- Decide what you want to do. Answer the when, how and why.
- Manage the Excuses
- Practice not perfect
- Personalize
Here are some ideas to incorporate behavior change. The key is to start, so you can learn by DOING. Hands on learning is the best. Start with what you have, what you know and build on it. Start creating a habit, then add to it, edit it, make it your own.
A habit is created by a trigger and a reward. Pick a specific trigger that you can keep. Maybe it is the time of day or an object reminder. Do it even if you don’t feel like it. This is where the realistic goal is important. An example is exercise. Maybe you start with ten minutes a day to build the habit first, then you can add minutes. You will do it because it is only ten minutes. After some time, you will build your confidence with how many days you stuck to your plan.
If you miss a day, just do it the next. It will not matter if you get back on track. Change is not ever perfect.
After you get the habit going, you can start personalizing it. This will come naturally with your reflection and observations.
Set smart goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. Be clear about what you are going to do so you know when you have hit your goal.
Example: I will sip on a glass of water an hour before each meal by setting a gentle alarm.
Include the reward. Maybe it is a pat on the back, special time to yourself or something you would not normally get yourself.