3 simple steps to create new habits that will last
There are multiple factors which impact your ability to achieve your goals. However, there are few simple steps which can help to get you started on the right foot. Not only that, but they can support you to maintain your changes long term. If you’re ready to make some positive changes to improve your health, then read on to find out our health coaches top tips to get you one step closer to achieving your goals!
- Choose the right goal for you
Many of us may have been told by health professionals what our goals ‘should’ be. This may include weight loss, increasing exercise or getting more sleep. However, the first step towards building sustainable habits and achieving your goals is to find the goal that’s right for you at the time.
Depending on your life stage or time availability, this may be the goal that’s most important to you, or the goal that’s easiest to achieve. The benefit of choosing a goal that’s important to you, is that it can help increase motivation when it matters most. Alternatively, choosing a goal that’s easy to achieve can help to build momentum and set you up for success in achieving future goals. Whatever you choose, opting for a goal specific to you is the first step to set you up for success.
- Start small and be specific about what you want to achieve
Narrowing your focus to identify 1-2 small, specific goals initially is key to prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. This generally involves breaking down your larger, long-term goals into small, achievable steps. In doing so, you are setting yourself a task which you are more likely to achieve. This allows you to progress towards your larger goals, rather than giving up because your first goal was unachievable.
For example, if your long-term goal is to meet the exercise recommendations of 150 mins of moderate exercise per week but you currently don’t complete any exercise. You may start with a 10-minute session at lunchtime twice per week. Not only are these bite-sized chunks, but you have given yourself a set time to complete them, making them more likely to be achieved.
- Switch up your mindset
We are quick to think about the things we need to cut-out, particularly when it comes to our diet and weight loss. However, a helpful tip can be to start thinking about what you can add in. When we focus on the positives, the whole experience is much more enjoyable and thus more likely to be maintained in the long-term.
Instead of trying to cut out chocolate at 3pm when you are craving sugar, you may think about how you can bulk out your snack to make it more satisfying. This may include having a smaller portion of chocolate with a piece of fruit, a small packet of lightly salted popcorn or a handful of nuts and seeds. This will help you to feel more full and satisfied, which may inadvertently help to reduce your chocolate intake.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, or you’re wanting to learn more, reach out to one of our health coaches to discuss your goals and book in an initial session now! Health coaching utilises these behaviour change techniques (and more) to support you to create long-lasting changes to improve your health.
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