Changing Habits and Setting Goals

Changing a Habit

• Making a decision to change a habit is the first step towards making a change.
• Having a clear reason for wanting to change a habit is crucial, e.g., quitting smoking to avoid future health problems, eating a healthier diet to lose weight, or to lower blood pressure.
• Feeling ready to make a change is essential, and it's okay to take time to think and plan if not ready yet.

Setting Goals

• Setting goals can help significantly when trying to make a healthy change.
• Goals should be reachable and tailored to individual motivation and inspiration.
• It's normal to experience setbacks when trying to change a habit, and thinking about potential barriers beforehand can help plan ahead.

Dealing with Setbacks

• Slipping up and not reaching a goal for the week is a normal part of the process.
• Instead of getting mad at oneself, learning from the experience and identifying what got in the way of reaching the goal is essential.
• Positive thinking can go a long way in making lifestyle changes.

Preparing for Change

• Identifying what might cause a setback and planning ahead for how to deal with it is crucial.
• Reflecting on past attempts to change a habit can help identify what worked and what didn't, and inform future efforts.