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Changing behavior … starting a new routine … or developing a new habit is DIFFICULT WORK for most of us. You’ve likely experienced that challenge MANY times in your personal life and in your work life.
Change is tough, it’s NOT simply a button that we push — change requires a strong desire, commitment, discipline, and determination …. AND if the change is not clearly aligned with one of our key goals, it typically does not “stick.”
So …. what to do?
Lower the bar, make it EASY to take the first small leap, the first small step. EASE INTO the change. Begin with baby steps.
If you’re starting a new exercise program and you haven’t been doing ANYTHING fitness related recently, then begin with a once-a-week routine. Totally commit to that one day — make sure it’s on your calendar at a time that is convenient AND less likely to get rescheduled, and at a time when you have the energy available to have a productive workout.
Once a week — a small and doable first step. Try that for a few weeks. Soak in the good feeling of getting it done. Talk about it. Journal about it.
Then …. Take a small next step. Maybe it’s a SMALL adjustment to your diet — dessert ONLY once a week (maybe as a reward on the same day you work out). Try that for a few weeks.
Keep taking small steps, with a comfortable gap of time between each step. Notice the difference in your body, your energy level, and your attitude. Talk about those differences, and journal about them.
What SMALL STEP can you make this week toward a new routine or new habit?
Take it …. Begin down the path to a better you …. one small step at a time!
Andy Robinson, Executive Coach
AndyRobinson.Coach | 239-285-5575 | Andy@AndyRobinson.Coach
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