From New Year’s Resolutions to Lasting Change: How to Build a Foundation of Health by Habit
As the calendar year comes to a close, it’s natural to think about New Year’s resolutions. Every year, millions of people resolve to lose weight, exercise more, or eat more healthily. But, as we all know, making a resolution is easy – sticking to it is much harder. In fact, research shows that only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. So if you’re serious about making lasting change, it’s time to stop thinking about resolutions and start thinking about habits.
The power of habits is well known. Charles Duhigg’s book, “The Power of Habit,” explains how habits work, why they’re so powerful, and how they can be changed. At the heart of his message is the idea that habits are automatic – they’re routines that we perform without thinking. And because they’re automatic, they’re incredibly powerful – they shape our behavior, our thoughts, and our lives.
So if you’re serious about making lasting change, it’s time to start building a foundation of health by habit. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Start small
Many people fail to make lasting change because they try to do too much, too soon. If you want to build lasting habits, start with small, manageable changes. For example, start by going for a walk every day, or drinking a glass of water with each meal. These small changes may seem insignificant, but they’re the building blocks of lasting change.
2. Focus on one habit at a time
Research shows that we only have a limited amount of willpower. If you try to change too many things at once, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed and give up. Instead, focus on one habit at a time. Once you’ve established that habit, move on to the next one.
3. Make it social
We’re social creatures, and social support can be a powerful motivator. If you want to build lasting habits, find a friend or family member to support you. Join a group or class that shares your interests. Having a support system can help keep you accountable and motivated.
4. Find a good reason
Finally, if you want to build lasting habits, you need to have a good reason for doing so. What’s your motivation? Why do you want to make this change? If you’re clear about your goals and your reasons for pursuing them, you’ll be much more likely to stick with your new habits.
Ultimately, building a foundation of health by habit is a process. It takes time, patience, and persistence. But by starting small, focusing on one habit at a time, making it social, and finding a good reason, you can build a foundation of health that will last a lifetime. So forget about New Year’s resolutions – start building lasting habits today.
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