Habits for Success – Start Small

choice aheadImagine you that you could have greater success by adopting small habits.

After trying and failing many times to create the new, more positive habits you crave, is it any wonder that by now you’re probably a little gun-shy about the process? But the truth is, most attempts at forming new habits fail, simply because you’ve tried to bite off more than you can chew. Using small practices instead, you approach your life in a new way, by taking charge in tiny bite-size chunks. Meaning that not only is change possible but so is the ability to become that person you always knew you could be.

Here are 8-steps to help you implement a small habit strategy successfully:

  1. Don’t try to change the world overnight. Start with just one new habit and then go from there. Change is how you grow, usually one step at a time.
  1. Make a commitment. Not every habit is created equal. Decide right now that you’re going to try this new habit at least 3 – 4 weeks to give it a decent start.
  1. Link the habit to something that already works. If you have a successful practice already in place, ask yourself what small thing you can attach to that habit.
  1. Keep it small. Knowing that most habit formation fails because you’re trying to do too much too soon. Starting mini habits have a much higher rate of success.
  1. Have a disaster plan in place. Knowing that things are going to go wrong from the start helps you to be ready when they do. Put in place a Plan B.
  1. Grab a friend. The only way to keep on track, especially when building habits, is to use your network. Have an accountability partner or use social media to keep you honest.
  1. Reward yourself. Celebrate every little milestone with a reward, something that makes sense and will encourage you to keep going when you’re flagging.
  1. Redefine yourself. Accept that this is the new you. The habits you’re building are going to change who you are – hopefully for the better. Embrace the new identity.

By following these steps, you not only will succeed when applying small habits to your life, but over time, you’ll see some amazing growth and development as a person. That’s pretty exciting, especially when you consider how little you had to do to get there. “Yes, you can do better and be better.”

Should you need help setting up your personal action plan, contact me.