victories! The best way to get healthier and more fit is to take baby steps, to introduce good habits a few at a time.

When you try to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight, it's easy to burn out. But when you start with one small change and put your energy into making it a habit, the chances are a lot better that it will stick! Did you know that it takes about three weeks to establish a habit? If you can take a small, achievable step and make it a regular part of your life for three weeks, you should be able to stick to it permanently.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of changes you want to make in your life, or if you're not sure how to get started, try this: Make a list of the changes you'd like to make, big and small. Include anything you can think of. Now go over the list and pick out one change to start with. Make it something that you feel is achievable at this stage of your life — for example, you may not be able to make over your entire diet, but maybe you can fit in one more vegetable each day in place of a less healthy food. Or you may not have time to join an aerobics class, but maybe you can start taking a walk most nights after dinner. Pick something you think you can accomplish, and put your energy into making it happen! You'll be so happy when you can check this item off of your list.

Once you feel confident that you've accomplished this small change, add another item from your list to your efforts. And don't forget to keep track of the changes you've already made! Nothing is more inspiring than knowing that you can — and have — accomplished changes in your life. Be proud along this journey!

mia66

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you are so right. This is how I am doing it, one step at a time, learning as I go and applying it to my life. I know I will get there and not concerned when, as long as I am improving along the way. I like your idea about the list, I think I will try it, Thanks.
Mia
EAT LESS MOVE MORE.:flowerforyou: :drinker:

ltlhmom

Nicely said!

becca2010

I'm approaching my long journey one step at a time, also. First week (this week) my goal was just to record what I ate each day and stay under my calorie limit, which I accomplished, and feel proud of! Now I'm ready for next week's goal, which is to find a way to include more vegetables each day. In subsequent weeks I plan to work on lowering my sodium, increasing my water, adding supplements, adding exercise, etc. You're absolutely right about it being overwhelming to try and make too many changes at once, and I know this firsthand, having tried to do this many times, and having failed. If we can add one new thing each week, or even each month, those things add up quickly.