The start of the new year is already in sight. Time to reflect on New Year's resolutions, or do you not bother with them? What becomes of them? Behavioral change proves to be a significant challenge in daily practice! Our brains are accustomed to patterns we use frequently and prefer to follow familiar paths. How do you bridge the gap between knowing, wanting, and doing?
Tip 1: Start small
You want to make a change, but how? Start small to increase your chances of success. Choose an action that's easy to do and repeat. Link your new behavior to a daily routine or something you enjoy. Put on your favorite music or listen to a fun podcast. What new habit do you want to develop that contributes to the person you aspire to be? Consider the long-term benefits. You become what you repeatedly do. Building effective habits is the path forward!
Tip 2: Create an environment for success
Create an environment that helps you take the first step. Make sure the things you want to do are present and in the right place. Ensure that things you no longer want to do are out of reach. For example, lay out your sports clothes, place the fruit bowl in plain sight, and consciously choose what to put on your shopping list. Surround yourself with people who have habits you want to adopt, or do it together with someone. Think about what would be a fun incentive for you to keep going.
Tip 3: Positive self-talk
Choose positive self-talk. Turn around 'I can't do that anyway'. Think of Pippi Longstocking who said: 'I've never done it before, so I think I can do it!' Give yourself a pat on the back or a pep talk like 'Yes, you're doing great!' Maybe you know a nice 'tile wisdom'? Which short saying or quote helps you stay on track? Write it on a post-it, say it out loud, and make it part of your morning routine. Stick it on your mirror as a reminder while brushing your teeth for a positive start to the day. End the day with three things you are happy or proud of and fall asleep content.
Regularly allow yourself time for rest and reflection. What do you consider worth pursuing? What do you want to focus more or less on in 2024? Pause to move forward. A new insight changes your perspective!
More tips? Ans Tuk wrote the book 'Verrijk je kijk' (Enrich Your View). With this book, you'll look at your life from 24 different perspectives. View it here.
